At IFA 2026, Hisense unveiled its new lineup of lifestyle projectors: the C3 Pro, C3 Ultra, and C3 Ultra Max, three 4K models equipped with a triple-laser RGB light source. All share a technical foundation that includes Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, active 3D, and several gaming-specific features supporting refresh rates up to 240 Hz. The move up the product line is primarily driven by brightness and placement flexibility, ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 ANSI lumens, with a more advanced lens on the C3 Ultra Max.
Hisense C3: triple RGB laser and 4K image up to 300 inches
The three Hisense C3 projectors all feature a triple RGB laser light source and deliver 4K UHD resolution. Hisense reports 118% coverage of the BT.2020 color space, combined with a laser source lifespan of over 25,000 hours. A seven-level adjustable iris allows the image quality to be adapted to projection the conditions.
Their HDR compatibility includes Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, along with IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker Mode certifications. All three models also support active 3D. They can project an image ranging from 65 to 300 inches diagonally, making them suitable for everything from a living room setup to a very large home theater screen.
The audio system also remains the same across the entire range, featuring a 56 watt 2.1 channel system by Devialet. The VIDAA smart system rounds out the features, offering Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, AirPlay 2, and Miracast connectivity.
From 3,000 to 5,000 ANSI lumens depending on the model
Brightness is the main differentiating factor among these three models. The Hisense C3 Pro delivers 3,000 ANSI lumens, while the C3 Ultra reaches 4,000 ANSI lumens. The C3 Ultra Max tops out at 5,000 ANSI lumens.
This advancement allows Hisense to offer three tiers within a single platform. The C3 Ultra features the same optical architecture as the C3 Pro but adds 1,000 ANSI lumens. The C3 Ultra Max, meanwhile, combines the highest light output with a more versatile lens.
These three projectors also boast a contrast ratio of up to 5,000:1 with the iris. The main improvement in the C3 Ultra Max, therefore, lies in its brightness and ease of installation, rather than in video processing technologies or color gamut coverage.
C3 Ultra Max: 2x zoom and a wider lens shift range
The Hisense C3 Pro and C3 Ultra feature a 1.6x optical zoom combined with a throw ratio of 0.9 to 1.5:1. Their lens shift allows the image to be shifted by ±100% on the vertical axis and ±35% on the horizontal axis.
The Hisense C3 Ultra Max takes it a step further with a 2x optical zoom and an extended throw ratio ranging from 0.85 to 1.7:1. Its lens shift ranges from ±120% vertically and ±47% horizontally. These ranges provide greater flexibility for positioning the projector relative to the screen while maintaining the image’s geometry optically.
This upgrade comes with a larger footprint: the C3 Ultra Max weighs approximately 11.7 kg, compared to about 7.8 kg for the C3 Ultra and 7.8 kg for the C3 Pro.
Gaming at up to 240 Hz across the entire range
Hisense retains the same gaming features across all three C3 models. Each features two HDMI 2.1 inputs, VRR, ALLM, and FreeSync Premium certification. HSR240 mode enables a refresh rate of 240 Hz at 1080p, with a stated VRR range of 48 to 240 Hz.
According to the manufacturer, latency can be as low as 1 ms. As a result, the C3 Pro offers the same key gaming features as the two higher-end models. The choice between the three models therefore comes down primarily to light output and lens flexibility.
Hisense P1: the portable projector we didn’t see coming!
Alongside the C3 series, Hisense unveiled the P1, a portable Full HD projector with a cylindrical design mounted on a swing stand. This model features a triple-laser system (1,250 lumens) and a battery that provides between 1.5 hours and 1.75 hours of runtime. It can project an image ranging from 65″ to 150″ diagonally, and the manufacturer has even equipped it with a true 1.3x optical zoom!
The release date and retail price have not yet been announced.
In summary
With the C3 Pro, C3 Ultra, and C3 Ultra Max, Hisense offers the same triple-laser RGB platform in three brightness levels. The C3 Pro is the entry-level model with 3,000 ANSI lumens, while the C3 Ultra increases this to 4,000 ANSI lumens while maintaining similar optical characteristics. The C3 Ultra Max reaches 5,000 ANSI lumens and stands out primarily for its 2x zoom, extended throw ratio, and wider lens shift.
The key features remain the same: 4K UHD, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, active 3D, gaming at up to 240 Hz, the VIDAA system, and Devialet audio.
