Hisense C3 Series Compared: C3 Pro vs. C3 Ultra vs. C3 Ultra Max
Hisense’s new C3 Series brings together three 4K RGB triple-laser projectors built around the same high-performance platform: the Hisense C3 Pro, C3 Ultra and C3 Ultra Max.
All three models deliver a massive 65-inch to 300-inch image, 118% BT.2020 color volume, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, optical zoom, lens shift, active 3D and gaming support up to 240Hz.
The major differences come down to brightness, optical zoom, throw range and lens-shift flexibility. Here’s how the three Hisense C3 projectors compare.
Hisense C3 Pro vs. C3 Ultra vs. C3 Ultra Max
The easiest way to understand the C3 lineup is to look at the three biggest differences.
0.9–1.5:1 throw ratio
±100% vertical / ±35% horizontal lens shift
0.9–1.5:1 throw ratio
±100% vertical / ±35% horizontal lens shift
0.85–1.7:1 throw ratio
±120% vertical / ±47% horizontal lens shift
C3 Series Specification Comparison
Despite their different brightness levels, the three projectors share most of the same core video, gaming and smart features.
| Feature | C3 Pro | C3 Ultra | C3 Ultra Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brightness | 3,000 ANSI Lumens | 4,000 ANSI Lumens | 5,000 ANSI Lumens |
| Projection Size | 65"–300" | 65"–300" | 65"–300" |
| Light Source | RGB Triple Laser | RGB Triple Laser | RGB Triple Laser |
| Color Volume | 118% BT.2020 | 118% BT.2020 | 118% BT.2020 |
| Contrast | Up to 5,000:1 with IRIS | Up to 5,000:1 with IRIS | Up to 5,000:1 with IRIS |
| Throw Ratio | 0.9–1.5:1 | 0.9–1.5:1 | 0.85–1.7:1 |
| Optical Zoom | 1.6x | 1.6x | 2x |
| Vertical Lens Shift | ±100% | ±100% | ±120% |
| Horizontal Lens Shift | ±35% | ±35% | ±47% |
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| IMAX Enhanced | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active 3D | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gaming | HSR240, VRR, FreeSync Premium | HSR240, VRR, FreeSync Premium | HSR240, VRR, FreeSync Premium |
| Built-In Audio | 56W 2.1ch Devialet | 56W 2.1ch Devialet | 56W 2.1ch Devialet |
| Smart OS | VIDAA | VIDAA | VIDAA |
| Weight | 17.2 lbs | 17.6 lbs | 25.8 lbs |
What All Three C3 Projectors Have in Common
Hisense has kept most of the premium features consistent across the entire C3 family. Even the C3 Pro gets the same core triple-laser platform, HDR compatibility, gaming features and smart functionality as its more powerful siblings.
- 4K UHD resolution
- RGB triple-laser light source
- 118% BT.2020 color volume
- 25,000+ hour laser life
- 7-level adjustable IRIS
- Dolby Vision
- HDR10+
- HDR10 and HLG
- IMAX Enhanced
- Filmmaker Mode
- Active 3D
- HSR240
- Latency as low as 1ms
- VRR up to 1080p/240Hz
- FreeSync Premium
- ALLM
- 2x HDMI 2.1
- VIDAA Smart OS
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth 5.4
- AirPlay 2 and Miracast
- Control4 compatibility
- Auto Focus and Auto Screen Fit
The Biggest Difference: Brightness
The clearest progression through the C3 lineup is light output:
The C3 Ultra adds 1,000 ANSI lumens over the C3 Pro while keeping essentially the same optical system and physical size.
The C3 Ultra Max makes the largest jump, reaching 5,000 ANSI lumens while also receiving a substantially upgraded lens system.
The C3 Ultra Max Gets Better Optics
The C3 Pro and C3 Ultra both use a 0.9–1.5:1 throw ratio with 1.6x optical zoom.
The C3 Ultra Max expands that to a 0.85–1.7:1 throw ratio with a full 2x optical zoom.
That gives the Ultra Max significantly more freedom in how close to or far from the screen the projector can be positioned while still producing the desired image size.
±35% Horizontal
±47% Horizontal
All Three Support Screens Up to 300 Inches
Maximum image size does not change as you move up the lineup. Hisense rates the C3 Pro, C3 Ultra and C3 Ultra Max for images from 65 inches to 300 inches.
Hisense notes that when projection size exceeds 150 inches, automatic shift correction may become unavailable and manual focus and screen alignment may be required.
Gaming Performance Is Shared Across the Lineup
Gamers do not need to buy the Ultra Max to unlock the major gaming features. All three C3 projectors offer HSR240, VRR, FreeSync Premium, ALLM and latency as low as 1ms.
Hisense specifies variable refresh support from 1080p/48Hz through 1080p/240Hz, along with two HDMI 2.1 inputs on every model.
Which Hisense C3 Should You Choose?
Choose the C3 Pro If...
You want the core C3 experience at the lowest entry point and don't need more than 3,000 ANSI lumens. You still get RGB triple laser, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, active 3D, optical zoom, lens shift and the full gaming feature set.
Choose the C3 Ultra If...
You like the C3 Pro's compact size and optical system but want significantly more light output. The Ultra moves up to 4,000 ANSI lumens without the size and weight increase of the Ultra Max.
Choose the C3 Ultra Max If...
You want the maximum brightness and the greatest installation flexibility. In addition to 5,000 ANSI lumens, the Ultra Max adds 2x optical zoom, a wider throw range and substantially more lens shift.
C3 Pro vs. C3 Ultra vs. C3 Ultra Max: The Bottom Line
Hisense has made the C3 Series relatively straightforward.
C3 Pro: The core C3 platform with 3,000 ANSI lumens.
C3 Ultra: The same basic optical platform with brightness increased to 4,000 ANSI lumens.
C3 Ultra Max: The flagship of the family with 5,000 ANSI lumens, 2x optical zoom, a wider throw range and more lens shift.
Because major features such as RGB triple-laser illumination, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, active 3D, 240Hz gaming, VIDAA OS and Devialet-tuned audio are available across all three models, the buying decision largely comes down to one question: How much brightness and installation flexibility do you need?
