Anker Nebula Mars Mini Projector: A Quick look

by Saroj Upreti
Anker's Nebula Mars Mini Projector: A Quick look

Anker, a major Chinese electronics brand that is well-known for its power-packed batteries, is on a journey to offer new products. The ‘Nebula Mars’ one such product! This nice premium looking gadget at first impression is quite deceptive in looks. With its sturdy build design along with a leather bound handle and a tag of built-in JBL speakers, at first, I thought it’s a massive Bluetooth boombox that Anker launched in collaboration with JBL. But, then the volunteer at CAN infotech slid the integral lens cover and I get to see dazzling LED lamp and immediately I realized it’s a miniature version of cinematic home theatre system.

Coolpad Cool 10A Ad

Anker's Nebula Mars Mini Projector: A Quick look

The Nebula Mars is a compact, portable DLP-based projector that clocks in at 3,000 lumens, which is an impressive level of brightness, than most other portable/pico projectors.This product is 500 ANSI lumens (equivalent to 3000 Lumens) that deliver crisp razor sharp 800p picture with enhanced contrast for clear daytime viewing. The images projected has a native resolution of 1280×800 and you can adjust projection range within  55 inches to 150 inches. The picture quality looks average with a bit of softness and pixelation at larger screens but it doesn’t matter given its size, usability, and battery life.

Let’s delve into the quick spec sheet of the gadget.

  • Quad-core ARM Cortex A7 @ 1.15GHz
  • 12GB onboard storage
  • 19,500mAh battery
  • 3000 Lumens/ 500 ANSI @ 1280 x 800px (800p/WXGA)
  • Max recommended projection 150″, approx 1:1 throw ratio
  • DLP display technology
  • 5000:1 contrast ratio
  • JBL stereo speakers
  • Android 4.4
  • 3 hours video playback
  • 3.5mm audio port
  • IR remote included.
  • Wireless / HDMI / USB / Bluetooth connectivity

Anker's Nebula Mars Mini Projector: A Quick look

The Nebula Mars looks like a hardcore black cuboid structure that weighs 60 pounds, with a leather strap for easy handling. The top has battery indicator lights and series of controls in case you lose your remote. The back has an air outtake, a DC port for power, an HDMI port, a Type-A USB 3.0 port, an audio out jack, and a small reset button. The speaker grills are placed on, both, left and right sides of the projector with JBL branding. Design wise and specs-wise, the gadget is definitely a top-notch device with flamboyant looks.

Anker's Nebula Mars Mini Projector: A Quick look

Also Read: UMIDIGI S2 Pro to launch soon in Nepal

At the demo showcased at CAN Info-Tech, I got the opportunity to get hands-on this gadget. Based on my first impressions and short-time testing, the user interface and included apps all ran buttery smooth with cool animations. Some apps, however, took a while to startup. The UI itself is powered by an old Android-based operating system ‘KitKat’ and has built-in Wi-Fi, so you can stream content right from the projector via apps like Netflix and YouTube. You can also watch TV and play games on this projector by plugging fire tv, apple tv, Comcast devices etc., directly on HDMI port. You also have the option of video playback through USB pen drives and built-in file manager to access media contents.

The Nebula Mars sports dual 10W speaker grills that deliver a crystal clear sound experience that is loud maintaining decent audio-bass quality. The projector also features Bluetooth connectivity but it’s limited only for media transfer and can’t be used to play audio from another device over Bluetooth.

With a massive 19,500mAh battery, Anker claims that the Lithium-ion juice can sustain over 3 hours of Netflix streaming. There are 4 brightness modes available, from low to high: Eco, Battery, Standard, and Highlight. The charging cycle for this humungous battery capacity takes about 2 hrs which is disappointing for people with hectic life schedule. But the gadget is awesome for events like outing, picnic, camping, travels etc. It helps bring rejoice and refreshment as a portable cinema and home theatre system.

Also, Read Google Clips – Your A.I. Powered Photographer

In Nepal, the gadget is priced higher at a ridiculous amount of Rs. 79,500 which in my opinion is very expensive and isn’t worth your hard-earned money.

Related Posts