The Anker Nebula Mars 3 is a versatile and robust portable projector designed for those who relish cinema-quality movie experiences in various outdoor settings. Priced at $1,099.99, it’s positioned at the higher end of the market, targeting a niche audience that values mobility without compromising on visual and audio quality.
Go outside
Encased in a durable shell, the Mars 3 withstands outdoor elements with IPX3 water resistance, dust, and drop protection. Its 4.5kg weight and integrated handle make it reasonably portable, though not as lightweight as some competitors. The inclusion of a lens cover and built-in stand adds to its convenience, eliminating the need for extra accessories.
Brightness controls
The Mars 3 shines with its 1,000 ANSI Lumens brightness and full HD resolution, offering a maximum screen size of 200 inches. This provides an impressive visual experience, especially in dimmer environments. The AI and Eco modes for brightness adjustment are thoughtful inclusions, for those looking to get as much uptime from the battery as possible.
Turn it up
One of the projector’s standout features is its 40W speaker with Dolby Audio, delivering crisp and immersive sound. This powerful audio output is a significant upgrade over many portable projectors and is ideal for both movies and music playback.
Unexpected lag
Ease of setup is a plus, with quick autofocus and keystone correction. Yet, the Mars 3 stumbles with its software. The sluggish Android TV 11 interface can be frustrating, detracting from the user experience. The absence of a native Netflix app is a glaring omission in today’s streaming-centric world, forcing users to seek less-than-ideal workarounds. This issue isn’t necessarily Anker’s fault nor exclusive to the company’s projectors, but it’s still worth noting.
Hefty bit of kit
The Mars 3 boasts a respectable battery life, lasting up to five hours in Eco mode and two hours in Standard mode. Its RoamPower technology allows it to double as a power bank, adding to its utility. Connectivity options like HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi enhance its versatility, though some users report Wi-Fi connection issues.
Final Verdict
The Anker Nebula Mars 3 is a compelling choice for outdoor movie enthusiasts and those needing a portable, robust projector. Its superior audio-visual performance and rugged design make it a reliable companion for various settings. However, its high price, minor software issues, and weight may deter some users.
Disclosure: Nebula Mars 3 projector review sample provided by Anker.
Positives and Negatives
-
Durable and resistant to outdoor threats.
-
Brightness is fine, though works best in darker environments.
-
Great sound quality and volume.
-
Easy to setup and go.
-
Battery life is good.
-
The usual issue of no native Netflix app demands a workaround.
-
Weight can limit portability.
-
High price could be tough to swallow.
-
Software can be sluggish.
