In the world of home entertainment, there’s nothing quite like the experience of watching a movie or TV show on a big screen. And with the rise of portable projectors, you can now bring that cinematic experience wherever you go. Two of the most popular portable projectors today are Anker’s Nebula Apollo and Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K.
Anker Nebula projectors are known for their high-quality picture and sound, ease of use, and portability. But while the Apollo and Cosmos offer outstanding features and capabilities, there’s a lightyear of difference between the two. Below, we unpack their design, functionality, and performance to help you decide.
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Anker Nebula Apollo vs Cosmos Comparison Chart
Design
Anker’s Nebula Apollo is smaller and more portable while the Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K is larger and more durable.
Anker’s Nebula Apollo and Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K couldn’t be more different in their designs. The Apollo is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry around. In fact, it’s one of the smallest projectors in the Nebula lineup. From afar, the unit resembles a Bluetooth speaker, thanks to the speaker grille that covers much of the projector.
However, the Apollo lacks a built-in handle that could have made it more convenient to carry. Instead, the projector relies on its size and form for portability and on-the-go use. But with its rectangular shape and rounded edges, the unit is fortunately easy to grip.
In contrast, the Cosmos Laser 4K is a midsize projector. To offset the heft, the unit emphasizes a premium design. The projector sports a distinct rectangular form with a classy matte black finish. Build quality is similarly excellent, with the projector featuring metal casings for durability. And although heavier than the Apollo, the Cosmos Laser 4K has a built-in carry handle.
Overall, the design differences between the Apollo and Cosmos Laser 4K reflect their respective features, capabilities, and intended use. The Apollo is designed for portability and versatility, while the Cosmos Laser 4K prioritizes performance and high-end features.
Display and Audio
The Nebula Apollo’s display and audio make it ideal for smaller rooms, while the Cosmos is suitable for larger spaces.
Display-wise, the Nebula Apollo has a resolution of 854×480 pixels and a brightness of 200 ANSI lumens. It can project a screen up to 100 inches, but the image quality isn’t as sharp as higher-resolution projectors. On the other hand, the Nebula Cosmos offers a 4K resolution with a brightness of 1500 ANSI lumens. It provides a projection distance of up to 150 inches while maintaining picture clarity and detail.
As for the audio, the Apollo has a single 6W speaker. While it’s a modest component, it still delivers clear and balanced sound. It won’t blow you away with its power, but it does the job for casual viewing and presentations. The projector also has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect external speakers for a more immersive audio experience.
In contrast, the Cosmos Laser 4K boasts two 10W speakers and support for Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD. The speakers are positioned on either side of the projector, providing a wider soundstage ideal for larger rooms or home theater setups. The unit also has Bluetooth connectivity and an HDMI ARC port, which allows you to connect to a soundbar or home theater system.
Interface and Settings
The Anker Nebula Cosmos outdoes the Nebula Apollo when it comes to interface and settings.
Both projectors are fairly easy to use. The Apollo comes with user-friendly touch controls. On the top panel, you’ll find keys for the home menu, mouse mode, and volume control. Meanwhile, the center area serves as a navigation button. If the panel is too sensitive, however, there is an option to turn it off.
The Cosmos has a similar control panel layout. And since the projector has more space, you get dedicated keys for settings and navigation. Like its entry-level counterpart, the Cosmos also comes with a remote control. If you lose your remote, don’t fret. Both projectors are compatible with the Anker Connect app, available on Android and iOS.
Still, the premium Cosmos projector has the edge. The unit boasts seamless auto-focus and auto keystone correction. Both are part and parcel of a tech called Intelligent Environment Adaptation (IEA). With this feature, homeowners don’t have to worry about setting up the projector. Instead, the Cosmos will use IEA to analyze your room and optimize the display settings of the unit.
Software and Runtime
The Nebula Cosmos runs on Android TV 10 but is limited to DC for power, while the Apollo has Android 7.1 and has a four-hour battery mode for projecting.
Anker’s Nebula Apollo runs on Android 7.1, with apps downloadable from the Nebula Manager store. You can install apps directly to the device and gain access to services like cloud storage and streaming.
In contrast, the Nebula Cosmos runs on Android TV 10.0, with access to over 7,000 apps from Google Play Store. Netflix is also preinstalled and supports 4K HDR streaming. The Cosmos’s remote control also features direct-access buttons to YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, and Netflix.
Both the Apollo and Cosmos projectors can be used while plugged in. However, only the Apollo has a battery mode for wireless projecting for up to four hours. In music mode, you get up to 30 hours of playback time.
The Cosmos, on the other hand, is limited to DC. So, if you plan to watch a movie in a remote area, you’ll need access to portable power.
Verdict
Get the Anker Nebula Apollo if you want something portable. Opt for the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K if you prioritize picture quality.
Performance-wise, the Anker Nebula Apollo is a great entry-level projector, offering good quality sound and a compact design that’s easy to transport. It also has a built-in battery that lasts up to 4 hours, which makes it great for outdoor use or on-the-go presentations. Given its size, however, projection size and quality are limited.
The Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K, on the other hand, offers a premium experience with its advanced laser technology that provides bright, vivid colors and deep blacks. Although it has a handle for easy carrying, the lack of a built-in battery makes the projector better suited for room-to-room portability.
FAQs
The Anker Nebula Apollo has a charge time of two hours.
The projector light is programmed to dim whenever a person walks in its path to safeguard their eyesight. This is made possible by incorporating two time-of-flight (ToF) sensors beneath the projector lens, which determine the distance between the projector and the screen. If the sensors detect any obstruction in front of the projector, they activate the Eye Guard feature and send an alert to your phone.
Anker’s Nebula Apollo projector enjoys a 12-month warranty.
Yes. Anker offers free shipping throughout the contiguous US. The shipping time frame is 3 to 7 days.