The Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE is handy and mobile, but a fully-fledged 4K projector with Google TV and Dolby Vision. In the practical test it shows a great picture with a laser-LED combination, is easy to use and proves to be versatile.
Many people know Anker primarily from its high-quality accessories such as chargers and cables. But the company, founded in 2011 by a former Google employee, is now very broadly positioned, including audio products and small and large battery storage devices. The Nebula projectors from the Chinese are also popular; the portable “can projector” Capsule is particularly well known here. The new Nebula Cosmos 4K SE can also be used mobile, but as a 4K projector it plays in a higher league. ntv.de tried out the device that uses a laser-LED combination to project its image onto the wall. It is currently available from just under 1400 euros.
Mobile and high quality
The projector weighs 4.5 kilograms and measures 26.4 x 22.1 x 16.5 centimeters. This means it can't simply be carried in a backpack like a capsule, but it is easy to carry thanks to a wide, padded handle. For example, you can store the projector in a room and only bring it into the living room for movie nights. But you can also leave it standing because it looks good with its gray metallic look and red accents.
The projector has airy sides.
(Photo: kwe)
As can be expected from Anker devices, the workmanship is of high quality, even if the housing is made entirely of plastic. Two wide rubber feet on the bottom guarantee a secure hold on smooth surfaces. To screw the projector onto a tripod or mount, it has a standard thread on the bottom.
Excellent automatic
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE does not have a height adjustment option. But he usually doesn't need that any more than he needs a book under his front foot. Because the projector has excellent automatic corrections. So you just have to direct the picture roughly where you want it.
Without any further settings, the projector adjusts the trapeze out of the packaging and every time it is started. So it creates a rectangular image if it is not aligned centrally to the projection surface. The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE also automatically focuses and shifts the projection when obstacles are in the way.
You can understand the remote control even without instructions.
The projector automatically adapts its image to screens just as accurately. If a person comes into its field of vision, the projector dims its light to protect their eyes. If the projector is moved, it is usually enough to perform the “one-click image correction” and everything will be fine again. All of this worked excellently in the practical test; manual improvements were not necessary, but are of course possible.
Uncomplicated setup and operation
The initial setup is just as easy, especially if you already have a Google account. In principle, all you have to do is add a new device in the Google Home app and scan a QR code with your smartphone.
Otherwise, you get understandable step-by-step instructions, which, like the entire menu, are formulated in error-free German. That's a good thing, because both the included quick guide and the download manual are currently only available in English.
The projector’s user interface is also largely self-explanatory. There is no direct advertising and you can see the apps you have installed at first glance. Recommendations from these and other free applications are also displayed. This includes best-selling films, popular series and series, recommended YouTube videos and other collections.
Independent with RTL+ and other services
YouTube, Netflix and Amazon are pre-installed in the apps, and the other offerings in the app store are large. Here you can also find the streaming service RTL+, whose appearance on Google TV devices is excellent. You can also install Apple TV and all important media libraries. You can search for games and other apps by entering titles or categories.
A room doesn't have to be darker for a 200-inch projection.
(Photo: Anchor)
You can do this with the also simple and handy remote control, the buttons of which are conveniently illuminated when you lift it. Or you can use the Nebula app to conveniently type on the smartphone keyboard. It is also possible to make voice input; the remote control has an integrated microphone for this. This also makes searching for content work quite well.
Great picture
The image quality is excellent for a compact 4K projector in this price range. The maximum luminosity of 1800 ANSI lumens specified by the manufacturer is sufficient even for barely darkened rooms. How bright it can be depends on the image size, i.e. the distance from the projector to the wall or screen. At 60 inches you can leave the curtains open, at 200 inches it should be as dark as possible. The brightness of the image can be adjusted manually or left to a reliable automatic system.
One of the HDMI ports supports eARC.
(Photo: kwe)
With appropriate sources and a high-quality screen, not only is the image sharp, but the contrast and colors are also impressive. No wonder, after all, the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE not only supports HDR10, but also Dolby Vision. But even under less than ideal conditions, the projector produces a sophisticated image. Among other things, it has automatic color adjustment on board if the wallpaper is not white. But their options have limits; the wall color shouldn't be too flashy. Fast movements are not a problem for the projector; streaks etc. were not visible in the test.
Easy to connect and responsive
Apps mean that the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE basically works autonomously. But he is also sociable. You can connect players to the back via HDMI 2.1 or USB. Content from Android smartphones, iPhones, Macs and Windows computers can also be streamed to the projector.
The projector also harmonizes perfectly with game consoles, and not only does it provide a great display. Anker states the delay as 18.2 milliseconds, but it is certainly not noticeable. However, this may only apply if keystone correction is deactivated in game mode. With it the reaction time can be longer.
The projector does have two surprisingly good stereo speakers on the sides that even support Dolby Audio, but of course they can't keep up with a good soundbar or a surround system on the HDMI port. It is also possible to pair speakers via Bluetooth, and the device also has a headphone jack.
The ventilation volume is limited, but you can hear it in quiet moments. In the immediate vicinity of the device, it reached just over 50 decibels in the practical test at maximum load. The power consumption was always around 200 watts, which is absolutely okay.
Conclusion
The Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE can currently be found in promotions at prices starting at around 1400 euros. That's not a small amount of money, but you get a lot for it. The projector's image is great and the brightness is sufficient for most applications. It is also versatile and yet uncomplicated.
