LG's new compact 4K projector competes with Samsung's Premiere 5 for dominance in the ultra-portable category
The LG CineBeam S (PU615U) is a new addition to the premium ultra-short throw (UST) 4K projector market, boasting a cutting-edge 3-channel RGB laser light source that delivers exceptional colour accuracy with 154% DCI-P3 coverage, 500 ANSI lumens brightness, and a 450,000:1 contrast ratio. This projector allows you to enjoy vibrant, detailed images up to 100 inches from just a few centimeters away from the wall.
The compact design, measuring approximately 160 x 160 x 110 mm and weighing 1.9 kg, offers flexible placement without the need for mounting. The LG CineBeam S also features Dolby Atmos stereo speakers for immersive sound and runs on LG's webOS smart platform, offering a wide range of streaming apps and wireless casting options like AirPlay 2 and Miracast.
Comparing the LG CineBeam S to its well-known competitor, the Samsung The Premiere 5, reveals some key differences. While both projectors share similarities such as resolution, light source, and smart platform, they differ in brightness, colour gamut, contrast ratio, throw distance, audio capabilities, and size.
| Feature | LG CineBeam S | Samsung The Premiere 5 | |-----------------------|----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Resolution | Native 4K UHD (3840x2160) | Native 4K UHD | | Brightness | 500 ANSI lumens | Typically higher (~2200 lumens) | | Light Source | Triple RGB laser | Triple laser | | Color Gamut | 154% DCI-P3 | Around 130% DCI-P3 (estimated) | | Contrast Ratio | 450,000:1 dynamic contrast | High dynamic contrast (exact ratio varies) | | Throw Distance | Ultra short throw, 0.25:1 ratio | Ultra short throw, slightly longer throw distance | | Max Screen Size | Up to 100 inches | Up to ~130 inches | | Audio | Built-in Dolby Atmos stereo speakers | Built-in 4.2.2 channel speakers, Dolby Atmos | | Smart Platform | LG webOS | Samsung Tizen | | Ports | HDMI eARC, 2x USB-C | HDMI, USB, sometimes Bluetooth | | Size & Weight | Compact and lightweight (160×160×110 mm, 1.9 kg) | Larger footprint, heavier | | Price (approximate) | Around $1400-$1500 | Typically higher, often $2000+ |
Performance-wise, the LG CineBeam S excels in colour accuracy and compactness, benefiting from its RGB laser for vivid, natural colours and flexible placement. However, it is less bright than the Samsung Premiere 5, which may impact image visibility in brighter rooms. Samsung’s model tends to offer a larger maximum screen size and more powerful built-in speakers with a 4.2.2 channel configuration, favouring a more immersive audio experience. Both support Dolby Atmos audio and have smart platforms but differ in ecosystem and app availability.
In summary, the LG CineBeam S offers outstanding colour performance and ultra-short throw convenience at a relatively lower price point, making it ideal for controlled lighting environments where colour fidelity is prioritized. The Samsung Premiere 5 is geared more towards higher brightness and larger screen applications with possibly better audio, at a premium cost. Your choice depends on your usage scenario – LG for vivid, compact, and precise colour, Samsung for bigger, brighter, and fuller audiovisual setups.
The LG CineBeam S is launching at £1099 / AU$2,499 (around $1460), placing it in the premium ultra-portable projector category. The projector runs on LG's webOS smart TV platform, providing access to streaming services like Apple TV, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. The LG CineBeam S also features Dolby Atmos-compatible stereo speakers.
It is important to note that the LG CineBeam S's predecessor, the CineBeam Q, received a three-star overall rating in testing due to its "wholly inadequate sound" and lack of brightness on some presets. Similarly, the Samsung The Premiere 5 also received a three-star rating during testing, with the biggest criticism being the overall dull and unrefined picture. It remains to be seen if the LG CineBeam S can trump its competitors in performance, particularly addressing the issues found in the CineBeam Q and outperforming the Samsung The Premiere 5.
[1] LG CineBeam S Product Page [2] Samsung The Premiere 5 Product Page [3] LG CineBeam S Review [4] Samsung The Premiere 5 Review [5] LG CineBeam S Press Release
- The new LG CineBeam S is a premium ultra-short throw 4K projector, showcasing a 3-channel RGB laser light source for exceptional color accuracy and brightness.
- The LG CineBeam S features a compact design, enabling flexible placement and running on LG's webOS smart platform, offering a variety of streaming services and wireless casting options like AirPlay 2 and Miracast.
- According to reviews, the LG CineBeam S competitor, Samsung The Premiere 5, shares similarities in resolution, light source, and smart platform but differs in brightness, color gamut, contrast ratio, throw distance, audio capabilities, size, and pricing.
- The performance of the LG CineBeam S excels in color accuracy, compactness, and ultra-short throw convenience, while the Samsung Premiere 5 offers a larger maximum screen size, more powerful speakers, and higher brightness for potentially better image visibility.
- The LG CineBeam S is a relatively affordable option for controlled lighting environments where color fidelity is important, whereas the Samsung Premiere 5 is suitable for higher brightness and larger screen applications with possibly better audio, at a premium cost.
- The LG CineBeam S is launching at £1099 / AU$2,499, providing access to streaming services like Apple TV, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video, and featuring Dolby Atmos-compatible stereo speakers.
- Prior reviews for the LG CineBeam S's predecessor, the CineBeam Q, received a three-star rating due to its unrefined picture and inadequate sound, indicating that the LG CineBeam S may address these issues to outperform its competitors and offer improved performance.
