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Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE: two-minute assessment
The Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE is a laser and LED sensible projector able to projecting 4K Dolby-Imaginative and prescient-enhanced imagery as much as 200 inches. It was first launched within the US, adopted by the UK in August and September 2024 for a listing worth of $1,299.99 / £1,299.99.
It is cheaper than its predecessor, the Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K, which has an additional 400 ANSI lumens of brightness, and a full laser gentle supply, in comparison with the 4K SEs laser and LED HybridBeam. The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE has lots to boast about although, with Google TV built-in, providing easy entry to standard streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+, and plenty of different helpful apps, as one would anticipate from Google. There’s first rate assist for exterior content material too, with HDMI and USB-C ports making it easy to attach a disc drive or laptop computer.
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE has a acknowledged brightness of 1,800 ANSI lumens – that is a way in need of a lot of the finest 4K projectors. Our testing didn’t present outcomes to get enthusiastic about, with measurements taken together with 122 nits peak brightness, which wasn’t radically completely different from the BenQ v5000i, and grayscale accuracy of 8, plus a coloration accuracy of three.4.
Protection of the UHDA-P3 coloration gamut got here in at 88.9%, with BT.2020 studying 76.3%. The enter lag measured up, with 35ms of lag in Recreation Mode Customary, and 18.5ms in Recreation Mode Excessive.
Actual-time autofocus, auto keystone correction, and auto display match labored nicely when projected onto small targets, however I discovered I needed to manually alter the 4 keystone factors to get the picture to take a seat centrally (nearly) on my 100-inch display. I may solely watch at 60 inches, as I lacked the house to have the projector the required 7.8ft / 2.4 meters away from the display. When you have your coronary heart set on getting the complete film theatre expertise with out having to shell out on a home extension, I’d advocate looking at our choose of the Finest extremely quick throw projectors as a substitute.
With regards to the efficiency of the distinction and brightness when watching content material, darker scenes in films and TV exhibits with a darkish aesthetic have been suffering from pixelated grays the place darker areas would in any other case be seen whereas watching on a TV. This isn’t fully unusual for projectors, as producing dense blacks is of course tough given how the picture is generated, however I can’t say that it didn’t subtract from the in any other case fabulous viewing expertise. Scenes in Damsel and Prometheus particularly showcased the Cosmos 4K SE’s means to ship stunningly vivid coloration and complicated particulars, little doubt due to the addition of Dolby Imaginative and prescient. This, together with the 2 built-in 15-watt Dolby-Audio-enabled audio system made watching films and collection with this projector a satisfyingly immersive expertise. You may learn additional particulars about this within the Image High quality part under.
In a nutshell, supplied you will have the house to realize the display dimension you need, you’re completely satisfied watching content material in little greater than a dim gentle, and you’ve got the house to put this chonky instance of a conveyable projector, I’d extremely advocate the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE.
Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE assessment: worth and availability
- Listing worth: $1,299.99 / £1,299.99
- Obtainable within the US and the UK
- Launched in August / September 2024
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE grew to become out there within the US in August 2024, adopted by the UK in September 2024, at a listing worth of $1,299.99 / £1,299.99. Other than the Amazon Prime Day gross sales, when it dropped to $999 / £999, which Anker matched on the Nebula web site, the price of the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE appears to have remained at its standard worth. On the time of writing, the Cosmos 4K SE shouldn’t be out there in Australia.
Whereas unlikely to be a spontaneous buy at this worth, the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE remains to be miles cheaper than all however one in our alternative of the finest 4K projectors.
Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE assessment: specs
| Display screen sizes supported | 20 – 200 inches |
| Brightness (specified) | 1,800 ANSI Lumens |
| HDR assist | Sure, Dolby Imaginative and prescient |
| Optical expertise | HybridBeam (Laser+LED)DLP 0.47-inch DMD |
| 4K | Sure |
| Speaker | 15W ×2 (Dolby Audio) |
| OS | Google TV |
| Connections | Bluetooth, HDMI 2.1(eARC), HDMI 2.1, USB-A, AUX, AC-in |
| Dimensions | 10.4 x 8.7 x 6.5 inches / 264 x 221 x 165mm |
| Weight | 9.9 lb / 4.5kg |
Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE assessment: design and options
- Google TV built-in
- Massive however technically transportable
- Environment friendly auto-correction and calibration options
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE nearly courses as transportable, although it’s a little bit of a chonk, weighing in at 4.5kg /9.9lb, and with dimensions of 10.4 x 8.7 x 6.5 inches / 264 x 221 x 165mm. I used to be capable of choose it up and carry it about, however I needed to be cautious about it. It will be much more of a trouble if it wasn’t for the useful, and cozy silicone inbuilt deal with that protrudes from the highest of the projector physique.
This projector is solely mains-powered, with no built-in battery or suitable battery pack. So whilst you may be capable to carry it outdoors, you may must have entry to an acceptable energy outlet for al fresco viewing.
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE makes use of its HybridBeam, which is a combo of laser and LED, to generate pictures with as much as a specified 1,800 ANSI lumens of brightness. The auto display adjustment, auto keystone, and autofocus options did a fantastic job of projecting pictures that have been rectangular and crisp for essentially the most half, particularly when projecting onto smaller targets, which for me particularly was the wall house subsequent to my mattress. Nonetheless, I discovered I used to be restricted to only 60 inches when making an attempt to look at on my 100-inch display. This compelled me to utilize the four-point guide keystone correction, because the Cosmos 4K SE insisted on fixing the 60-inch projection to the upper-left nook of the display every time, which regarded every kind of improper. After some investigating, I discovered that the 4K SE must be a minimum of 7.8 toes / 2.4 meters away from the goal to mission at 90 inches or above. I used to be utilizing the projector in fairly a big room, so this appears pretty limiting.
Anker claims that it’s potential to look at a 60-inch projection in a well-lit room with home windows and oblique daylight, however sadly, I need to disagree. The problems I’ve already talked about concerning the distinction and black density have been when watching in darkness. After I tried to look at with extra gentle sources any stronger than the colourful LED strips behind my TV, this distinction problem obtained worse, and something greater than very dim daylight made it very tough to see most of what was happening in no matter I used to be watching.
Having a lightweight supply within the room additionally performs havoc with the Wall Coloration Calibration function, which is meant to change the coloring of the projection in order that it nonetheless appears right whatever the coloration of the wall you’re projecting towards. I examined this out in our TechRadar music room, which is painted a deep teal coloration. After I tried this with some oblique daylight coming from the small window far over to the appropriate on the identical wall I used to be projecting onto, the “coloration corrected” picture had an off-putting blue tint to it. After I repeated the calibration with the lights off, it labored completely, and I used to be actually impressed.
I discovered the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE simple to manage due to the backlit distant management’s helpful voice assistant function, as I may ask Google to whisk me straight to the content material I needed. The Nebula Join app additionally labored nicely as a distant management, too.
I really like that the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE comes with Google TV built-in, as in my expertise it has confirmed to be essentially the most environment friendly Android TV OS by far. As anticipated, it gives entry to all the standard streaming apps like Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and Apple TV, plus easy accessibility to YouTube, naturally. It is easy to entry content material from exterior sources too, due to the USB-C enter and the 2 HDMI ports, considered one of which is a HDMI 2.1 (eARC), supporting 4K visuals at 60 hertz, with lossless transmission.
With regards to audio output, the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE has two built-in 15-watt audio system enabled with Dolby Audio. I did not observe any points with the sound high quality throughout my testing, I used to be very glad with the standard. I’d have picked up fairly rapidly if there have been any points {that a} typical person would discover – I’ve examined a variety of Bluetooth audio system in my time so I’ll spot from a mile off poor readability or if the bass and treble are under par.
Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE assessment: image high quality
- Superbly vivid coloration
- Disappointing lack of distinction
- Immersive cinematic expertise
After I obtained my palms on the Cosmos 4K SE, I used to be actually excited to strive it out. I might beforehand examined the Nebula Mars 3 Air again in my freelancing days, which I beloved, so I used to be anticipating large issues from the 4K SE.
After letting it heat up for an hour, myself and my colleague James carried out assessments to guage the projector’s capabilities. The height brightness, when viewing in Film Mode and measured on a white 10% window sample, was 122 nits in SDR, which is not far off the height brightness studying we obtained for the costlier BenQ v5000i, and 119 in HDR, surpassing the studying we obtained for the BenQ.
The colour efficiency figures that resulted from our testing did not blow me away, however at this worth and for informal viewing, I can forgive the Cosmos 4K SE for this. The projector achieved a Grayscale accuracy of 8, and a 3.4 for coloration accuracy, which was only a whisker off our goal stage of three.
Protection of the BT.2020 scored 76.3%, and the UHDA-P3 coloration gamut protection was additionally nothing to shout about at 88.9% that means that, though the colours have been satisfyingly vivid, they weren’t as wealthy and diversified as these projected by the LG CineBeam Q, which gave a powerful studying of 98.7%. These check figures have been obtained whereas viewing in HDR Film Mode. The enter lag in Recreation Mode Customary was 35ms, and in Gaming Mode Excessive was 18.5ms, which helps Anker’s claims of the 4K SE being low latency with underneath 19ms of lag and will fulfill nearly all of informal avid gamers.
By way of the brightness and distinction when viewing there have been combined outcomes. In lighter scenes, the whites and colours have been satisfyingly vivid and dazzling, however the dealing with of the distinction in darkish scenes left rather a lot to be desired. The primary movie I watched on the Cosmos 4K SE was Damsel on Netflix, starring Millie Bobby Brown. I can simply bounce straight into all of the positives, as I used to be surprised by the attractive imagery that the projector delivered, however I am going to get the unfavourable out of the best way first. It was clear pretty early on that there was a distinction problem.
When the principle character Elodie enters a darkish cave, all element is misplaced round her, with stonework being changed with gray pixelated sections. Reaching a top quality deep black can show tough for projectors, particularly people who do not possess full laser optical expertise – with a 238:1 distinction ratio studying from the Cosmos 4K SE, it’s hardly stunning that it didn’t carry out brilliantly on this space. Except for this, there have been so many scenes that took benefit of the projector’s strengths, doubtless because of the presence of Dolby Imaginative and prescient. The scenes involving the luminescent grubs and the crystal caves have been visually gorgeous, with the vivid colours and readability making Damsel a delight to look at.
Through the opening sequence of Prometheus, the extent of brightness was spectacular, as was the colour density. The fragile particulars on the spaceship because it got here in to land have been seen and clear, as have been the pores and veins on the Engineer’s face. The extent of intricacy within the DNA scenes when the strands have been getting affected by the black pathogen extremely impressed me too. The scene that basically caught my consideration, although, was when David has a drop of Chemical A0-3959X.91 on the tip of his finger. The close-up pictures of this have been visually gorgeous, a lot in order that I began to calculate fairly how I may incorporate a projector display into my front room on a everlasting foundation. Regardless of the darker scenes in Maleficent and Damsel noticeably missing distinction, related scenes seem like dealt with higher in Prometheus; they nonetheless weren’t excellent, however darker particulars have been extra seen.
Regardless of my simple admiration of the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE, I would not advocate it to anybody who frequently enjoys applications with a darker aesthetic. Sequence like Marvel’s Daredevil take an actual hit because of the lack of excellent distinction, making the scenes seem grainy and low-quality.
In Avengers: Age of Ultron, playback was easy throughout intense battle scenes, with the pictures remaining crisp and prime quality, regardless of the quick motion. The element is unbelievable as soon as once more, with the intricate weave of the material of Hawk Eye’s swimsuit clearly seen.
Regardless of my simple admiration of the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE, I would not advocate it to anybody who frequently enjoys applications with a darker aesthetic, even when watching at the hours of darkness. Sequence akin to Marvel’s Daredevil take an actual hit because of the lack of excellent distinction, making the scenes seem grainy and low-quality, which is an actual disgrace contemplating the projector’s fabulous efficiency in different areas.
- Image high quality rating: 4/5
Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE assessment: worth
- Good image high quality for the worth
- Delivers a satisfying at-home cinema expertise
- Makes use of Laser and LED hybrid optical expertise
At $1,299.99 / £1,299.99, the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE is $400 / £400 cheaper than the earlier mannequin, the Nebula Cosmos 4K, regardless of the 4K SE having a big projection vary, Google TV inbuilt, and Dolby Imaginative and prescient. This worth distinction is probably going because of the 400 extra ANSI lumens and, extra importantly, because of the authentic 4K using a laser gentle supply, in comparison with the 4K SE’s laser and LED HybridBeam, which may clarify its lackluster brightness.
Total, the viewing expertise was unbelievable when in a dimly lit room, and the sound high quality was spot on. It was like having a pop-up cinema, with superbly vivid colours and no issues with fast-paced scenes. The downsides cannot be ignored, nonetheless, with a scarcity of distinction in some darker scenes when watching at the hours of darkness, and a distractingly unhealthy lack of distinction and brightness points when watching within the gentle, regardless of viewing on the projection dimension that Anker claims can be seen in a well-lit atmosphere.
Whereas it is fairly chunky, and never precisely a beautiful addition to the decor until it is located in an off-the-cuff TV and gaming den, it feels suitably strong for the worth. Whereas the scale and weight initially made me query its obvious portability, this weight pales compared to different 4K projectors such because the Samsung The Premiere 9, and the carry deal with positively makes shifting it a couple of easier activity. If the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE may upset your Feng Shui, then worry not, as extra enticing options can be found, such because the LG CineBeam Q, which you’ll be able to be taught a bit of extra about within the Additionally Take into account part under.
Ought to I purchase the Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE?
Purchase it if
Do not buy it if
Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE assessment: additionally contemplate
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE | Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K | Hisense PX3-Professional | LG CineBeam Q |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worth | $1,299.99 / £1,299.99 | $1,999.99 / £1,799.99 | $3,499 / £2,499 | $1,299 / £1,299 / AU$2,499 |
| Display screen sizes supported | 20 – 200 inches | 60 – 150 inches | 80-150 inches | 50 –120 inches |
| Brightness (specified) | 1,800 ANSI Lumens | 2,200 ANSI Lumens | 3,000 ANSI Lumens | 500 ANSI lumens |
| HDR assist | Sure, Dolby Imaginative and prescient | Sure | Sure, Dolby Imaginative and prescient | Sure |
| Optical expertise | HybridBeam (Laser+LED)DLP 0.47″ DMD | Laser DLP | 3-laser DLP | RGB laser DLP |
| 4K | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Speaker | 15W ×2 (Dolby Audio) | 10W ×2 + 5W ×2 (Dolby Atmos) | Dolby Atmos and IMAX Enhanced for DTS | 3-watt mono speaker |
| OS | Google TV | Android TV 10.0 (dongle) | Google TV | WebOS |
| Connections | Bluetooth, HDMI 2.1(eARC), HDMI 2.1, USB-A, AUX, AC-in | Bluetooth, HDMI 2.0 (ARC), USB-A, AUX, AC-in | 2 x HDMI 2.1, HDMI 2.0 (eARC), 2 x USB-A, optical digital audio out, 3.5mm audio out, Ethernet | Bluetooth, HDMI, USB-C (show, energy) |
| Dimensions | 10.4 x 8.7 x 6.5 inches / 264 x 221 x 165mm | 10.4 x 8.7 x 6.5 inches / 264 x 221 x 165 mm | 21.7 x 11.7 x 4.8 inches / 550 x 300 x 122mm | 5.3 x 3.1 x 5.3 inches / 135 x 79 x 135mm |
| Weight | 9.9 lb / 4.5 kg | 10.7 lb / 4.9 kg | 19.8 lb / 9 kg | 3.3 kilos / 1.5 kg |
How I examined the Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE
- Examined at house and within the TechRadar music and TV testing rooms
- Examined in numerous lighting situations
- Measurements have been made utilizing Calman coloration calibration software program
I obtained the Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE setup and had an discover across the out there options, apps, and settings. I attempted out the assorted show presets to find out essentially the most satisfying choice for informal viewing. I watched a number of movies, collection, and on-line content material to ascertain how nicely the projector dealt with the completely different aesthetics. I examined the visibility of the projection by watching in whole darkness, minimal lighting, and daylight.
My colleague, TV professional James, and I, measured the white steadiness (grayscale), gamma, and coloration level accuracy utilizing Portrait Shows’ Calman coloration calibration software program. The outcomes supplied Delta-E values (the margin of error between the check sample supply and what’s proven on-screen) for every class, offering us with figures to evaluate the projector’s general accuracy.
We additionally ran assessments to acquire measurements of the height gentle output in each customary and excessive dynamic vary modes, and measured the protection of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 coloration house, to acquire readings that decide how nicely the projector can render the prolonged coloration vary. Lastly, we measured the distinction ratio, figuring out the brightest white to the darkest black that the projector is able to displaying, and the enter lag, which is a vital studying should you’re on the lookout for a gaming projector particularly.
Learn extra about how we check.
First reviewed October 2024
