Nebula Capsule review: How good is the rechargeable projector from Anker?

Looking for a small projector with a rechargeable battery that is portable, powerful and easy to use? The Nebula Capsule Max could be just what you’re looking for.

In this review, I will report on my experiences with this projector and discuss its advantages and disadvantages.

So much in advance: I think the price-performance ratio is good. The picture quality, sound and connections are good and solid.

I didn’t like the integrated operating system at all, here I recommend an external Fire TV Stick or Apple TV.

The Nebula Capsule Max is not much bigger than a 0.5 l beverage can and is very compact. With its dimensions of just 80 x 80 x 150 mm, it fits in any pocket and is easy to transport.

The design is sleek and modern, and the projector looks good in the living room, kitchen and even outdoors.

Image quality Capsule Max

First things first: the picture quality. The Nebula Capsule Max has a maximum resolution of 1280 x 720 (16:9, HD), which is sufficient for most applications.

I mainly watch Netflix on the device and the picture is absolutely sharp and high-resolution. The projector projects a bright, colorful image.

The brightness is 200 ANSI lumens, which ensures a pleasant viewing experience in dark rooms.

However, as soon as some daylight enters the room, the projector quickly reaches its limits: The image becomes pale and difficult to see.

If you cannot completely darken the room in question, you should opt for a projector with more ANSI lumens.

Autofocus & keystone correction

Another practical function of the Nebula Capsule Max is the autofocus and automatic keystone correction.

The projector is designed to automatically detect deviations in the projection angle and correct them in real time to ensure an optimal image.

So much for the theory. In my test, the autofocus actually worked well. Whenever you lift the projector and move it to a different position, the device measures the image sharpness and readjusts it.

The automatic keystone correction is also a great feature: you can often place the device on the side of a cabinet rather than parallel to the projection surface.

The automatic mode did not produce good results for me. The image was often not straight and had to be corrected manually.

Nebula Capsule Max sound quality

Another important function of the Nebula Capsule Max is the built-in speaker. With an output of 8 watts, the projector’s sound is sufficient for small to medium-sized rooms.

Of course, you can’t expect very high volumes or strong bass from such a small speaker.

The sound can also be output via Bluetooth or a 3.5 mm audio output. If you want to enjoy movies with really good sound and powerful bass, you should always use external speakers or a soundbar.

Operation and connections

The Nebula Capsule Max is easy to operate. With the integrated touch buttons on the top or the mobile app, you can easily control the projector and select content.

The integrated buttons are illuminated so that they can be operated quickly even in a dark room. There is also acoustic feedback as confirmation.

There are buttons on the top for navigation, volume and a back button.

The projector has integrated connections for HDMI, USB, AUX-Out and the power supply unit. The latter can be connected via a round power supply plug and unfortunately not via USB-C.

External devices

The Nebula Capsule Max also offers the option of connecting external devices such as the Fire TV Stick or an Apple TV.

In my opinion, this is highly recommended, as the Android operating system is very limited.

Capsule Max operating system

The Nebula Capsule Max runs on the Android 8.1 operating system and has various pre-installed apps, including Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime Video.

The interface is easy to use and it is easy to navigate between the different applications.

The projector also has an integrated app store that allows you to download and install additional apps.

In my test, the pre-installed apps worked well, but the usability is sometimes very limited. Netflix is difficult to operate using the touch buttons.

If you use the Nebula app, you can use it to control a mouse pointer – but this is not very intuitive.

Stream wirelessly to Nebula Capsule

The Nebula Capsule Max supports wireless streaming of content across a variety of devices, including cell phones and laptops.

Apple users can stream content wirelessly to the projector via Airplay (screen mirroring), while Android users can use the Miracast function.

The wireless connection makes it much easier to connect and stream content without the need for cables running across the room.

This also increases flexibility and makes it possible to stream content from different devices and locations.

This function also makes it possible to share presentations or videos quickly and easily without the need to lay cables or carry out complicated connection processes.

Capsule Max battery life

The Nebula Capsule Max has a built-in rechargeable battery that provides a runtime of up to 4 hours. This is ideal if you want to use it on the go or if you don’t have access to a power source.

The charging time is around 2.5 hours. However, you should note that the battery life depends on the brightness of the image. The brighter the image, the shorter the battery life.

Conclusion Nebula Capsule Max

In summary, the Nebula Capsule Max is a solid projector that is particularly appreciated for its compact size and easy-to-use interface.

The picture quality is good and the brightness is sufficient for most applications. At least when the projector is used in a dark room. The performance is not sufficient in daylight.

The built-in speaker delivers a decent sound. However, if you want real cinema sound, you should connect external speakers or a soundbar.

The battery provides a runtime of up to 4 hours, which is sufficient for many applications.

The Nebula Capsule Max is a great choice for anyone looking for a portable, easy-to-use projector capable of delivering high-quality projection.

Difference between Nebula Capsule and Capsule Max

The main difference between the Nebula Capsule and the Nebula Capsule Max is that the Capsule Max offers a higher resolution and brightness.

While the Nebula Capsule offers a resolution of 854 x 480 pixels and a brightness of 100 ANSI lumens, the Capsule Max offers a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels and a brightness of 200 ANSI lumens.

The Nebula Capsule Max therefore offers improved picture quality and higher brightness, making it a better choice for users who need a more powerful projector.