A peculiar space-age construction and integrated Google TV

I’ve tried enough portable projectors to know what I’m getting into. The package typically includes a solid 1080p picture, built-in Google TV, and built-in speakers. This specs summary applies to the budget-friendly Soundcore Nebula P1i ($369 at Amazon) too, but after a week with the device, its remarkably unique (and somewhat quirky) speaker design sets it apart.

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

The standout feature of the device is its two hinged speakers that deploy from each side. Although its overall construction is generic when folded, with the speaker panels extended, the P1i looks like it could go into orbit and start taking pictures of the Milky Way. Or maybe I’m just too into Project Hail Mary promotions.

More importantly, hinged pieces aren’t just for show. Each houses a 10W speaker that opens outward and rotates, offering a highly adjustable audio experience. Extended, the speakers can tilt down, swivel up, or rotate 180 degrees to direct sound rearward. The design makes for a more versatile setup while still offering an impressive audio experience, which I’ll talk about later. From a construction standpoint, they are held firmly enough to hold position, but are also very easy to adjust.

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

The carrying handle is a nice touch, especially since I wouldn’t put it in a bag. I had originally assumed that a little extra weight would help ground the speaker, especially when the speakers are extended, but I actually found it a little less sturdy than I expected. When you open the stand at the bottom to give the device a 15 degree tilt, it wobbles quite a bit. It’s not harmful, but you will notice your image shake if a stampede of children passes by.

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

As mentioned, on paper the Nebula P1i is largely typical in performance specs. It features a 1080p resolution, an LED light source, and up to 380 ANSI lumens of brightness. Soundcore also touts some longevity details, such as all-glass lenses, a fully sealed optical engine, dust resistance, and a built-in cooling system, all of which should help the device last over time.

In a dark room it holds up well. Streaming content looks sharp, colors are balanced, and nothing stands out as a total distraction. It doesn’t boost contrast or HDR like a higher-end model, but it avoids looking flat, which is enough for casual viewing. I scratched my recent space itch with clips of everything from The Martian to Apollo 13, and it all looked appealing with controlled lighting. I noticed a very subtle softness in the corners, especially at larger sizes, although it improved the more I was able to align the projector in a straight line. It can technically extend to around 150 inches, but it looks best in the 80 to 120 inch range, especially considering the limited brightness.

Unfortunately, ambient light is another story. In a dimly lit room, contrast decreases quickly and darker scenes lose detail. Dune Part 2, for example, is decidedly limited to 150 inches in daylight, so I’d be inclined to wait until it’s nighttime to start anything cinematic. Back to the pro list, setup is quick. Autofocus and keystone correction take care of most of the adjustments, and the process reminds me of eye exams you get at the eye doctor, including how quickly they are performed. I could move the unit, plug it in, and start watching without much delay, which is important when you’re about to start Interstellar at 11 p.m.

Audio is where the P1i makes its strongest case. The dual 10W speakers with Dolby Audio are really excellent for a projector of this size and the design easily offers one of the best setups I’ve tested. What makes the biggest difference is how the sound is directed. Extending the speakers outward provides noticeable power and transmits soundtracks and dialogue more effectively across large spaces. The ability to change the direction of each panel greatly affects the immersive feel of the projector.

In short, you would be highly unlikely to pair a soundbar or Bluetooth speaker. My only comment would be that there aren’t a ton of control settings, like amplifying dialogue for example, which can often be found in alternatives. The bass is not at cinema level and the bass details drop at times, but that is not unexpected at this size.

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

The P1i runs Google TV and 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 on many cheaper portable projectors. Once I logged in, the P1i behaved like a proper streaming device, with recommendations, watchlists, and quick app switching all in place. I love when projectors feel like my TV, because I fall right into what I was already watching.

That puts it in line with the rest of Nebula’s recent lineup. The top-end Nebula P1 also runs Google TV, along with several of the brand’s newer models, so this isn’t a stripped-down experience to hit a lower price. By contrast, many portable projectors in this range from competitors still rely on basic Android skins, which usually means you end up plugging in a Fire Stick or Chromecast. Around the back, the P1i also has the essentials for added connectivity, including HDMI, USB-A, and AUX ports if you want to plug something in.

On a day-to-day basis everything works through the remote control. There is only one power button on the projector, so navigation, playback, and settings are all done via the remote control or app. That ends up working in favor of the P1i. The device can wobble a little if you start putting pressure on it, especially with the speakers extended, so not having to bump the body is probably for the best anyway. If you lose the remote, the app is there as a backup, but the remote is much faster and more accurate.

The Nebula P1i isn’t the brightest option in this category and is less portable than battery-powered picks like the XGIMI MoGo 4 ($499 at Amazon). Even within Soundcore’s own line, the high-end Nebula P1 ($639 at Amazon) offers more power and a more premium build. However, the quirky flip-up speakers make the projector easy to position, easy to listen to, and quite flexible in real-world use. More importantly, it is much cheaper.

You’ll need to keep it plugged in, which limits the “portable” tone, and the picture 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 take out for a movie night and move around the house depending on where you want to lie down and watch. To that end, the built-in Google TV goes a long way toward keeping setup streamlined and effortless.

You can spend less on something like the 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 is priced well below the price of something like the Nebula P1 while delivering the same core idea in a simpler, more accessible way.