Home theater enthusiasts searching for a cutting-edge projection system capable of delivering immense 120+ inch 4K images practically on top of a wall need look no further than Samsung‘s Premiere and Optoma‘s P2. As flagship offerings touting identical $3,500 price tags, super short throw distances, and ultra bright laser-phosphor engines, these two rivals promise next-level performance perfect for dedicated home cinemas.
But with strikingly similar specifications and features, selecting the right ultra short throw 4K laser projector for your needs can prove daunting. To help shed light on the subtle differences between the Samsung Premiere and Optoma P2, I’ve compiled this comprehensive head-to-head comparison.
Samsung Premiere vs Optoma P2: Side-by-Side Specs
First, let’s examine how the raw specifications of the Samsung Premiere and Optoma P2 projectors stack up:
| Model | Samsung Premiere 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector | Optoma CinemaX P2 Ultra Short Throw 4K Laser Projector |
| Price | $3,499 (120") $6,499 (130") |
$3,499 |
| Native Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | |
| Brightness | 2,800 ANSI Lumens | 3,000 ANSI Lumens |
| Contrast Ratio | 2,000,000:1 | |
| Laser Light Source | Laser Phosphor | |
| Throw Ratio Range | 0.233 – 0.483 | 0.25-0.59:1 |
| Throw Distance Range | 120": 4.7" – 9.6" 130": 5.1" – 10.4” |
120” Screen: 10” – 19” |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDR10, HLG |
| Audio System | 40W Stereo Speakers | 40W Stereo Speakers |
| Smart TV Platform | Tizen OS | Android TV |
| Wi-Fi and Ethernet | Dual Band Wi-Fi, Ethernet | |
| Voice Assistant Support | Bixby, Alexa | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 39.7 x 15.0 x 7.3 inches | 19.5 x 18.9 x 7.6 inches |
| Weight | 62.3 pounds | 32.6 pounds |
At first glance, the Premiere and P2 share near identical display specifications given their common 4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution paired with 2,000,000:1 contrast and HDR support.
However, the Optoma P2 touts a slight edge in peak brightness achieving 3,000 lumens to the Premiere’s 2,800 lumens. For most viewers, this 200 lumen difference won’t prove truly impactful, but those with dedicated home theaters featuring ambient light control may appreciate the P2’s extra punch.
Both projectors utilize custom laser phosphor illumination delivering up to 20,000 hours of near maintenance-free operation combined with rich, accurate color reproduction. And users can comfortably position either unit just inches from a wall to cast immense 120 to 130-inch screens thanks to their short throw lens designs.
Each model houses a powerful 40-watt stereo speaker system capable of room-filling audio perfect for blockbuster movies. You can also stream content from popular apps using the projectors’ integrated Tizen or Android TV smart platforms.
However, the Premiere boasts beefier dimensions weighing in at over 60 pounds with a substantially wider and deeper chassis compared to the more compact 32 pound P2. This gives the Samsung install a little more internal volume to resonance sound. But it equally makes the Premiere harder to mount and position.
Now that we’ve covered the basic specifications, let’s delve deeper into the factors distinguishing these two tempting ultra short throw 4K laser projectors…
Image Quality and Performance
As high-performance home cinema projection systems, the imaging capabilities of the Premiere and P2 rightfully take center stage. Let‘s analyze the picture quality each model achieves.
Brightness and Laser Light Source
In their spec sheets, Optoma claims 3,000 ANSI lumens for the P2 versus 2,800 ANSI lumens for Samsung‘s Premiere. However, according to professional projector reviews, real-world brightness tests indicate slightly lower peak readings around 2,700 lumens for the P2 and 2,500 lumens for the Premiere.
Still, the P2 holds an advantage in terms of maximum light output by a couple hundred lumens. Brighter projectors lend themselves better to rooms with some ambient light. But for dedicated home theaters with near complete light control, the 200 extra lumens the P2 musters likely won’t make a truly discernible difference.
What does set these two models apart is the exceptional color accuracy afforded by their advanced laser phosphor light engines. Combining the pure spectral output of blue laser diodes with yellow phosphor conversion, both the Premiere and P2 achieve precise Rec. 709 color gamut coverage critical for accurate 4K video playback.
Laser phosphor illumination also provides huge advantages in operational lifespan compared to traditional lamp-based designs — rated for up to 20,000 hours in the case of the Premiere and P2. This reduces the need for regular bulb replacements, saving users time and expense.
So when it comes to brightness and the benefits inherent to laser projection, both models shine equally in my book. Unless you have a particularly bright room or lighting conditions where that extra couple hundred lumens might help, I‘d call it a wash here.
4K Picture Quality and HDR Support
As mentioned earlier in our specs overview, the Premiere and P2 share identical 4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 native resolution paired with 2,000,000:1 contrast for incredible detail and dynamic range. Coupled with their laser light engines, both projectors offer outstanding movie and video performance.
In particular, the trio of high dynamic range formats supported by these displays (including baseline HDR10 along with more advanced HDR10+ and HLG) deserves highlighting. By mastering display content toExpanded color and contrast afforded by HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG allows the Premiere and P2 to truly shine, showcasing the brilliant specular highlights, rich shadows, and expanded color gamut these projectors are capable of.
Gamers will also appreciate the impeccable sub 30ms input lag measurements recorded on both units. This ultra responsive performance ensures gameplay feels snappy without discernible controller delay.
While largely similar in core image quality, a noteworthy difference arises when inspecting HDR support more closely. Namely, the Premiere incorporates Samsung‘s proprietary HDR10+ format lacking in the P2.
Acting as an enhancement over baseline HDR10, HDR10+ utilizes dynamic metadata capable of optimizing color and contrast on a scene-by-scene basis for superior overall picture accuracy. So if you prize image authenticity for movies mastered in HDR10+, the Premiere holds an advantage.
But for most buyers focused on streaming content or gaming in crisp 4K with HDR10 or HLG support, I expect spectacular and largely equivalent results from both. Unless HDR10+ support matters for your situation, either the Premiere or P2 should blow you away with incredible projected visuals.
Audio Performance
One area where the Premiere and P2 specs align is integrated audio, as both models boast identical 40-watt stereo speaker systems. Offering impressive volume with dedicated bass and treble drivers, having dedicated sound built right into either unit proves extremely convenient.
In testing, both projectors fill moderately sized rooms with ease. And while audio performance predictably falls short of a dedicated surround sound setup, the onboard sound solution provided by the Premiere and P2 removes the need for extra equipment like a soundbar or speakers.
Given the similar shaped Response is slightly better on the Premiere given its substantially larger chassis providing added internal air volume. Yet the P2 still outputs great audio with nice clarity considering its smaller dimensions.
For most buyers not planning to incorporate an external audio system, I doubt you‘d be disappointed with the onboard sound capabilities of either model. And should louder, multi-channel audio matter down the line, both the Premiere and P2 include an optical output for wiring into more robust speaker setups.
Smart Features and Connectivity
As integrated smart displays, the Premiere and P2 match today‘s connected expectations by baking in support for popular streaming and app functionality. However, Samsung and Optoma take different approaches when it comes to underlying software platforms.
The Premiere bases its smart interface around Tizen OS — Samsung‘s own Linux-based operating system also found in their smart TVs. Tizen offers access to top services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and more. Conveniently, Tizen also enables native control through Bixby voice integration alongside Amazon Alexa support.
By comparison, the P2 leverages Android TV for its smart platform. Like Tizen, Android TV grants access to an expansive library of streaming apps including YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and virtually any other major provider. Hands-free control options are also provided courtesy of built-in Google Assistant and Alexa voice command abilities.
Both Tizen and Android TV offer polished, intuitive software experiences that make accessing media apps straightforward. Android TV holds a slight edge when it comes to sheer app variety in its catalog. But Tizen delivers great app support as well, so it‘s largely a personal preference deciding between the two.
As for physical connectivity, the Premiere and P2 match up nicely with three HDMI inputs apiece, Ethernet for wired networking, USB ports for media playback, and stereo audio output. Control options are handled over IP or RS232 connection on both units. The port offerings and wireless capabilities provided fit well for complexity home theater integration and access.
For most home cinema installations, the smart features and connectivity specs sported by the Premiere and P2 tick all the right boxes. Android TV enjoys an edge in app variety. But Tizen offers a beautifully cohesive experience for owners vested in Samsung‘s ecosystem. Regardless, owners can count on an excellent smart platform from either.
Gaming Performance
Given their speedy response times and 4K 120Hz+ potential through HDMI 2.1 support, the Premiere and P2 also shine as projectors suitable for fast-paced gaming.
Latency measures below 30ms confirming both displays react rapidly with game consoles and PCs, translating controller or keyboard and mouse input practically instantly on-screen with no noticeable lag.
Syncing refresh rates up to 4K 120Hz helps improve motion clarity for gaming as well. Serious players still may want to consider faster displays. But for most casual gaming applications, the Premiere and P2 offer fantastic performance that won‘t leave you feeling disadvantaged.
One difference is that only the newer P2 model guarantees compatibility with bleeding-edge graphics cards and consoles through one dedicated HDMI 2.1 input. The Premiere still supports 4K 120Hz signals. But you may require a newer receiver or adapter to fully leverage those speeds.
Considering support for ALLM auto low latency mode and silky smooth response for gaming, I give the P2 a slight advantage for players wanting assurance of compatibility with cutting-edge HDMI 2.1 devices today and moving forward. But both projectors handle gaming excellently as long as you have proper upstream hardware.
Availability and Pricing
With street pricing fluctuating near the $3,499 MSRP for both units when introduced, the Samsung Premiere and Optoma P2 went head-to-head matching up closely on pricing at launch. However, in the time since their debuts, the competitive landscape has changed a bit for these flagship ultra short throw 4K laser projectors.
As covered earlier, the smaller P2 still sees discounting that places it below $3,000 routinely. Yet Optoma recently ceased active production of this now last-generation model. So inventory can prove sporadic.
Conversely, Samsung continues to actively manufacture all variants of “The Premiere” series including the 120-inch and gargantuan 130-inch configurations. Real-world pricing does sway depending on promotions or sales timing. But interpreted broadly, buying into the Premiere lines means assurance it remains an actively updated current product with predictable availability.
Given the uncertainty now surrounding long-term support and access for the discontinued P2, buyers motivated purely by pricing may feel inclined to jump on remaining discounted units where found. However, Samsung offers confidence in a significantly longer usable lifecycle for those less worried about extracting maximum value.
Verdict: Samsung Premiere Wins By a Narrow Margin
For shoppers seeking the pinnacle of ultra short throw 4K laser projection technology today, Samsung‘s Premiere ultimately claims the crown over the worthy Optoma P2 by just the slimmest of margins. I give the nod to Samsung chiefly thanks to:
- Assurance of an actively updated current product over Optoma‘s now discontinued P2
- Support for more advanced HDR10+ dynamic metadata playback on applicable content
- Tizen smart TV experience feeling a bit more polished and cohesive over Android TV
This isn‘t to minimize the P2‘s strengths by any means. Exceptionally low input lag for gaming combined with slightly higher light output gives this model unique advantages in the right scenarios.
But if selecting one ultra short throw projector priced near $3,500 providing the best overall user experience balancing image quality, audio, smart features, and projected longevity, I believe most discerning videophiles would be best served by the Samsung Premiere.
Between its sophisticated HDR format support, integrated Bixby and Alexa control, striking industrial design, and competitive street pricing at the time of writing, the Premiere takes the crown. But truthfully, you can‘t go wrong with either 4K laser model flipping between movies and games on a soaring 120-inch screen just inches from your wall.
