As a long-time projector user, I‘ve tested my fair share of models over the years. But few have impressed me as much as Anker‘s pint-sized Nebula Capsule. Packed with features in a super portable form factor, this mini-marvel can take your media anywhere.
Let‘s explore 10 reasons why Anker‘s Nebula Capsule is my top mini projector recommendation right now. I think you‘ll agree this device belongs in your gadget bag!
A Palm-Sized Powerhouse
Weighing 1.76 pounds and measuring just 2.68 inches tall/wide, the Capsule clocks in not much larger than a 12 oz. soda can.
I‘ve reviewed several pico projectors, but none have matched the Nebula‘s blend of ultra compact chassis and mighty projection power. This makes the Capsule the ultimate portable projector companion.
Stash it in your backpack alongside your tablet to enjoy 100" movies anywhere, or keep it in your glove box for impromptu projections. The Capsule‘s diminutive size lets you showcase high-quality video in places most projectors can‘t go.
Anker Nebula Capsule Dimensions:
- 2.68 x 2.68 x 4.72 inches
- 1.76 pounds
DLP Picture Quality That Lasts
The Capsule leverages advanced DLP optical technology to deliver bright, true-to-life video you‘d never expect from such a tiny device.
An expertly engineered .2" DLP chip utilizes over 700,000 microscopic mirrors to produce up to 100 lumens of vibrant imagery. Contrast and color accuracy are superb thanks to Anker‘s proprietary calibration.
Plasma, LCD, and LCOS projectors cannot match DLP‘s renown visual fidelity and longevity. And the Capsule takes it to the extreme with a 30,000 hour LED light source that should last over 20 years under normal use. Say goodbye to expensive bulb replacements!
Anker Nebula Capsule Display Specs:
- Display Technology: DLP
- Resolution: 854 x 480
- Brightness: 100 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Lamp Life: 30,000 hours
Seriously Impressive Resolution
Don‘t let the Capsule‘s pint-size fool you – it leverages an atypically high native resolution of 854 x 480 pixels to power stunning imagery.
Most mini projectors max out at 854 x 480. But the Capsule matches and even exceeds their visual performance through Anker‘s bespoke image tuning. Photos and 1080p video shine with outstanding clarity and detail.
You can project a screen between 20" – 100". Footage truly pops when limited to 60" – 80" in dim environments. Given its size, getting bright, expansive 100" video with such high resolution out of the Capsule is an engineering marvel.
Take It Anywhere with 4 Hours Battery Life
The Capsule houses an integrated 5200 mAh rechargeable battery engineered for portability. It powers up to 4 hours of video playback per charge – enough to enjoy most movies or binge a TV season.
Recharging the battery takes about 2.5 hours via the included USB-C power adapter. I love that you can keep the Capsule plugged in and use it indefinitely while charging as needed.
With up to 4 hours untethered projection on tap, the Capsule provides true grab-and-go freedom. Its battery life even rivals much larger traditional projectors.
Anker Nebula Capsule Battery Specs:
- Capacity: 5200 mAh
- Video Playback: 4 hours
- Charge Time: 2.5 hours
- Can project while charging
Connect All Your Devices with Ease
Despite its constraints on real estate, Anker equipped the pint-sized Capsule with a capable array of connectivity options.
You get a full-size HDMI input for media players, cable boxes, laptops, and more. Bluetooth 4.0 provides lag-free audio streaming from smartphones and tablets.
There‘s also 802.11ac Wi-Fi for casting video from mobile apps and screen mirroring. A micro USB port even enables wired connections with cameras, controllers, and portable hard drives.
So however you access media, the Capsule makes it painless to project your own content. No other pico projector I‘ve tested interfaces so seamlessly with such a wide spectrum of devices. Kudos to Anker for going above and beyond.
Anker Nebula Capsule Connectivity:
- 1x HDMI
- Bluetooth 4.0
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi
- 1x Micro USB 2.0
- 3.5mm Audio Out
- Physical Buttons
Surround Sound Built Right In
The Capsule features a genuinely impressive 5 watt speaker tuned by Anker‘s acclaimed audio engineers. It blasts high-fidelity 360° sound at respectable volumes – no external speakers required.
An omnidirectional driver underneath the chassis utilizes patented antenna technology to envelop you with shockingly big, balanced audio. This mini-marvel can really fill a room!
Stream playlists over Bluetooth, or amplify your video‘s native sounds to new levels. Button controls up top even let you quickly adjust volume on the fly.
Stream All Your Favorite Apps
Here‘s a cool perk – the Capsule actually runs a customized version of Android! This grants you access to all your favorite streaming platforms and apps without connecting any external devices.
Just connect to Wi-Fi then download Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube, Twitch, Spotify, and countless other services right on the projector. Casual Android games and screen mirroring apps also come pre-installed.
The Capsule makes streaming your go-to entertainment as easy as using a smartphone. No cables, dongles, or casting required!
Self-Correcting Keystone for Off-Angle Setups
One pesky issue plaguing most pico projectors is distorted keystone geometry. If projector and screen aren‘t perfectly aligned, the image can skew unnaturally.
But Anker vastly improved usability by embedding automatic vertical keystone correction inside the Capsule. Intelligent sensors dynamically adjust the picture to retain its proper rectangular shape if angled slightly askew.
So even if you set up the Capsule a little off-center from the projection surface, footage retains its natural shape for maximum watchability. It‘s a small but vital feature lacking in many competitors.
Fan Noise? What Fan Noise?
All lamp-based projectors utilize internal fans to maintain safe temperatures. But most spew loud, distracting whirring from undersized fans straining at max speed.
Somehow Anker managed to implement an ultra-quiet cooling system inside the petite Capsule. You can barely hear the fan humming even in a silent room.
Noise levels from integrated audio easily overpower the fan when playing videos or music. So you can truly focus on your content without fan distraction. It‘s a delightful design coup from Anker‘s engineers.
A Killer Value Anyone Can Afford
Given everything the Nebula Capsule brings to the table, Anker‘s regular $299 asking price is a bonafide bargain. Most pico projectors with half the features and performance cost over $400 or $500.
And opting for the upgraded Capsule II still only runs you $499. Boasting 30% more brightness at 200 ANSI lumens plus a true 720p HD native resolution, it takes the Capsule experience to the next level for just $200 more.
Either way, both Nebula models deliver tremendous bang for your buck. But the standard Capsule hits the sweet spot balancing price, performance and portability into a single petite package.
I evaluate projectors constantly as an AV professional. Very rarely do models impress me as much as the Nebula Capsule has. Anker really nailed the formula blending ultra compact size with genuinely useful features.
There simply isn‘t another pocket projector out there providing this caliber of portable performance for under $500. So if you‘re seeking big projection power in a tiny, battery-powered package, the Capsule is your ticket.
Trust me, you‘ll love how this unassuming little Showstopper enhances movie nights, parties, travel adventures, and business trips anywhere you roam. Add an Anker Nebula Capsule to your tech collection today!
