Is Samsung The Premiere 5 really worth its price?
Samsung has played a big role in making UST (Ultra Short Throw) projectors popular through its The Premiere projector series. Now the new member in this series, Samsung The Premiere 5, has launched as a portable lifestyle projector that offers a compact size, touch screen mode, and Samsung’s Tizen OS. But the question is whether this projector is able to justify its high price tag or not.
How logical is Samsung The Premiere 5 in the price segment?
The official price of Samsung The Premiere 5 is £1999 in the UK and AU$2999 in Australia. It is not yet available in the US, but the expected price could be around $2700. This price seems confusing because more expensive models like Hisense PX3-Pro or Xgimi Aura 2 are already available in the market with better picture quality. Even the five-star rated Hisense PL2 also comes in a similar price range.
How is the design and build quality?
If we talk about design and physical build, then Samsung The Premiere 5 definitely comes with a stylish and premium look. Its shape looks very similar to the Sonos One smart speaker, especially because of the capacitive touch buttons on the top and the wraparound grille.
The top-mounted lens can beam up to a 100-inch image from just 43.3 cm distance. A magnetic Touch Stand is also provided in the box that allows you to project downward on a table, floor, or any flat surface.
The remote is similar to Samsung TV’s SolarCell remote, which can be charged using light, so you don’t need single-use batteries — which is good for both cost and the environment.
Is the feature combination strong or confusing?
Samsung The Premiere 5 is a mixed bag when it comes to features. It supports 1080p resolution along with HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. It also has Dolby Atmos-compatible 10W two-channel speakers. AI features like Object Tracking Sound Lite and Active Voice Amplifier Pro are also given, which are seen in Samsung’s high-end TVs.
This projector does not have 4K resolution, which is a bit disappointing at this price point, especially when some cheaper projectors do offer 4K. But its triple laser light source and NQP AI Processor make it better than entry-level models like The Freestyle.
One drawback is that it does not come with a built-in battery, unlike the Optoma Photon Go. Yes, a USB-C power input is given, through which you can use it with a strong power bank.
Talking about ports, it has two Micro HDMI sockets and one extra USB-C port, but no adapter is provided in the box. This means if you want to connect a console or Blu-ray player, you’ll need to buy new cables.
What is the benefit of Smart OS and Touch Interface?
This projector comes with Tizen OS, which supports all major streaming apps. It also includes gaming, fitness, and lifestyle apps. The Touch Stand is a unique feature that allows the projector to project downward. But this touch interface only works on a few specific surfaces like matte white or laminate wood. We tested it in a dark room on a white non-reflective table, but it did not work properly. Overall, the touch interface feels more like a gimmick that does not work reliably on all surfaces.
Why does the picture quality feel disappointing?
The biggest letdown of Samsung The Premiere 5 is its picture performance. When we compared it with projectors like Hisense PL2, Optoma Photon Go, and Nebula X1, its image looked soft and dull. In movie preset mode, colours were bold and punchy but not natural or accurate. In standard mode, colours got balanced but brightness and contrast dropped.
There was a lack of sharpness, which made the image look flat and low-resolution. HDR also does not work properly on apps like Prime Video, which is another drawback. Bright scenes have good light, but detail and depth are missing.
In dynamic picture mode, brightness and colours get too high, which becomes a problem in dark rooms. Control over picture settings is also limited — only three picture modes are given, and you can’t customize much beyond that.
Does the sound performance offer any relief?
Sound quality is decent. The front-firing speakers produce direct and punchy sound. Dialogue is clear and volume is loud enough. Dolby Atmos is supported, but the sound lacks space. Overall, it works fine for a small room or casual watching.
Should you buy Samsung The Premiere 5 or not?
Samsung The Premiere 5 is a stylish and feature-rich UST projector that is designed for portability and lifestyle use. But when you consider its picture quality, touch functionality, and pricing together, this projector does not justify itself.
If you just need a compact projector that can be used around the house for fitness apps or casual content, then this can be considered. But if you want a proper cinematic experience, then there are better options available in this price range.
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