Samsung has launched the Premiere 7 and Premiere 9 ultra-short throw projectors first announced at CES. These relatively small boxes can project huge images on just about any wall from just a few inches away. Designed to look as unobtrusive as possible, they don’t look like a traditional home theater projector, featuring curved edges and fabric highlights.
While UST projectors tend to be much more expensive compared to non-UST projectors with similar specs, their ability to sit on a TV stand or low cabinet and project a wall-sized image is unmatched. Inside the Premieres is Samsung’s Tizen OS, offering a similar experience to Samsung TVs like the S95D OLED, including preinstalled Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and so on. Both Premieres have 4K resolution and HDR10 Plus compatibility, though no projector can truly take advantage of HDR. The lenses on both models allow for images up to 130 inches diagonal.
The built-in speakers mean a soundbar isn’t required, though the lack of a full-sized subwoofer means there won’t be much low-frequency rumble. A microphone allows for voice control and also means you can use both Premieres as a hub for other SmartThings-enabled gear. While you’re not watching movies or TV, the Custom Ambient mode allows you to view photos or “interactive widgets,” which presumably include things like weather or news.
The Premiere 9 will retail for $6,000, and the step-down Premiere 7 will cost half as much at $3,000. The main differences between the two are their relative brightness and the fact that the Premiere 9 has a three-laser design. Here are the details.
Samsung Premiere 9 specifications
The Premiere 9 is lit using a three-laser design, which Samsung claims improves color accuracy and light output. We’ve found that generally to be the case with other projectors we’ve reviewed recently that also have a laser light source. It promises 3,450 ISO lumens, an 18% improvement over its predecessor.
That is pretty bright, though most UST projectors can throw a lot of light on a wall. A brighter image allows a projector to fill a larger screen and show up better in a room with a lot of ambient light.
Sound-wise, the 9 has a “2.2.2” design, which means two small subwoofers, two upward-firing speakers and two main speakers. This lineup has 40 watts of power, which should be enough for most small- and medium-sized rooms.
Samsung Premiere 7 specifications
The Premiere 7 is rated for 2,500 ISO lumens, an 8.7% increase over its predecessor. It has a 2.2-channel sound system powered by 30 watts.
