Projectors Reviews

Anker Nebula Solar Portable 1080p Projector Review 2023

Anker Nebula Solar Portable 1080p Projector
Written by Edwards

Anker—a well-known brand in the projector industry—has brought you one of the best portable projectors for under 500—Anker Nebula Solar. The projector is packed with many features that are high-tech and advanced, even though it is a portable projector with a compact design. 

The Anker Nebula Solar is powerful enough to throw a 120-inch image—the maximum projection size— with HDR10 effects. Moreover, it accepts native Full HD content with true 1080p resolution (1920x1080p). Also, it lets you play 4K HDR content; however, it downconverts to its native resolution. 

This Anker Nebula is rated 400 ANSI lumens; it is bright enough for normal environments. However, the Cinematic Visuals you experience in dimmer environments are outstanding and full of rich detail. 

Since the Nebula Solar model is primarily designed for portability, it runs on battery power, a built-in battery that promises up to 3 hours of power with a single charge. Though, the battery life entirely depends on your usages. Still, you’ll be able to enjoy your movie on a single charge. 

Pros & Cons: ANKER NEBULA SOLAR 

What I like

  1. True Full HD 1080p resolution
  2. USB-C type power input
  3. Easy to use, install, and adjust
  4. Built-in android TV feature
  5. Portability

What I don’t

  1. It doesn’t include a carrying bag
  2. No lens protector
  3. It doesn’t allow simultaneous multiple Bluetooth devices

Features & Technologies of Anker Nebula Solar

1. Projection size

The Anker Nebula Solar can project a maximum projection size of up to 120 inches. According to the situation, you have the flexibility to use the projector to produce the image from 40 to 120 inches. 

As Anker recommends, a 40-inch projection size requires a minimum distance of 3.44 feet from the wall. If it is 80 inches image, there should be at least 7.32 feet between the projector and the screen. And for the maximum projection size up to 120 inches, your projector should be 10.43 feet away from the screen or wall. 

2. Picture Quality

Since the projector is packed with HDR10 technology, its color production is incredible. Whatever content you play, your experience will be different for each type of content because of HDR10. In my testing, I found its colors quite bright and radiant. While playing games, its blacks were deeper enough to ensure greater contrast and details. 

3. Connectivity

As with most projectors, you have both options—HDMI and USB, for playing your favorite media content. Since Nebula Solar is a smart projector, you can connect your laptop and smartphone using Chromecast wirelessly. It supports both iOS and Android devices to produce that gigantic 120 inches image for you. 

In addition to the ports, you also have a type-c USB port for C-type-enabled device inputs. 

4. Keystone Correction

Positioning the image has been a crucial factor for any projector, even for expensive ones. However, Anker Nebula Solar does a great job in this department. It offers both auto and manual (±40°) keystone correction: auto (±40° Vertical) and manual (±40° Horizontal). 

In the case of a tilted image, you might need to disable the auto keystone correction setting, which you’ll find under the projector settings. In this way, you’ll be able to adjust the image vertically and horizontally manually. 

5. Sound

The Anker Nebula Solar’s sound somewhat leans toward the drawback side, and it doesn’t produce enough sound even in a quiet room for a small group of people. With up to 100% volume, its sound might be audible for a couple of people, but for a large crowd, it’s nowhere close. Also, You’ll compromise on its sound quality because of distortion. 

Overall, the sound you get from its small speakers covered inside a tiny box is decent, keeping its price in mind. It is loud enough for a couple of people or a small crowd but struggles to deliver good bass. 

When it comes to outdoor use, I’d suggest you buy an external sound system for immersive sound. 

Specification: Anker Nebula Solar

Display technologyDLP
Brightness400 ANSI lumens
ResolutionNative 1080p (1920x1080p), 4k supported
Operating systemAndroid 9.0
Speakers3x Dolby Digital
Keystone correctionManual Horizontal and Auto Vertical
Projection size40~120 inches
Wi-FiDual-band (2.4GHz & 5GHz)
Bluetooth4.2 
RAM2GB
ROM8GB eMMC
Lamp Life30,000 Hours

Conclusion: Who’s this for?

Overall, The Anker Nebula Solar can be an amazing portable projector for those looking for an all-in-one entertainment system for watching movies. You don’t need those irritating cables around the projector; its built-in battery is powerful enough to watch a couple of movies in one go. 

In a nutshell, the Anker Nebula Solar is the best portable projector for under 500. It offers amazing features in this price range, but you’ll need an external sound system for better audio. Other than that, it’s your perfect portable projector for the money. 

About the author

Edwards