Hisense PX4 Pro Review: A Powerful UST Projector Held Back by Software

Overview of the Hisense PX4 Pro

The Hisense PX4 Pro has arrived as the latest addition to the company's ultra-short throw (UST) laser projector lineup. Aiming to bring a true cinema-like experience to your home, this projector boasts a bright, colorful output and several technical upgrades over its predecessor. However, despite its impressive hardware specs, our testing reveals that a few critical software flaws prevent it from achieving absolute perfection.

Design and Build Quality

Sporting a design language inspired by the flagship L9Q, the PX4 Pro is a compact, elegant unit finished with silver accents. It features a curved top to accommodate internal up-firing speakers. At roughly 18.3 pounds, it is significantly easier to position than traditional television sets. Its 0.2:1 throw ratio allows it to be placed inches from the wall, though this extreme angle requires a perfectly flat surface, as even minor misalignments can cause noticeable image distortion.

Performance: Brightness and Contrast

One of the most significant upgrades is the inclusion of a physical aperture. This allows users to manually control light output—opening it up for high-brightness, ambient-lit environments or closing it down in a dedicated theater room for superior black levels. During testing, the projector reached a respectable 3,612 ANSI lumens, slightly exceeding its manufacturer rating. While color accuracy is strong—reaching 98% of the DCI-P3 gamut—the experience is occasionally marred by the 'Scenario Enhancement' software feature. This automated setting creates flickering and inconsistent color temperatures that are difficult to disable permanently, often re-enabling itself automatically.

Gaming and Connectivity

Gamers will find a lot to like here. The PX4 Pro supports a 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p and includes Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, which effectively eliminates screen tearing. With a measured input lag as low as 23ms in gaming mode, it provides a responsive experience for fast-paced titles. However, the built-in cloud gaming features via Xbox Game Pass left much to be desired, suffering from noticeable compression artifacts even on a fast fiber connection.

Software and User Experience

The PX4 Pro runs on Hisense's VidaaOS. While it is fast and responsive, the interface is cluttered with pre-installed bloatware and intrusive advertisements on the home screen. Furthermore, the app store lacks the breadth of Google TV, with major services like Hulu notably absent. When combined with the cryptic and frustrating menu system that governs features like Scenario Enhancement, the software experience feels like a regression compared to previous models.

The Verdict

The Hisense PX4 Pro is a hardware marvel that delivers stunning visuals and excellent gaming performance. It is a fantastic choice for those who prioritize brightness and connectivity in a compact form factor. However, until Hisense pushes a software update to address the clunky VidaaOS and the frustrating auto-adjustment behaviors, it remains a product that is 'almost' perfect rather than truly great. If you can live with the software quirks, it is a formidable home theater centerpiece.