Ultra-short-throw projectors have improved dramatically in 2025-2026, and the Hisense PX3-Pro makes a serious case against even a 77" OLED. But projectors and TVs are fundamentally different tools for different rooms. This comparison is really asking: do you have the right setup for a projector?
LG C5 OLED 77"
The LG C5 OLED 77" is better in almost every technical metric; the PX3-Pro wins only on screen size and the cinema experience it creates.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Hisense PX3-Pro UST Projector | LG C5 OLED 77" |
|---|---|---|
| Max Image Size | 150" | 77" |
| Peak Brightness | 2,500 lumens | ~1,100 nits |
| Native Contrast | ~3,000:1 native | Infinite |
| Input Lag | ~25ms | ~1ms |
| Max Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz |
| Smart OS | Google TV | webOS 25 |
| Ambient Light Tolerance | Low | High |
Screen Size and Installation
The PX3-Pro can project up to 150 inches — nearly double the screen area of a 77" TV. Placed 10-15 inches from the wall, it fills a living room with cinema-scale images. No competing flat-panel TV at any price matches this size.
The LG C5 is a self-contained panel with no setup complexity. Mount it or put it on a stand, and you're done. The PX3-Pro requires a perfectly white or screen-material wall, careful placement, and a dark room to work well.
If you can genuinely dedicate a room to home cinema, the PX3-Pro's size advantage is compelling. For a multipurpose living room, the C5 is more practical.
Picture Quality Realities
OLED wins on picture quality — no question. The C5's infinite contrast, ~1,100 nits peak brightness, and per-pixel precision outperform any projector at this tier.
The PX3-Pro measures around 2,500 lumens peak output in 4K. On a 100" screen in a dark room, that looks impressive. Add any ambient light and the contrast ratio collapses — projectors are fundamentally compromised by room lighting in ways OLED is not.
HDR on the PX3-Pro is also limited — it supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision but the projector's optical limitations mean HDR metadata doesn't translate with the same impact as on a TV.
Gaming and Latency
The LG C5 has sub-1ms input lag in Game Mode — ideal for competitive gaming. The PX3-Pro's input lag is around 20-30ms in its low-latency mode, which is fine for casual gaming but not ideal for fast-paced competitive titles.
The C5 supports 4K/144Hz; the PX3-Pro supports 4K/120Hz. For most games, 4K/120Hz is plenty.
Serious gamers should stick to the TV. Casual gamers who want movies at scale can live with the projector's latency.
Sound and Practical Considerations
The PX3-Pro has a built-in 2.1 channel speaker system with 60 watts total output — surprisingly capable for a projector. The C5's built-in speakers are also 60W but in a different physical form factor.
The PX3-Pro runs Google TV, which has full app support. The C5 runs webOS 25. Both cover all streaming services.
Running costs: the PX3-Pro's laser light source will dim over thousands of hours, but there's no lamp to replace. Both products have a long useful life at normal viewing levels.
Hisense PX3-Pro UST Projector Strengths
- Up to 150" image — no flat-panel TV matches this scale
- Cinema-scale movie experience in a dark room
- Sits close to the wall — no projection distance needed
- Built-in 60W sound system for an all-in-one setup
LG C5 OLED 77" Strengths
- Infinite OLED contrast — vastly better dark scene performance
- ~1,100 nits peak brightness — usable in mixed lighting
- Sub-1ms input lag for gaming
- 4K/144Hz with full HDMI 2.1 — better gaming specs
Hisense PX3-Pro UST Projector Weaknesses
- Needs a dark or near-dark room — ambient light destroys contrast
- 20-30ms input lag — not for competitive gaming
- Requires proper wall/screen surface and careful placement
LG C5 OLED 77" Weaknesses
- Maximum 77" screen size at this price tier
- Doesn't create the cinema experience that a 120"+ screen does
- Costs similar to PX3-Pro without the scale advantage
Best For
- a: Dedicated home theater rooms with controlled lighting and a desire for cinema-scale images
- b: General-purpose viewing rooms, gamers, and anyone with mixed lighting conditions
FAQ
Can you use the PX3-Pro in a lit room?
With some ambient light, yes — laser projectors handle more ambient light than lamp projectors. But any significant room lighting, especially sunlight, washes out the image badly. The C5 OLED handles bright rooms with no issue.
What screen surface does the PX3-Pro need?
A flat white wall works, but a dedicated ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen significantly improves the experience by reflecting projector light toward the viewer while rejecting overhead lighting. Budget $300-800 for a good ALR screen.
Which is cheaper overall for a home cinema setup?
The TV is usually cheaper all-in. The PX3-Pro's projected retail is around $3,000-3,500. Add a quality screen and you're at $3,500-4,000 vs the C5 77" at $2,200-2,500. But you get a bigger image with the projector setup.