The Anker Nebula Capsule Max projector is an exceptional portable projector. It lets you enjoy your entertainment time because of its HD resolution and big-screen projection capabilities. It also comes with added features to enhance your entertainment.
Reading this review article wholly will enable you to understand the following:
- Key features and specs
- The projector’s design and build
- Performance
- The pros and cons of acquiring the Anker Nebula Capsule Max
- Our Verdict
Let’s get started!
Key Features and Specs of the Anker Nebula Capsule Max
As you read at the beginning of this review article, the Anker Nebula Capsule Max is a portable projector. It is pocket-sized and light – meaning it is effortless to carry. The projector runs on Android 8.1 OS – you can stream content online using its built-in applications.
However, content with copyrights, e.g., Netflix, cannot be mirrored or cast – you’ll have to download the app and stream the content. You can control the projector using its standard issue remote control or smartphone application.
This mini-projector also has an HDMI 1.4 input port, allowing the projector to display images up to 1080p. It can also connect to the internet through Wi-Fi, has a USB port, and is Bluetooth-enabled.
It is important to note that the Anker Nebule Capsule Max mini projector has a native resolution of 720p.
The mini projector’s lamp produces 200 ANSI lumens. While this brightness level is relatively good considering the projector’s size, it would help significantly to have a brighter lamp. Low brightness limits your entertainment to environments with controlled ambient light.
The best part about this mini projector’s lamp is its long lamp life which can last up to 30,000 hours. This fantastic product from Anker has its built-in battery and Dolby Digital speaker.
The 8W speaker produces decent sound, and the projector can project images on a 100” screen from just a few feet away. In other words, the projector has a short throw distance. The built-in battery lasts 1.5 hours (standard mode) and 4 hours (eco-mode).
Another outstanding feature of the Anker Nebula Capsule Max is its vertical and horizontal keystone correction. The vertical keystone correction is auto, while the horizontal is manual.
Anker also gives you a remote control which allows you to control the mini-projector easily, especially if you are seated far away from it.
Here’s a summary of the mini-projector key features and specs:
| Features | Specifications |
| Brightness | 200 ANSI lumens |
| Contrast ratio | 600:1 |
| Resolution | 720p native (1080p HDMI) |
| Lamp life | 30,000 hours |
| Throw distance | Short @ 100’’ at only 2.87m (approx. 110 inches) |
| Built-in battery | 1.5 hours (standard mode); 4 hours (eco-mode) |
| Built-in speaker | 8W Dolby Digital Speaker |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, and screen mirroring for copyright-free content |
| OS | Android 8.1 |
| Keystone Correction | Manual horizontal and auto vertical (0°± 40° max) |
| Nebula Connect mobile app & remote control | Anker Nebula Capsule Max comes with a remote control. You can also control the device by connecting it to your smartphone via the Nebula Connect app. |
Design and Build
The Anker Nebula Capsule Max portable projector has a sleek and compact design measuring 150mm x 80mm with a solid build. At first glance, you may think this mini-projector is a small fancy Bluetooth speaker.
This mini-projector has touch-sensitive controls at the top, which light up when you touch them; cursor keys, select, vol+, vol-, and back. The buttons come in handy when you want to pause a movie quickly, increase/decrease volume, etc.
However, the buttons can, at times, respond slowly. We strongly recommend using its remote control or connecting the projector to your smartphone through the mobile app.
Apart from its simple yet attractive design, the projector weighs about 740g, making it portable. However, Anker does not produce travel cases for this projector – you’ll have to find something solid to protect the projector.
Another minor setback with this mini projector’s design is its exposed lens which has no protector. Since Anker does not produce travel cases, the lens is prone to get scratches during transportation.
It would be best to consider acquiring a travel case to avoid damaging the lens.
You’ll find the power button at the projector’s rear and another button that enables Bluetooth speaker mode. Its external connectivity ports are also found at the back.
You can further mount the projector on a tripod stand as it has a tripod thread screw mount at the bottom. You may want to use a tripod stand to make the projector more stable on uneven ground, e.g., during camping. Another reason may be to raise its height for better viewing.
The mini-projector can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker. The best part about using the projector’s built-in 8W speaker is that it produces surprisingly decent sound.
Anker Nebula Capsule Max Picture, Performance & Software
Software
Anker Nebula Capsule Max runs on Android 8.1 OS. You can, therefore, download apps and videos, including Netflix. However, it is essential to remember that you cannot mirror copyrighted material, e.g., Netflix using this projector. You’ll have to log in through the projector’s Netflix app.
While the projector runs on Android 8.1 OS, it does not have Google Playstore. However, it has the Nebula Store, where you can download many apps, including Prime Video, Netflix, Apple Talk, etc.
You can even install the ExpressVPN app on the mini-projector. The app lets you change locations and enjoy movies from different regions on Netflix.
Since the mini-projector is Wi-Fi enabled, you do not have to plug in external storage. However, the connectivity ports come in handy when watching videos from Disney Plus, which is currently unavailable in Anker’s Nebula Store.
Performance
Anker Nebula Capsule Max uses DLP technology to display images on a projector screen or wall. It has a long-life lamp lasting up to 30,000 hours if appropriately handled. It has an Adreno™ 506 GPU, Octa-Core A53 Chipset, Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, 2GB DDR3 RAM, and 16GB storage.
The projector can efficiently perform the most basic tasks using this set of performance specs.
In addition, this mini-projector is Bluetooth enabled (4.2 dual mode), and Wi-Fi enabled (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz). Its speaker produces decent sound – however, you may need to use a dedicated external speaker for larger settings.
Anker Nebula Capsule Max’s keystone correction makes images rectangular even if the projector is positioned at an angle (0°± 40° max). The projector will correct the image regardless of its horizontal or vertical position.
Picture
Anker Nebula Capsule Max can display images and videos in two modes – normal and eco. The primary difference between these two modes is the brightness of the projector’s lamp.
This mini-projector can also display well-colored images. The 600:1 ratio and a 200 ANS lumen screen will project images well, provided you use the projector in environments with controlled ambient light.
The best part about this projector’s picture projection is that you can enjoy watching life-sized projections. The projector has a short throw distance and can project images up to 100”.
It also has a decent native resolution of 1280x720p. When projecting using the HDMI port, the resolution can go as high as 1920x1080p.
Pros and Cons
Why You Should Buy Anker Nebula Capsule Max
Suppose you are looking for a portable projector with a compact design and a solid build. In that case, you should consider getting this projector. The projector has many features that enhance portability and enable you to enjoy your entertainment.
Here are some of these features:
- Long lamp life
- Built-in battery, which can last up to four hours on eco-mode
- Built-in 8W speaker, which produces surprisingly decent sound
- The projector can be used as a Bluetooth speaker – you can listen to podcasts as you stare at the stars when camping.
- Wi-Fi enabled and ran on Android 8.1 OS.
- You can easily control the device using its remote control or by connecting it to your smartphone via the Nebula Connect app.
- Life-size image projections of up to 100’’.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy Anker Nebula Capsule Max
It all boils down to how you’d want to use your projector. Here’s the truth – the Anker Nebula Capsule Max is not a cheap projector. It’s a bit more expensive than other projectors, e.g., the ViewSonic M1+ projector.
However, it is versatile as it can be used as an indoor and outdoor projector.
Another issue is the projector’s brightness. 200 ANSI lumens can be pretty limiting, especially if you intend to use the projector in environments with bright ambient light.
In summary, you should not buy this projector if:
- You are looking for a cheap portable projector
- You intend to use the projector in environments with bright ambient light
Our Verdict on the Anker Nebula Capsule Max Review
The Anker Nebula Capsule Max is one of the best portable projectors – it allows you to bring a large screen everywhere you go.
It would be best if Anker made this projector a bit brighter and developed travel bags to protect it. However, the projector is one of the most delightful indoor and outdoor projectors you can get, which will undoubtedly upgrade your entertainment.
