The Anker Nebula Capsule 2 and Nebula Capsule 3 are projectors that offer the flexibility to enjoy your favorite movies and shows anywhere, whether it be in the comfort of your home or on-the-go. While they have similar features, there are also several key differences that set them apart. Below is our Anker Nebula review, comparing the specifications, performance, and overall user experience of the Nebula Capsule 2 and Nebula Capsule 3.
Anker Nebula Capsule 2 vs 3 Comparison Chart
Design
Both the Anker Nebula Capsule 2 and 3 are compact, but the former is slightly smaller and lighter.
The Anker Nebula Capsule 2 and 3 are both portable projectors designed for use in a variety of settings, such as home entertainment, travel, and presentations. However, there are several key differences between the two models when it comes to design.
First off, size and weight. The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 is slightly larger and heavier than the Nebula Capsule 2. The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 measures 3.3 x 3.3 x 6.7 inches and weighs 2.1 pounds, while the Capsule 2 measures 3.1 x 3.1 x 5.9 inches and weighs 1.6 pounds. The Nebula Capsule 2 is easier to carry around in a bag or backpack due to its lighter and more compact build, but both are highly portable.
They share a similar design, with a cylindrical shape that looks like a capsule. Both are covered in a matte black finish for a sleek and modern look. One difference here is that the Nebula Capsule 2’s speaker grilles span the entire device while the Nebula Capsule 3’s stops at the halfway point for a more contrast-y look.
Connectivity is also an important consideration when choosing a portable projector. Both the Capsule 2 and 3 come with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to easily connect to a wide range of devices. They also feature HDMI and USB-C ports, along with an aux port to plug external speakers.
Features
The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 has a higher maximum brightness, a newer DLP chip and it also runs on a more recent version of Android TV OS.
One of the more notable differences between the two projectors is the operating system. The Capsule 2 runs on Android TV 9.0, while the Capsule 3 runs on Android TV 11.0. This means that the Capsule 3 offers an updated, more advanced and user-friendly interface. Both allow you to download and install apps directly onto the projector to access streaming content.
Brightness is another key difference between the two models. The Capsule 3 is brighter than the Capsule 2, with a maximum brightness of 300 ISO lumens compared to 200 ANSI lumens for the Capsule 2. With this difference, the Capsule 3 is better suited for use in brighter environments, while the Capsule 2 may struggle to produce a clear image in well-lit rooms.
The two devices also differ when it comes to the projection technology used. The Capsule 3 uses a newer generation DLP chip that provides better color accuracy and contrast than the Capsule 2’s older chip. The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 is capable of producing more vibrant and detailed images than the Nebula Capsule 2.
Performance
The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 offers better performance than the Nebula Capsule 2 across the board, except for battery life when they are used as Bluetooth speakers.
Both projectors are straightforward to set up and use. However, as mentioned earlier, the Anker Nebula Capsule 3 has the advantage of the more recent Android TV OS, which makes it easier to navigate and access streaming content. Additionally, the Nebula Capsule 3 has a more advanced keystone correction feature that can automatically correct the image distortion caused by projecting the image at an angle.
When it comes to video resolution, the Anker Nebula Capsule 3 offers a higher resolution of 1080p compared to the Nebula Capsule 2’s 720p. This means that the Nebula Capsule 3 is capable of producing sharper and more detailed images. In addition to that, the Nebula Capsule 3 can also project a larger image of up to 120 inches compared to the Nebula Capsule 2’s maximum projection size of 100 inches.
As far as sound goes, both the Anker Nebula Capsule 2 and 3 feature 8W speakers, but the latter supports Dolby Atmos. This means that the Capsule 3 can produce a more immersive sound, but the difference is not that drastic since these are still very small speakers.
Battery life is identical with these two projectors when watching videos. They both have a battery life of up to 2.5 hours of continuous use. However, when used as Bluetooth speakers, the Anker Nebula Capsule 2 can last up to 30 hours while the Nebula capsule 3 can only last up to 10 hours.
Verdict
The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 is better than the Anker Nebula Capsule 2 in almost every way, but it’s also significantly more expensive.
Anker Nebula Capsule 2
Anker Nebula Capsule 3
The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 is definitely an upgrade over the Nebula Capsule 2. It has a brighter output with 300 ISO lumens compared to the Capsule 2’s 200 ANSI lumens, it has a higher video resolution of 1080p, a larger max projection size, a more advanced autofocus and keystone correction, and it comes with a more recent version of Android TV OS. All of these make the Nebula Capsule 3 a more powerful and versatile projector than the Nebula Capsule 2. That said, it is significantly more expensive and it will be up to you if you are willing to pay that difference in price when choosing between the two.
The Anker Nebula Capsule 2 is still an excellent portable projector that’s suitable for smaller rooms and more basic use cases. If you don’t really need the upgraded features of the Anker Nebula Capsule 3, the Nebula Capsule 2 is a more economical choice.
FAQs
It has a battery life of up to 2.5 hours when watching videos and gaming, and up to 30 hours when used as a Bluetooth speaker.
Yes, you can download apps including Netflix on Nebula Capsule projectors.
You can use the Anker Nebula Capsule 3 to watch videos or listen to music while it’s charging.
Yes, it has an aux-out port to connect to external speakers or headphones.