ZDNET Key Points
- The latest Nebula Capsule 3 pocket projector is ideal for those who want a cinematic experience on the go while still taking advantage of the benefits of Google TV software.
- Despite its small size, the Capsule 3 delivers top-quality picture and sound.
- When using battery, the projector can operate for about 2.5 hours, which may be too short for some users.
I have always loved watching my favorite movies and shows on the big screen; the immersive and immersive experience is unmatched. However, this experience is usually limited to movie theaters due to space constraints in places like my home. Latest Nebula Capsule 3The first projector to use Google TV, was born to solve that problem.
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Anker calls the Capsule 3 “Pocket Cinema,” and that description couldn’t be more accurate. With its compact size—slightly larger than a soda can—and a weight of just 2.1 pounds, the projector is as easy to carry as a portable speaker. And you get more than just sound with this gadget.
Despite its small size, the Capsule 3 can deliver big-screen entertainment up to 120 inches. Quite generous compared to the 45, 55, or even 85-inch sizes commonly found on TVs. The projector’s image quality doesn’t disappoint either.
The Capsule 3 projects at 1080p resolution, which isn’t as sharp or clear as a 4K projector, but it’s adequate for a $500 projector. In dimmer settings, this projector produces vibrant colors, detail, and contrast, with a maximum brightness of 200 ANSI Lumens. Anker sells Laser Variation It goes up to 300 ANSI Lumens if you want something brighter.
I tested the Capsule 3 by watching it continuously Crown on Netflix and as you can see in the photo below, the picture looks stunning, almost as good as similarly priced TVs.
The built-in 52Wh battery allows for 2.5 hours of use, which isn’t really reliable if you’re watching outdoors but should be enough if you’re at home and/or near a power outlet.
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This projector has 8W Dolby Audio Speakers, which deliver incredible cinematic sound, enough to make my partner exclaim, “The sound from this thing is insane.” I’ll even admit that I like the sound it produces better than my everyday TV.
Setting up the projector is pretty seamless. All you have to do is power it on and use the included remote or the remote in the Nebula mobile app to follow the setup instructions, like connecting the projector to Wi-Fi and signing in to Google TV.
The user interface feels like a standard Google-powered smart TV, and is therefore incredibly easy to navigate, including finding your favorite streaming services and syncing accounts. Running Google TV also means the projector supports Netflix out of the box, which can’t be said of other mid-range projectors.
But one of my favorite projector features is its intelligent environment adaptation, which includes Auto Focus and Auto Keystone Correction. Together, you can place the projector wherever is most convenient for you, and it will automatically adjust its angle and size to the area you’re projecting to. See how it works below.
This convenience is a huge upgrade over the cheap $100 projector I used in college, which had to be centered on the wall or the image would warp.
ZDNET Buying Advice
If you have enough use cases for a portable projector, whether it’s taking it on vacation, watching movies in your backyard, or simply enjoying a cinema-like experience in the comfort of your home, then Capsule 3Powered by Google TV, it is a great choice.
You won’t be disappointed in the sound or video quality, and the ambient-adaptive technology makes the projector extremely flexible in terms of placement. Just don’t expect the longest battery life (unless you plug it in) and the brightest screen during the day.
