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Hisense C2 Ultra 4K Projector Delivers High-End HDR Performance in a Compact, Portable Design

At $2,499 the versatile Hisense C2 Ultra lifestyle 4K projector offers optical zoom, built-in JBL speakers, gaming features and more.

Hisense C2 Ultra Lifestyle Laser Projector Mounting Positions

Hisense made its name in the projector world with its sprawling Laser TVs, but in 2023 they pivoted with the compact, all-in-one C1 lifestyle laser projector that didn’t need a dedicated room or an engineering degree to set up. Now they’re back with the C2 Ultra, the second model in the C-series, released in late 2024.

In this article, we’re taking a hard look at the C2 Ultra ($2,499), what sets it apart, and how it stacks up against similarly priced options from other brands. And no, we’re not talking about the C2 ($1,999) and C2 Pro ($2,299) variants—that’s another conversation.

The C2 Ultra ditches the basic-box look of the C1 in favor of a sleeker, more thoughtful design that includes a built-in stand offering 360° horizontal rotation and 135° vertical tilt. It’s a clever solution that makes tabletop and shelf placement much easier and also shows up in competing models like the Hisense M2 Pro, the Leica Cine 1 Play, and the newly released Dangbei MP1 Max.

But let’s not pretend portability in 2025 means “affordable.” These projectors all deliver impressive performance, but the convenience of a movable 4K HDR laser image now comes with a price tag that looks more like a monthly mortgage payment.

Hisense C2 Ultra Projector: Full Specs, Features, and Performance Breakdown

Despite its modest 9.7 x 7.1 x 8.5-inch footprint, the Hisense C2 Ultra packs a tri-color laser light engine that produces vibrant 4K images (via pixel shifting) on screens up to 300 inches in size. 

hisense-bt-2020-laser

4K the Shifty Way: Hisense C2 Ultra’s Pixel-Packed Projection Trickery

The C2 Ultra skips the native 4K chip but still manages to throw a legit-looking 4K UHD image onto your wall—thanks to some clever sleight-of-hand. Inside, it packs a 0.47-inch 1080p DLP chip (DMD) from Texas Instruments, outfitted with 2.1 million micromirrors.

To fake a full 4K image (8.3 million pixels), the C2 Ultra leans on pixel-shifting tech. It shifts that 1080p image both vertically and horizontally at a blistering 240Hz. Your eyes can’t keep up, and that rapid-fire movement creates the illusion of a full 4K display. It’s not native 4K, but unless you’re sitting nose-to-screen, most folks won’t clock the difference.

DLP 4K Pixel Shifting

Optics

No matter how smart the internals are, it’s the lens that ultimately calls the shots on what hits your screen. The C2 Ultra comes armed with a proper optical zoom lens and a 0.9–1.5:1 throw ratio, giving you real flexibility when it comes to screen size and placement.

This isn’t that cheap digital zoom trickery that smears detail and introduces artifacts. This is optical precision—so whether you’re dialing it in for a 100-inch screen or maxing out the throw for 300 inches, you’re getting sharp, clean, high-res results every time.

Dolby Atmos

The C2 Ultra comes with built-in 20-watt JBL speakers and Dolby Atmos support, giving you decent sound straight out of the box. It’s a solid setup for casual viewing in smaller spaces, and the Atmos processing does help expand the soundstage a bit.

That said, if you’re planning to use this in a larger room—or just want your audio to match the visual firepower—you’ll definitely want to bring in an external soundbar or full audio system. The built-ins are good, but they’re not miracle workers.

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HDR Suppport

The Hisense C2 Ultra is compatible with the HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG formats, It is also being reported that it supports HDR10+. The C2 Ultra is also IMAX Enhanced compatible.

VIDAA on-screen menu with FIFA selected

VIDAA TV

Hisense’s own VIDAA platform provides access to hundreds of apps for endless streaming, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more.

Gaming Support

With a 12ms input lag, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation), and support for 1080p at 240Hz, the C2 Ultra is clearly built with gamers in mind. It’s also officially designed for Xbox compatibility, making it an easy plug-and-play option for console players. Whether you’re dodging enemies in Call of Duty or tearing up the track in Forza, this projector keeps things fast, fluid, and massive.

Comparison

hisense-jmgo-valerion

Pro Tip: To get the best out of the C2 Ultra or any projector, you need a good screen.

Brand/ModelHisense C2 Ultra (2024)JMGO N1S Ultra (2024)Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2  (2025)
Price$2,499$2,499$2,999
Projector TypeMini Lifestyle Mini Lifestyle Mini Lifestyle
Light SourceTri-Color LaserTri-Color LaserTri-Color Laser
Laser Life25,000+ Hours30,000 Hours25,000 Hours
DLP Imaging Chip0.47″ DMD0.47″ DMD0.47″ DMD
Brightness (ANSI Lumens or ISO Lumens)3,000 ANSI Lumens3,000 ANSI Lumens3,000 ISO Lumens
Contrast Ratio (Native)2,000:11600:115,000:1
Color Space110% BT.2020110% BT.2020110% BT.2020
HDR SupportHDR10/10+, Dolby Vision, HLGHDR 10HDR10/10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
3D SupportYes (Optional Glasses Required)Yes (Optional Glasses Required)Yes (Optional Glasses Required)
Resolution 4K (via pixel shifting)4K (via Pixel Shifting)4K (via Pixel Shifting)
Refresh Rate4K@60Hz, 2K@240Hz, 2K@120Hz4K@60Hz4K@60Hz 1080p@120Hz1080p@240Hz
Filmmaker ModeYesNoYes
IMAX EnhancedYesNoYes
MEMC (Motion Estimation/Motion Compensation)YesYesYes
Throw Ratio(0.9-1.5):11.2:1(0.9-1.5):1
Projection Screen Size65 to 300-inches40 to 200 inches40 to 300 inches
Eye SafetyYesYesYes
Easy Setup FeaturesAuto Keystone Correction

Auto-Obstacle Avoidance

Auto Screen Adaptation

Seamless Auto Focus

Wall Color Adaptation
Auto Keystone Correction

Auto-Obstacle Avoidance

Auto Screen Fit

Auto Focus

Wall Color Adaptation
Auto Keystone Correction

Auto-Obstacle Avoidance

Auto Screen Adaptation

Auto Focus

Screen Color Mode
HDMI1 × HDMI 2.0,
1 × HDMI 2.1
1 x HDMI 2.1(one supports eARC)2 × HDMI 2.1
1 × HDMI 2.0 (eARC)
HDMI ARC, CECYesYesYes
ALLMYesYesYes
USB1 × USB 3.01 × USB-A 2.01 × USB 3.0
1 × USB 2.0
Audio Output Power2 × 20 watts (JBL)2 × 10 watts2 × 12 watts
Surround SoundDolby Digital, DTS Virtual:XDTS, Dolby AudioDolby Audio, DTS Virtual:X
Analog Audio Output (3.5mm)11
Digital Audio Output1No1
RF Antenna Input/TV TunerNoNoNo
Smart TV PlatformVIDAA OSGoogleTV with licensed NetflixGoogle TV
App StoreYesYesYes
Streaming Service SupportNetflix, Disney+, HBO MAX, Hulu, Prime Video, SHOWTIME, YouTube, Apple TV+, and moreNetflix, Disney+, HBO MAX, Hulu, Prime Video, SHOWTIME, YouTube, Apple TV+, and moreNetflix, Disney+, HBO MAX, Hulu, Prime Video, SHOWTIME, YouTube, Apple TV+, and more
BluetoothYes – version not indicatedVer 5Ver 5.2
Ethernet (LAN)YesNoYes
Wi-FiWiFi 6eWiFi 6YWiFi 6e
Screen Mirroring/CastingApple AirPlay 2
Miracast
Chromecast Built-inApple AirPlay 2
Chromecast Built-in
Miracast
Voice AssistantYes YesYes
RemoteBacklit VoiceNot Backlit VoiceBacklit Voice
Remote FinderYesNoNo
Detachable Power CableYesYesYes
Console ColorLight BlueGray MetalMetallic Gray
Quick Start Guide / ManualQSG in the box, Manual onlineQuick Start GuideUser Manual
Console Dimensions (WHD)9.7 x 7.1 x 8.5 inches 9.49 x 7.99 x 9.29 in10.23 x 4.1 x 9.2 inches
Weight13.9 lbs9.92 lbs15.5 lbs

The Bottom Line

Hisense is clearly making strategic moves to dominate both the TV and projector markets. With the C2 Ultra, they’re not cutting corners from their UST Laser TV lineup—they’ve simply recognized that many buyers still want a traditional projection setup and the flexibility for larger screen sizes. That’s where the C-series steps in, with the original C1, the new C2 Ultra, and now the ultra-compact M2 Pro rounding out the lineup.

hisense-c2-ultra-front-rear
Hisense C2 Ultra

The C2 Ultra proves Hisense isn’t just throwing spaghetti at the wall. It’s a calculated, well-engineered addition that hits the sweet spot between performance, flexibility, and price—at least by 2025’s “portable” standards.

However, larger screen TVs are encroaching more and more into projector screen size territory, where 98-inch TVs are now a common sight, and there are a growing number of TVs in the larger than 100-inch size category, including Hisense’s own 110 and 116-inch models – although the 116-inch model is $30,000 during its pre-sale launch.

Where to buy: $2,499 at Amazon

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