Test Nebula Cosmos 4K SE: A Portable 4K Laser Projector with Serious Credentials
Technical Specifications / Features
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Adjustable Foot: No
Operating System: Google TV
Projection Technology: Laser
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE is a portable 4K projector that benefits from a hybrid laser/LED light source, a good built-in sound system, and Google TV OS.
Overview
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE is a portable projector from Anker that aims to combine image quality, portability, and ease of use with its Google TV interface and numerous apps. It positions itself as an interesting alternative for those seeking a transportable projector while enjoying Ultra HD resolution achieved through modulation. Native 4K portable projectors are not yet on the horizon.
This model relies on a hybrid light source combining laser and LED, a combination designed to improve lamp lifespan, color quality, and maximum brightness. It is equipped with a 0.47-inch DLP chip from Texas Instruments, commonly found in many portable models, with a 1.2:1 throw ratio. The manufacturer claims a maximum brightness of 1800 ANSI lumens, which should be pretty impressive.
In terms of pricing, the Cosmos 4K SE sits in the mid-range segment, priced around €1500, but it can sometimes be found on promotion for €1200, a relatively affordable price for a 4K laser model. It competes with the Dangbei Mars Pro 2 and Hisense C1, among others. The Cosmos 4K SE also features a high-performance audio system and HDR compatibility, but does it truly deliver on its promises in the face of increasingly sharp competition and specialized devices? Let’s dive into the details in this review.
Image Quality
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE can display Ultra HD images with a diagonal size ranging from 60 to 150 inches. This size allows it to replace a TV or serve as a secondary screen in a bedroom, for example, provided you have a relatively smooth projection wall or a dedicated screen. However, as is often the case with this type of projector, the DLP technology used suffers from limited contrast and imperfect color accuracy, as we’ll see later. For our tests, we placed the projector 2.4 meters from our projection screen to achieve a 2-meter-wide image.
The image quality is quite decent for the naked eye, with good brightness and the advantage of 4K resolution over Full HD, although it lacks some sharpness. The best-calibrated default mode is Film, which we used as the basis for our results. Note that there are numerous color calibration settings, allowing you to fine-tune the projector with the right equipment.
In terms of measurements, we recorded an SDR delta E of 4.4, above the ideal threshold of 3 but still very good for a projector. This means the displayed colors are not perfectly faithful to the source but remain generally satisfactory. The average gamma is 2.1, ensuring relatively balanced gray-level reproduction, though it can appear slightly too bright at times. However, the contrast is very limited, with a ratio of only 430:1, resulting in shallow blacks that sometimes give a veiled impression in dark scenes. This is the main drawback, as it affects the overall image quality. Finally, the average color temperature is 7371 K, leading to a slight blue shift, a common characteristic of projectors in this range.
HDR
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE is compatible with HDR10 and Dolby Vision, which is quite rare and worth noting. However, as is often the case with projectors, HDR displays lack depth and color accuracy.
The EOTF curve, which determines brightness level management, is not well followed, limiting the impact of high dynamic range scenes. This is typical for projectors. With a peak brightness measured at 159 cd/m², HDR struggles to reproduce highlights and lacks contrast in dark scenes compared to a TV, but it’s still very good for a projector.
Most entry-level and mid-range models don’t reach 100 cd/m², and only a few high-end models, such as the Mars Pro 2, Formovie Cinema Edge, or Samsung The Premiere 7, have exceeded this value.
The HDR delta E skyrockets to 15.9, indicating significant color inaccuracy—unfortunately, this is common in most models we test. However, there is good coverage of color spaces, with 76.8% of Rec 2020, 88.5% of DCI-P3, and 94.3% of Rec 709. This allows the projector to display rich, albeit approximate, colors.
Build & Ergonomics
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE features a fairly original yet understated design with its metallic gray finish. The build quality is excellent, and it measures 26 x 16 x 26 cm. Weighing 4.5 kg, it is relatively lightweight and easy to move, especially with the handle on top. However, it’s not the most compact model, and you’ll need a fairly large bag to carry it. The Xgimi MoGo 3 Pro and Halo+, or even the Dangbei Atom, are much lighter (but also less powerful).
The projector is equipped with automatic focus, which quickly adjusts the image upon startup or movement. It also features automatic keystone correction, allowing you to adapt the image even if the device is placed at an angle. This partially compensates for the lack of an adjustable foot, which is common on many models today.
In terms of connectivity, the device has two HDMI ports (one 2.1 eARC), a USB-A port, and a headphone jack, allowing you to connect various peripherals such as a console, Blu-ray player, or dedicated audio system.
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE integrates Google TV, which runs smoothly. This OS provides access to a wide library of streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, MyCanal, Molotov, Plex, etc.).
The included remote is compact. While it doesn’t exude high-end quality, it offers quick access to the projector’s main features and includes a microphone for Google Assistant voice commands. A notable and rare bonus is that the remote is partially backlit, which is very convenient when watching movies in the dark.
Noise
The Cosmos 4K SE is very discreet in terms of noise, with a measured sound level of only 32.6 dB at 1 meter. This ensures an undisturbed viewing experience without a noisy fan.
Gaming
With a refresh rate limited to 60 Hz, the input lag exceeds 50 ms if you enable automatic keystone correction, which is not ideal for demanding gamers. However, by disabling keystone correction and switching to Game mode, the display delay drops to an impressive 18.6 ms—a result we’ve never seen before, making it suitable for most games, even competitive ones.
Audio
One of the strengths of the Cosmos 4K SE is its built-in audio system, which outperforms most portable projectors we’ve tested. Unlike many competitors, whose sound quality is often mediocre or underwhelming, this model delivers powerful audio with good spatialization and noticeable bass.
The sound level is sufficient for a medium-sized room and eliminates the need for an external audio system, especially when on the move. However, don’t expect very deep bass. A dedicated soundbar or speakers will obviously be more effective for a more immersive experience with movies and series.
Power Consumption
We recorded an average power consumption of 195 W, which is standard for a projector in this category. This model only operates on AC power, but it does not require an additional power brick, as the included cable is self-contained.
Pros
- Convincing 4K images.
- Good brightness.
- High-performance audio system.
- Automatic focus and keystone correction.
- Smooth and comprehensive Google TV interface.
- Quiet operation.
- Backlit remote.
- Very low input lag.
Cons
- Limited contrast.
- Color accuracy could be better, especially in HDR.
- Fairly bulky.
Conclusion
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE is a compelling projector for those seeking a portable model with a bright 4K image. It delivers impressive overall performance, with a complete Google TV interface and a highly effective sound system. Its main drawback is its limited contrast, which might disappoint cinema enthusiasts. However, this is a trade-off to accept a product at a reasonable price.
