ZDNET’s key findings
- The latest Nebula Capsule 3 pocket projector is ideal for those who want to take the cinema experience with them wherever they go and take advantage of the benefits of Google TV software.
- Despite its small size, the Capsule 3 delivers top-quality images and sound.
- On battery power, the projector will run for approximately 2.5 hours, which may be too short for some users.
I have always preferred watching my favorite movies and shows on a big screen; the immersion and surround experience is unmatched. However, this experience is often limited to the movie theater due to space limitations in places like my home. Nebula Capsule 3the first projector that works with Google TV, arrived to solve that problem.
Also: I replaced my TV with this long throw projector and it is absolutely worth it.
Anker calls the Capsule 3 a “pocket cinema,” and the description couldn’t be more accurate. With its small size—just a little bigger than a can of soda—and a weight of just 900 grams, the projector is as easy to carry around as a portable speaker. And you’ll get a lot more than just audio with this device.
Despite its small size, the Capsule 3 can deliver big-screen entertainment up to 120 inches. That’s a pretty generous size compared to the 45, 55, or even 85-inch sizes that TVs typically display. The projector’s image quality doesn’t disappoint either.
The Capsule 3 projects at 1080p, which isn’t as crisp or clear as a 4K projector, but it’s more than enough for a $500 projector. On dimmer settings, it produces vibrant colors, detail, and contrast, with a peak brightness of 200 ANSI lumens. Anker sells a Laser variant which projects up to 300 ANSI lumens if you’re looking for something even brighter.
I tried the Capsule 3 by binge-watching it The crown on Netflix, and as you can see in the photo below, the picture looked fantastic, almost as good as similarly priced TVs.
The built-in 52Wh battery allows for 2.5 hours of playback time, which isn’t the most reliable if you’re watching outdoors, but is good enough if you’re at home and/or near a power outlet.
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The projector features an 8W Dolby Audio speaker that delivers surprisingly cinematic sound, enough for my partner to say, “The sound on this thing is insane.” I’ll even admit that I enjoyed the sound more than my regular TV.
Setting up the projector was a fairly straightforward experience. All you need to do is turn on the projector and use the included remote or the Nebula mobile app remote to follow the setup instructions, such as connecting it to Wi-Fi and signing in to Google TV.
The user interface has the same feel as a standard smart TV running on Google’s platform, and as a result, it’s extremely easy to navigate, including finding your favourite streaming services and syncing accounts. The use of Google TV also means that the projector supports Netflix out of the box. The same can’t be said for other mid-range projectors.
But one of my favorite features of the projector is its intelligent environment adaptation, which includes autofocus and automatic keystone correction. Together, you can place the projector wherever it’s most comfortable for you, and the projection will automatically adjust its angle and size to the area you’re projecting onto. See how it works below.
This convenience was a huge improvement over the cheap $100 projector I used in college, which had to be perfectly centered in front of a wall or the image would warp.
ZDNET’s buying advice
If you have enough use cases for a portable projector, whether it’s taking it on holiday, watching movies in your garden or simply enjoying a cinema-like experience in the comfort of your own home, then the Capsule 3Powered by Google TV, it’s a great choice.
You won’t be disappointed with the sound or video quality, and the ambient adaptive technology makes the projector extremely flexible in terms of placement. Don’t expect longer battery life (unless you keep it plugged in) or brighter screen during the day.