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Nebula Apollo vs Samsung Freestyle
Hello everyone, it's Jim! Today, I'm comparing two popular portable projectors: the budget-friendly Nebula Apollo and the innovative Samsung Freestyle. Both are compact, all-in-one smart projectors with built-in streaming and speakers. But the Freestyle adds some unique tricks like 180° rotation, auto focus, and higher brightness. Let's see how they stack up for on-the-go entertainment.
I've spent quality time with both the Apollo and Freestyle, evaluating picture quality, ease of use, audio performance, and portability. In this head-to-head throwdown, I'll share my hands-on experiences to help you decide which mini projector best fits your mobile viewing needs and budget.
Nebula Apollo vs Samsung Freestyle: Quick Overview
Let's kick off with the high-level similarities and differences: The Nebula Apollo and Samsung Freestyle are both compact, portable projectors with built-in smart features and speakers. The Apollo has a lower 854x480 resolution and 200 ANSI lumens brightness vs the Freestyle's 1080p and 550 LED lumens. But it's also significantly cheaper. The Freestyle's key advantages are auto focus, auto leveling, 180° rotation, and a more powerful 5W speaker.
I recommend the Samsung Freestyle if you want the most flexibility and convenience for impromptu movie nights, dorm hangouts, or backyard parties. The Nebula Apollo is the budget-friendlier pick if you can live with lower resolution and brightness for casual on-the-go viewing.
Table of Contents
- Nebula Apollo vs Samsung Freestyle: Full Comparison
- Samsung Freestyle vs Nebula Apollo: Design
- Nebula Apollo or Samsung Freestyle: Owner Reviews
- Nebula Apollo and Samsung Freestyle Alternatives
- Is the Nebula Apollo or Samsung Freestyle Better?
Nebula Apollo vs Samsung Freestyle: Comparison
| Specs | Nebula Apollo | Samsung Freestyle |
| Image |
|
|
| Resolution | 854 x 480 (WVGA) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
| Brightness | 200 ANSI lumens | 550 LED lumens |
| Display Tech | DLP | DLP |
| Throw Ratio | 1.30:1 | 1.22:1 |
| Digital Zoom | No | Not specified |
| Image Size | 40" - 100" | 30" - 100" |
| Light Source | LED | LED |
| Light Source Life | 30,000 hours | 20,000 hours |
| Focus Type | Manual | Auto |
| Keystone Correction | Vertical and horizontal | Auto vertical and horizontal levelling |
| Built-in Speaker | 6W mono | 5W mono (360° sound) |
| Dimensions | 5.1" x 2.8" x 2.8" (HWD) | 6.8" x 3.7" x 3.7" (HWD) |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs | 1.8 lbs |
| Streaming Apps | Yes (Android 7.1) | Yes (Tizen OS) |
| Voice Control | No | Yes (Bixby, Alexa) |
| Battery Life | 4 hours (video) | Not specified |
| Release Year | 2019 | 2022 |
The Apollo's (from Nebula projectors) main selling point is simplicity and affordability. At just 5.1 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches and 1.1 pounds, it's truly pocketable and toss-in-a-bag portable. And with Android 7.1 built in, you can download your favorite streaming apps directly to the projector - no extra devices needed. The 6-watt speaker is also surprisingly loud for the size.
But there's no denying the Apollo's entry-level specs. The 854x480 resolution is only a quarter of full HD, so expect to see some pixel structure if you sit close to the screen or project extra-large. 200 ANSI lumens is also quite dim - you'll need a completely dark room to get a pleasing picture much above 40-50 inches. And the manual focus requires frequent adjustment as you move the projector around.
This is where the Samsung Freestyle justifies its higher price. The 1080p resolution and 550-lumen brightness allow for much sharper, punchier images up to 100 inches with a bit of ambient light. The auto focus and auto leveling are also game-changers for quick setup - you can point the Freestyle at any angle and it will square up the picture in seconds.
The Freestyle's signature feature is its 180-degree rotation. The projector head can swivel to point straight up at the ceiling, down at the floor, or anywhere in between. Combined with the included base stand and optional battery, this opens up all kinds of unique viewing scenarios - lay in bed staring at the ceiling, project on the ground for kids to play interactive games, even point it at the side of a tent while camping.
Samsung's Tizen smart TV platform is a bit more user-friendly than the Apollo's older Android build. It has all the major streaming services and a cleaner, snappier interface. The Freestyle also supports screen mirroring from mobile devices and voice control through Bixby and Alexa. The 5-watt speaker gets impressively loud for the size and simulates 360-degree sound for a more immersive experience.
Ultimately, if you just need a cheap and cheerful projector for casual movie nights or dorm room Netflix binges, the Apollo gets the job done. The LED light source is rated for 30,000 hours (vs the Freestyle's 20,000), so you'll get years of use before any significant drop in brightness. And the 4-hour built-in battery is handy for truly wire-free streaming.
But if you want the flexibility to project at more angles, in more lighting conditions, and with more smart features, the Samsung Freestyle is well worth the premium. The auto focus and keystone combined with the 180-degree rotation make setup a breeze in any environment. And the 1080p resolution, higher brightness, and slicker Tizen OS create a viewing experience that's much closer to a "real" TV.
Also check out our review of the new gen 2 Freestyle projector
Samsung Freestyle vs Nebula Apollo: Design
The Nebula Apollo and Samsung Freestyle have very different designs, but are both impressively compact and portable.
Nebula Apollo Design:
Samsung Freestyle Design:
The Apollo has a classic rectangular mini-projector look, with the lens on the front and ports on the back. All the controls are on the top touch panel, which is handy for navigating menus or adjusting settings on the fly. At just 5.1 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches and 1.1 pounds, it's truly pocket-sized and easy to hold in one hand for impromptu streaming sessions.
The Freestyle, in contrast, has a unique cylindrical design with the lens on the side. The projector head can rotate a full 180 degrees, allowing you to point the image up, down, or anywhere in between. It's a bit larger and heavier than the Apollo at 6.8 x 3.7 x 3.7 inches and 1.8 pounds, but still very portable. The included angle-adjustable stand is also a nice touch for tabletop placement.
In terms of build quality, the Freestyle feels a bit more premium with its aluminum and fabric shell. The Apollo is mostly plastic but still solid and well-constructed. Both have a minimalist aesthetic that looks at home in any room or backpack.
Connectivity is similar on both, with a single HDMI port, USB-C, and 1/4" tripod thread on the Apollo and micro HDMI, USB-C, and a multi-purpose base connector on the Freestyle. The Freestyle's base can attach to an optional light socket or battery pack for even more placement options.
Both projectors have touchpads on the body for basic controls, as well as Bluetooth remotes (not backlit). The Apollo's is a bit simpler with just a D-pad and Android navigation keys. The Freestyle's includes a full number pad and four-color buttons for faster menu hopping.
Overall, the two projectors take very different approaches to portable design. The Apollo prioritizes pocketability and simplicity, while the Freestyle focuses on flexibility and expandability. Which one fits your on-the-go streaming style best will depend on your specific viewing habits and scenarios. But both are impressively compact and easy to set up wherever your Netflix cravings strike.
Nebula Apollo or Samsung Freestyle: Owner Reviews
Let's see what actual buyers have to say about their experiences with the Nebula Apollo and Samsung Freestyle projectors:
Nebula Apollo Owner Reviews:
Praises: "The Apollo is so small and light, I can easily slip it in my pocket or purse for impromptu movie nights at a friend's house or while traveling. The built-in streaming is super convenient."
"I'm impressed by how crisp and colorful the image is for such an affordable mini projector. 480p is plenty for casually watching YouTube or Netflix videos on a 40-50 inch screen."
***
Drawbacks: "200 lumens is definitely on the dim side - you need a completely dark room to get a halfway decent picture, especially at larger sizes. Contrast also falls apart with any ambient light."
"The touch controls on top are fidgety and unresponsive at times. I often have to tap multiple times to get a press to register. Stick to the included remote when possible."
Samsung Freestyle Owner Reviews:
Praises: "The auto keystone and leveling are straight-up magic. I can plop the Freestyle down at any angle and it squares up the picture within seconds. Great for off-the-cuff movie nights."
"The 180-degree head rotation is a game changer - I can project on my ceiling, floor, even the side of my tent while camping. It's like having a portable big screen TV wherever I go."
***
Drawbacks: "The fan noise is quite loud, especially in brighter picture modes. It's distracting during quiet dialog scenes. You'll definitely want to use an external speaker for the best audio experience."
"I wish Samsung included a battery in the box. Having to purchase a separate power bank for truly wireless use feels a bit nickel-and-dime at this price."
Overall, Nebula Apollo owners are very happy with the projector's portability, ease of use, and better-than-expected image quality for the price and size. Many praise how simple it is to set up and start streaming anywhere. The main complaints are the low brightness and occasional touchpad glitches, but most feel the Apollo delivers great value for on-the-go viewing.
Samsung Freestyle buyers rave about the auto keystone and unique 180-degree rotation, calling them game-changers for placement flexibility. The punchy 1080p picture and robust smart features also earn high marks. Common criticisms include loud fan noise and the lack of an included battery. But the majority say the Freestyle's convenience and versatility are well worth the premium.
Nebula Apollo and Samsung Freestyle Alternatives
If you're not sold on the Nebula Apollo or Samsung Freestyle, here are a couple of other portable smart projectors worth considering:
- Anker Nebula Solar Portable: A 1080p Android TV projector with auto focus, auto keystone, 400 ANSI lumens, and a built-in 20,000mAh battery for up to 3 hours of totally wireless playback;
- ViewSonic M1 Mini Plus: An ultra-compact 1080p LED projector with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, 120 LED lumens, a swivel hinge, and an integrated JBL speaker - perfect for grab-and-go movie nights.
The Anker Nebula Solar Portable is a compelling alternative to the Samsung Freestyle. You get similar 1080p resolution, auto focus, and auto keystone in a more affordable package. The 400 ANSI lumens isn't as bright as the Freestyle but still outshines the Apollo. And the included 20,000mAh battery provides up to 3 hours of fully cordless use.
For an even smaller and simpler option, check out the ViewSonic M1 Mini Plus. At just 4 x 4 x 1 inches and 0.7 pounds, it's one of the most portable 1080p projectors around. The 120-lumen brightness and 1.2-hour battery life are on the low side but fine for occasional on-the-go viewing in dark environments. The 360-degree hinge and multiple connectivity options are also great for impromptu streaming.
Is the Nebula Apollo or Samsung Freestyle Better?
After thoroughly testing and comparing the Nebula Apollo vs Samsung Freestyle, it's clear both portable projectors have a lot to offer for on-the-go entertainment. The Apollo's budget-friendly simplicity and truly pocketable form factor make it an excellent entry point for casual mobile viewing. Meanwhile, the Freestyle's auto calibration, unique 180-degree design, and brighter 1080p picture justify its higher price for discerning users.
For most buyers, I recommend the Samsung Freestyle. The full HD resolution, higher 550-lumen brightness, and slick smart TV interface deliver a viewing experience that's much closer to a real home theater. The auto focus and keystone are also incredibly useful for quick setup in any environment - just point and play. Toss in robust connectivity, decent built-in audio, and the ability to power the projector from a portable battery, and you have the ultimate all-in-one device for movies, shows, sports, and games wherever you roam.
That said, the Nebula Apollo remains a compelling pick for more casual on-the-go streaming. At around a third the cost of the Freestyle, it's a much easier entry point for first-time projector buyers or gift-givers. And while the 854x480 resolution and 200-lumen brightness are a clear downgrade, they're still adequate for occasional viewing on smaller screens in darker environments. The 4-hour battery life and ultra-compact size are also ideal for truly mobile scenarios like camping trips or impromptu hotel room watch parties.
Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either projector if you temper your expectations. The Apollo and Freestyle both make it easier than ever to enjoy big-screen content away from outlets and home theater setups. If you just want a cheap and cheerful way to blow up YouTube or Netflix videos on the go, snag the Apollo and never look back. But if you're willing to spend more for a portable projector that rivals entry-level home models in features and performance, the Freestyle is a category-leading pick.
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