An unusual, space-age built and built Google TV

I’ve tested enough portable projectors to know what I’m dealing with. The package usually includes a solid 1080p resolution built-in Google TVand integrated speakers. This specification compares to the budget-friendly Soundcore Nebula P1i ($295 on Amazon) as well, but after a week with the device, its particularly unique (and somewhat odd) speaker design sets it apart.

Soundcore’s Nebula lineup — formerly the Anker Nebula, now officially under Anker’s Soundcore brand — already leans a little cosmic (Capsule, Mars, Cosmos), so a projector that looks like a small satellite feels right.

The distinguishing feature of the device is the speaker with two hinges that can be opened from all sides. Although common in overall structure when folded, with extended speaker panels, the P1i can slide into orbit and begin capturing images of the Milky Way. Or maybe I’m too close to Project Hail Mary promotions.

More importantly, the hinged parts aren’t just for show. Each has a 10W speaker that flips out and rotates, offering a highly adjustable sound experience. Extended speakers can tilt down, flip up, or rotate 180 degrees to direct sound back. The design makes the setup more versatile while delivering an impressive audio experience, which I’ll get into more about below. From a fit point of view, they lock tight enough to hold position, but are also very easy to adjust.

The rest of the projector’s vertical, rectangular structure is simpler. Compared to really compact units like the Mogo 4, it’s not the most portable design I’ve seen, but at about 7.3 pounds, it’s still easy to move from room to room.

The carry handle is a nice touch, especially since I wouldn’t throw it in a bag. At first I thought a little extra weight would help with speaker placement, especially when the speakers are extended, but I actually found them to be a little less sturdy than I expected. When the kickstand on the bottom is opened to allow the device to tilt 15 degrees, it wobbles enough. This is not harmful, but if a crowd of children passes by, you will notice that your image is shaken.

The biggest design limitation is the lack of an internal battery. The P1i needs to stay plugged in, which keeps it closer to home than some smaller projectors. It’s a bit of a bummer, especially since everything about the design makes it feel like the perfect all-in-one for outdoor movie night. It doesn’t help that the included power cord is noticeably shorter.

As mentioned, on paper, the Nebula P1i is mostly typical in terms of performance. It has a 1080p resolution, an LED light source and a brightness of 380 ANSI lumens. The Soundcore also features some longevity details like full glass lenses, a fully sealed optical engine, dust resistance, and a built-in cooling system, all of which should help the device perform over time.

It stands up well in a dark room. Streaming content looks sharp, colors are balanced, and nothing stands out as completely distracting. It doesn’t push contrast or HDR like a high-end model, but it avoids looking flat, which is enough for casual viewing. I scratched my ultimate space itch with clips of everything from Mars to Apollo 13, all of which looked attractive in controlled lighting. I noticed a very subtle softness in the corners, especially at larger sizes, although I was able to level the projector. Technically it can extend to about 150 inches, but it looks best in the 80-120 inch range, especially considering the limited brightness.

Ambient light, unfortunately, is another story. In a dimly lit room, contrast drops rapidly and dark scenes lose detail. Dune Part 2, for example, is decidedly inhibited at 150 inches in daylight, so I’d tend to wait until night to start something cinematic. Back to the Pro list, setup is quick. Autofocus and keystone correction handle most of the adjustments, and the process reminds me of eye exams you get at the ophthalmologist, including how quickly they go. I could move the device, plug it in, and start watching without too much lag, which is important when you’re about to start Interstellar at 11pm.

Audio is where the P1i does its strongest work. The dual 10W speakers with Dolby Audio are really great for a projector of this size, and the design easily offers one of the best setups I’ve tested. The biggest difference is how the sound is directed. Extending the speakers outwards provides a noticeable punch and carries recordings and dialogue more effectively across large spaces. The ability to change the orientation of each panel has a huge impact on how immersive the projector feels.

In short, connecting a soundbar or Bluetooth speaker would be very difficult. My only comment is that there aren’t a ton of control settings, such as boosting dialogue, which can often be found in alternatives. Bass isn’t quite theatrical, and low-end detail drops off every now and then, but that’s not unexpected at this size.

TL;DR on performance: if you’re likely to use this projector at night or in dark rooms, the overall package is good for the price, but the speaker design is really impressive.

The P1i runs Google TV and it offers a full streaming experience out of the box. Apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video load and play as expected, which isn’t always the case with many cheaper portable projectors. Once I logged in, the P1i behaved like a proper streaming device, with recommendations, watchlists, and quick app switching. I love how projectors feel like my TV because I’m already dropping right into whatever I’m watching.

This puts it in line with the rest of Nebula’s recent lineup. The high-end Nebula P1 also runs Google TV, along with several of the brand’s newer models, so it’s not a watered-down experience for a lower price point. In contrast, many competing portable projectors in this range still rely on basic Android skins, which usually means you’ll need to connect to a Fire Stick or Chromecast. On the back, the P1i also provides the basics for additional connectivity, including HDMI, USB-A and AUX ports should you want to plug anything in.

In daily use, everything goes through the remote control. The projector itself only has a power button, so navigation, playback and settings are done via the remote or the app. This works in the P1i’s favor. The device can feel a bit wobbly if you start pressing it, especially with the speakers extended, so it’s best not to have to touch the body anyway. If you lose the remote, the app is there as a backup, but the remote is faster and more accurate.

The Nebula P1i isn’t the brightest choice in this category, and it’s less portable than battery-powered models. XGIMI MoGo 4 ($499 on Amazon). Even in Soundcore’s own lineup, the high-end Nebula P1 ($639 on Amazon) offers more power and a more premium build. However, the unusual, convertible speakers make the projector easy to position, easy to listen to, and quite flexible in real life. Most importantly, it costs less.

You’ll have to keep it plugged in, which limits “portable” volume, and the image works best at night, so it won’t replace a full home theater setup or your living room TV. It’s more likely to be something you pull out for movie night and move around the house. To that end, the built-in Google TV goes a long way in keeping setup simple and effortless.

you can spend less on something like Yaber T2 Plus ($309.99 at Amazon) and get battery power in return, but most cheaper options won’t offer the same level of refinement, especially when it comes to sound and setup. The P1i falls well below the price of something like the Nebula P1, while delivering the same basic idea in a simpler, more accessible way.