Portable projectors, e.g., the Anker Nebula Solar portable projector, Asus Zenbeam E1, etc. are increasingly becoming popular. And for a good reason – lower costs compared to buying 86’+ smart TVs, portability among other reasons.
However, shopping for the ideal portable projector can prove to be quite challenging especially if you do not know much about projectors. Of course, settling for a portable projector that does not meet your requirements is on top of the “to be avoided” list.
This article focuses on the Anker Nebula Solar portable projector. Luckily, this isn’t another awesome projector review – we’ve outlined everything you need to know before settling for this projector (including real user reviews).
Keep reading it to find out more.
Quick Takes
The Anker Nebula Solar Portable projector has over 380 user reviews on Amazon with a 4.3/5 rating which is considered “Great”. 67% of the reviewers gave this portable projector a 5-star rating citing the projector’s portability.
They additionally said that the projector was easy to set up. They were able to start watching their favorite shows after quickly setting up their Google TV accounts because the projector runs on Android TV OS.
Unfortunately, 6% of the reviewers gave this projector a 1-star rating citing technical issues just after the expiration of its warranty. They additionally said that it would be best if Anker would increase the projector’s brightness.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Anker Nebula Solar Portable Projector Alternatives
| Portable Projector | User’s Need | Why do we think its better |
| Elfin mini-projector | Brightness | The Elfin mini-projector is a perfect alternative to Anker Nebula Solar portable projector if you need a brighter projector. The Anker Nebular Solar portable projector produces 400 ANSI lumens while the Elfin mini-projector produces 800 ANSI lumens. It also has a solid and compact build. |
| Halo + portable projector | Auto-detection of objects | The Halo + portable projector is another ideal alternative to the Anker Nebula Solar portable projector. It automatically detects objects in front of the projector’s lens and resizes images accordingly. This is an essential feature for portable projectors. Beyond auto-detection, the Halo + projector also produces 900 ANSI lumens which are significantly brighter compared to Anker Nebula Solar portable projector’s 400 ANSI lumens. |
Anker Nebula Solar Portable Projector’s Features and Specs
| Features | Specs |
| Projector’s technology | DLP |
| Brightness | 400 ANSI lumens |
| Contrast ratio | 407:1 |
| Resolution | 1080p (native), 4K (max.) |
| Throw distance | Short throw distance (120’’ @ 3.18 meters) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| I/O ports | HDMI, USB C (for charging only), USB A (input port), audio-in port |
| Built-in battery | 3 hours on eco mode & 1.5 hours on standard mode |
| Built-in speaker | 3W Dolby Digital Speaker |
| Lamp life | 30,000 hours |
| Keystone correction | Auto (vertical ±40°) Manual (horizontal ±40°, Quadrilateral ±40°) |
| Accessories | Remote control, quick start guide, adapter, 2 AAA batteries |
Design and Build
As you read earlier in this review article, the Anker Nebula Solar portable projector has a solid and compact build. This feature makes it an ideal portable projector. The projector weighs just about 3.1 lbs (1.4kg) and has the following dimensions; 192 x 192 x 2.2 mm (7.6 x 7.6 x 2.2 inches).
This portable projector has a small stand that raises its lens, therefore, enabling you to easily project your favorite show or movie onto a projector screen (read our full review on why you should get a projector screen).
Image credit: Anker
It would be best if Anker would provide a carrying bag for this projector. Since they don’t, you’ll have to either acquire one for yourself or improvise how you’ll safely carry the projector. Remember, it is imperative to avoid scratching the projector’s lens during transportation.
Anker designed this portable projector with its control buttons at the top. It is an ingenious design as it helps you control the projector easily.
Image credit: CNET
In addition to placing the buttons strategically, Anker also produces a remote control for this projector.
Image credit: Future
A remote control comes in handy when you are seated far from the projector. You’ll not have to get up now and then to control the projector.
Anker Nebula Solar portable projector’s I/O ports are found at the back. Remember, it has HDMI, USB C (for charging only), USB A (input port), and audio-in. You’ll also find its power button at the back – you can use it to switch the projector on and off.
Image credit: CNET
It would be best if Anker could also include an audio-out port for headphones and earphones.
The projector comes with a built-in battery and speaker. The 20,000mAh battery can last for three hours in eco-mode and 1.5 hours in standard mode. This duration should be enough for a single movie or two episodes of your favorite series.
The 3W Dolby Digital speaker produces decent sound – of course, the sound quality does not match a soundbar, but it does work well. Unfortunately, the sound is less punchy when playing loud music or movies.
Performance and Picture Quality
The Anker Nebula Solar Portable projector comes with the following performance specs:
- RAM: 2GB DDR 3
- ROM: 8GB
- Bluetooth: 4.2
- Wi-Fi: 2.4/5 GHz
These performance specs are more than enough for simply watching movies or listening to music. The 8GB ROM space is also enough for downloading entertainment apps like Netflix, Spotify, etc.
It is essential to note that the Ankr Nebula Solar Portable projector runs on the latest Android TV OS.
This projector produces 400 ANSI lumens which are just enough for projecting images in a room with controlled ambient light. If your entertainment area has a lot of ambient light, consider getting a brighter portable projector like the ones we outlined earlier in this article.
One of the most outstanding features of using this projector is its short throw distance. You can comfortably project your favorite movie or show on a 120” projector screen while placing the projector 3m away from the screen.
Anker Nebula Solar Portable projector has a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 which is another good thing. You can even watch 4K movies by connecting the projector to external storage through its USB A input port.
With a contrast ratio of 407:1, this projector needs improvement to allow you to enjoy watching movies. A projector’ contrast ratio is essential as it helps the user to view clearer images – it darkens blacks and brightens whites.
The projector’s keystone correction is also an essential feature as it helps correct skewed images. That way, you get to fully enjoy your entertainment time. In addition, its 30,000-hour lamp life means you’ll not be replacing it soon.
Please note that projector lamp replacement can be costly.
Should You Buy the Anker Nebula Solar Portable Projector?
Yes, if…
- You are looking for a budget-friendly portable projector that can be set up quickly.
- You need a high-resolution display projector.
- You need a projector and a Bluetooth speaker (The Anker Nebula Solar Portable projector can double as a Bluetooth speaker).
- You need a smart projector that has a solid build and blends with decor.
No, if…
- You need a projector to use in environments that don’t have controlled ambient light. Remember, this projector produces 400 ANSI lumens only. Low ANSI lumens output coupled with a lot of ambient light will make your projections seem washed out.
- While the projector produces decent sound, we strongly recommend using it in low and moderate volumes. Louder volumes destroy the quality of sound because the projector’s built-in speakers are struggling.
- You need a gaming projector – the Anker Nebula Solar Portable projector is ideal for watching movies and listening to images. Its internal storage space might not be enough for installing resource-demanding games.
Our Verdict
The Anker Nebula Solar Portable projector is simply outstanding despite the minor faults which are normal in most projectors. Its solid build, lightweight, built-in battery & speaker, high resolution, etc. are what make it an awesome portable projector.
Most users who’ve bought it find it good – that’s why it has a rating of 4.3/5 on Amazon. Check out what a buyer had to say about this projector;
“This projector is everything I was hoping it would be! Small, lightweight, built-in bracket to raise the height and the interface is smooth and seamless. I got this yesterday, took it out of the box, and within 5 minutes was watching a movie from my Google TV account…”
Here’s the deal:
This projector is one of the best portable projectors in the market today especially for users looking for a portable projector. Of course, it is not as small as other projectors such as the Asus Zenbeam E1, Samsung Freestyle, etc. and it isn’t that bulky or heavy either.
