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Nebula Capsule vs Nebula Capsule 2
Hey everyone! Today, I'm comparing two popular mobile projectors from Anker: the Nebula Capsule and Nebula Capsule II. Both offer compact, all-in-one designs with built-in streaming and speakers. But the Capsule II brings some key upgrades like higher resolution, brighter output, and smarter features that could make it worth the extra cost.
I've spent quality time with both the original Capsule and the newer Capsule II, evaluating picture quality, ease of use, audio performance, and overall value. In this in-depth comparison, I'll share my experiences to help you decide which soda can-sized projector best fits your mobile viewing needs. Let's dive in!
Nebula Capsule vs Capsule II: Quick Overview
I respect your time and aim to provide only the essential information, skipping the fluff.
If you're in a hurry, here's my quick take: The Nebula Capsule II is a modest but meaningful upgrade over the original Capsule in almost every way. You get a higher 720p resolution, brighter 200-lumen output, stronger 8W speaker, and an improved Android TV interface with Google Assistant voice control. The tradeoff is slightly larger size and 30 minutes less battery life.
I recommend the Capsule II for buyers who want the best possible audio and video quality in a super portable form factor. But if you prioritize maximum runtime on a single charge or the lowest price, the original Capsule remains a solid pick.
Table of Contents
- Nebula Capsule vs Capsule II: Full Comparison
- Capsule II vs Capsule: Design
- Nebula Capsule II or Original: Owner Reviews
- Capsule and Capsule II Alternatives
- Should You Buy the Anker Nebula Capsule or Capsule II
Nebula Capsule vs Capsule II: Comparison
| Specs | Nebula Capsule | Nebula Capsule II |
| Image |
|
|
| Resolution | 854 x 480 (WVGA) | 1280 x 720 (HD) |
| Brightness | 100 ANSI lumens | 200 ANSI lumens |
| Contrast | 400:1 | 600:1 |
| Display Tech | 1 cm DLP x 1 | 1 cm DLP x 1 |
| Light Source | LED | LED |
| Light Life | 30,000 hours | 20,000 hours |
| Image Size | 20" - 100" | 20" - 100" |
| Throw Distance | 1.97 ft - 9.5 ft | 1.97 ft - 9.5 ft |
| Throw Ratio | 1.30 | 1.30 |
| Battery Life | 4 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Speakers | 5W | 8W |
| OS | Android 7.1 | Android TV 9.0 |
| Auto Focus | No | Yes |
| Keystone | Vertical only | Vertical only |
| Dimensions | 4.7" x 2.7" x 2.7" | 5.9" x 3.2" x 3.2" |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs | 1.6 lbs |
| Release Date | November 2017 | March 2019 |
The most obvious upgrade with the Nebula Capsule II is resolution. You get 720p (1280x720) HD playback compared to the original Capsule's 480p. While still not Full HD, that's a noticeable improvement in sharpness and detail, especially on larger screen sizes. Fine text, facial features, and textures all look clearer and more defined.
Brightness also gets a healthy bump from 100 to 200 ANSI lumens. Combined with the higher 600:1 contrast ratio (up from 400:1), the Capsule II produces a considerably punchier and more vibrant picture. It's not enough for daytime viewing, but in a dark room, the image really pops off the screen.
That said, I was generally impressed with the original Capsule's picture quality for the size. Despite the lower pixel count, it still delivers a vivid and colorful image up to 100 inches thanks to the RGB LED light source. Just temper your expectations compared to larger 1080p projectors. The Capsule is all about maximizing portability.
And portability is fantastic on both models. The Capsule measures just 4.7" tall and 2.7" in diameter, making it about the size of a tallboy beer can. The Capsule II is slightly larger at 5.9" x 3.2" x 3.2" and half a pound heavier. But both are exceptionally compact and easy to slip into a small bag or pack.
Battery life is the one area where the original Capsule wins out. It's rated for up to 4 hours of video playback compared to the Capsule II's 2.5 hours. In my tests, I averaged closer to 3 and 2 hours respectively. The difference is likely due to the Capsule II's brighter LED and faster processor. Both should get you through a movie, but the Capsule is better for longer binges.
Another big upgrade on the Capsule II is audio. The 8W speaker is not only more powerful but noticeably fuller and richer than the original's 5W driver. Dialogue has more weight and presence, and music sounds less thin and tinny. The Capsule II also supports HDMI ARC, allowing you to easily connect a soundbar or speaker for even bigger sound.
The Capsule II's Android TV operating system is a big step up from the original's basic Android 7.1 interface. You get access to the full Google Play store for downloading apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video directly to the projector. The original Capsule required sideloading apps or screen mirroring from a phone or tablet.
Android TV also enables voice search and commands via the included remote's Google Assistant button. I found this incredibly handy for quickly finding content and controlling playback hands-free. The original Capsule's remote is more basic, with just a D-pad and a few shortcut keys.
Another helpful feature on the Capsule II is auto focus. The lens will automatically adjust for a sharp picture within a second of powering on or moving the projector. The original Capsule requires you to manually dial in focus using the side wheel. Both offer vertical keystone correction to square up the image when projecting at an angle.
In terms of connectivity, the two are fairly evenly matched. You get a single HDMI input, USB port, and 3.5mm audio output on each. The Capsule II adds a second USB port and swaps the microUSB power input for USB-C. Both support dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for connecting peripherals like game controllers or external speakers.
Overall, the Nebula Capsule II is a substantial upgrade in picture and sound quality, smarts, and user friendliness. The higher 720p resolution, 200-lumen brightness, and Android TV interface make for a more polished and premium experience. Only the shorter battery life and higher cost keep it from being the clear-cut winner.
The original Nebula Capsule is still a solid pick for those who prioritize portability and affordability above all else. The 480p image and basic Android 7.1 OS get the job done for casual on-the-go viewing. And the extra battery life comes in handy for longer trips. But unless you're really stretching your budget, the Capsule II's refined performance justifies the price difference for most buyers.
Capsule II vs Capsule: Design
The Nebula Capsule 1 and 2 share the same cylindrical "soda can" form factor that's become Anker's signature design. Both feature a matte black aluminum housing with speaker grille at one end and a projection lens at the other. A ring of touch-sensitive controls for power and volume sit on the side.
Nebula Capsule Design
Nebula Capsule 2 Design
Size is the main difference, with the Capsule 2 measuring about an inch taller and half an inch wider in diameter than the original. It's also about a third of a pound heavier. But both are compact and light enough to palm in one hand or slide into a jacket pocket.
On the back of each projector, you'll find the input and output ports, plus a manual focus wheel on the Capsule 1. The Capsule 2 drops this wheel and moves the ports to the bottom edge for a cleaner look. The USB-C charging port is another nice upgrade from the original's microUSB.
Nebula Capsule II or Original: Owner Reviews
Let's see what actual buyers have to say about their experiences with the Nebula Capsule series projectors:
Nebula Capsule Owner Reviews
Praises: "The portability of this thing is insane. It's so small and light, I can take it anywhere for impromptu movie nights. The 4-hour battery is also clutch for camping trips."
"I'm really impressed with the picture quality for the size. No, it's not HD, but in a dark room, it's plenty crisp and colorful for casual viewing. Great for kid's sleepovers."
***
Drawbacks: "The Android interface is pretty clunky and limited. I wish it had the full Play Store for easily installing apps. Sideloading is a pain."
"100 lumens is really not enough for any ambient light. You need total darkness to get a halfway decent picture, especially at larger sizes. Curtains are a must."
Nebula Capsule 2 Owner Reviews
Praises: "The jump to 720p makes a big difference in clarity, especially for text. I can actually read subtitles and movie credits now without squinting!"
"Android TV is so much better than the old Capsule's software. Having a real app store and voice search saves me so much time and hassle. It's like a Fire Stick built-in."
***
Drawbacks: "I miss the 4-hour battery on the original Capsule. 2.5 hours is cutting it close for longer movies. I find myself reaching for the charger more often."
"The fan noise is definitely louder on the Capsule II, especially in the brighter picture modes. It's not awful, but it's noticeable during quiet scenes."
Overall, Nebula Capsule owners are thrilled with the projector's go-anywhere portability and respectable picture quality for the size. Many cite the long battery life and easy setup as standout features. Common complaints include the limited app support and low brightness in ambient light.
Nebula Capsule II reviewers appreciate the sharper 720p resolution, brighter image, and more powerful speaker. The Android TV interface with Google Assistant is also a huge hit for streaming. A few users lament the shorter battery life compared to the original and note slightly higher fan noise. But most feel the audio and video improvements are well worth the tradeoffs.
Both models receive high marks for build quality and reliability, with very few reports of hardware issues or defects. Anker's customer support also earns praise for quickly resolving any problems that do arise. While not perfect, the Capsule and Capsule II clearly live up to their promise of convenient big-screen viewing on the go.
Capsule and Capsule II Alternatives
If you're not completely sold on the Nebula Capsule or Capsule II, here are a couple of other portable projectors worth considering:
- ViewSonic M1 Mini Plus: A pocket-sized 1080p projector with auto keystone, a built-in battery, 120 LED lumens, and premium Harman Kardon speakers. Plays well with USB-C devices;
- XGIMI MoGo Pro: A 1080p Android TV projector with auto focus, 300 ANSI lumens, and a 2-hour battery. Delivers a brighter and sharper image than either Capsule in a still-portable design.
The ViewSonic M1 Mini Plus is a strong Capsule alternative for those who prioritize resolution over brightness. The 1080p DLP chip produces crisp, detailed images, though the 120 LED lumens limit screen size to around 60". The ultra-compact form factor, 1.5-hour battery, and premium build quality make it ideal for travel. USB-C connectivity is a nice bonus for laptop and phone mirroring.
On the brighter end of the spectrum, the XGIMI MoGo Pro delivers a vivid 300-lumen picture with 1080p clarity. At 5.5 x 4.3 x 1.9", it's around the size of an average toiletry bag - pocketable but less so than the ViewSonic. The Android TV interface, auto focus and keystone, and 2-hour battery are welcome touches, if a bit behind the Capsule II in refinement. Still, it's an excellent choice for those seeking max brightness in a portable package.
Should You Buy the Anker Nebula Capsule or Capsule II?
After thorough hands-on testing, it's clear that both the Nebula Capsule vs Capsule II deliver on their promise of portable big-screen entertainment. With palm-sized designs, all-in-one functionality, and long-lasting batteries, they offer an unmatched blend of flexibility, user-friendliness, and "just works" simplicity for on-the-go viewing. Short of full-size TV features and brightness, they're the most convenient way to bring the big-screen experience anywhere.
For users who value maximum quality per cubic inch, the Nebula Capsule II is the clear winner. The higher 720p resolution, brighter 200-lumen output, stronger 8W speaker, and auto focus make it a meaningful upgrade in core audio and video performance. Add in Android TV with Google Assistant and you have a super-portable projector that punches well above its weight class.
On the other hand, if you prioritize battery life and portability over premium features, the original Nebula Capsule remains a solid pick. The 480p picture and basic Android 7.1 OS are a noticeable downgrade from the Capsule II. But the pocket-friendly size, 4-hour runtime, and lower cost will appeal to casual users and bargain hunters. It's still a satisfying way to watch movies under the stars or in a pillow fort.
Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either projector for impromptu viewing on the go. The Nebula Capsule and Capsule II set the bar for mini all-in-one convenience, with the sequel justified for discerning eyes and the original suited for smaller budgets. Simply pick the one that best fits your needs and prepare to be wowed by the anywhere, anytime magic of portable projection.
That's all from me! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions as you shop for a mini projector. I'm always happy to help fellow road warriors and movie buffs make the most of their mobile viewing. Thanks for reading!
Go Deeper:
Jim's our tech geek with a mission since February 2023. From movies to video projectors, he knows his stuff and aims to make tech work for you. When he's not geeking out, he's there to guide you through making savvy decisions.
