Soundcore Nebula P1i Projector Review: New Design, Classic Pitfalls

Projector Review: New Design, Classic Pitfalls">

Soundcore has been having some fun lately. Apparently, bored by designing tiny can-sized projectors like the Nebula Capsule 3 , the brand has become much more adventurous in their designs. I've recently tested the Nebula P1 and enormous Nebula X1 Pro , both of which feature pop-out and positionable surround sound speaker options.

These are the flagship models, but I've spent the past couple of months with the Nebula P1i, which has those same pop-out speakers in a more budget-friendly bundle. It's well-priced and has an easy-to-use design, while the picture quality is solid and the audio is punchy. While it lacks more premium features of some of the best projectors , it could be a decent choice for impromptu movie nights around the house.

Google TV has transformed the projector market. I used to dread having to work through endless sub-menus and inputting Netflix and Wi-Fi passwords using a fiddly remote control. Here, a quick QR code scan and the convenience of my smartphone means I’m watching Kill Bill Vol. 1 on a 60-inch screen less than five minutes after unboxing.

Google TV provides easy access to all the major streaming platforms including Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, HBO Max, Apple TV and Prime Video. You can also plug in via USB-A or HDMI 2.0 with ARC.

The Nebula P1i has a 1080p resolution with 380 ANSI lumens brightness. That resolution and level of brightness is fairly typical for a compact portable projector, with XGIMI, BenQ, Samsung, Aurzen all offering similar specifications. It’s not searingly bright, but for a decent 60-80-inch screen in low light (curtains closed) it’s acceptable.

Auto focus and keystone correction are accurate and fairly quick to lock in, and help make life easier. It’s worth remembering that the more acute the keystone angle, the worse the final image quality will be. In the base, there is a small flip-out 15-degree stand to help with angling the projector, which is a neat touch, but didn’t remove the need for me to prop it up on a book as well. If I was buying this projector for my home, I’d budget for a tripod as there is a thread in the base.