soundcore Nebula P1i Projector: features, specs and who it suits

The soundcore Nebula P1i is a 1080p projector with two speakers built into its sides that rotate to aim the sound. Google TV is built in, so it can stream without a separate box, and it adjusts its own picture when you plug it in. It's made for movie nights in different rooms without setting up a separate sound system.

Speakers that turn towards you

The P1i has two 10W Dolby Audio speakers, 20W in total. Each one rotates 90° side to side and 200° up and down. A projector often sits behind or beside the audience rather than at the screen, so being able to point the speakers towards the seating can help the sound reach you more directly. Turning them apart can widen the stereo effect.

What 380 ANSI lumens means

Brightness is TÜV-certified at 380 ANSI lumens. ANSI lumens are measured with a standard method that averages readings across the image, which makes them more comparable than unstandardised "lumens" figures.

At this level of brightness, the picture typically looks its clearest in a dim or dark room; in daylight or bright lamplight, a projector this bright looks washed out. A bigger image also spreads the same light over a larger area, so it looks less bright than a smaller one.

The resolution is 1080p Full HD. The lenses are all glass and the optical engine is fully sealed, which soundcore says resists dust and wear and keeps the picture clear after hours of use.

A picture that sets itself up

soundcore calls its setup system IEA 3.0. When you plug the projector in, autofocus sharpens the image, auto keystone correction squares it up if the projector is at an angle, obstacle avoidance fits the image around objects on the wall, and screen fit sizes it to a screen. The stand tilts up to 15° to raise the picture on the wall.

On most compact projectors, keystone correction is digital: it reshapes the image electronically, which typically uses up a little of the available resolution. Placing the projector square to the wall, when you can, keeps the full picture.

Google TV built in

Google TV runs on the projector itself, so streaming apps work without a separate streaming stick or box. A Google account and an internet connection are needed for the initial setup and for Google TV. Streaming depends on your Wi-Fi, so check the signal in the room you'll use most.

Size and moving it around

It measures 183 x 204 x 228 mm (about 7.2 x 8 x 9 inches) and weighs 7.3 lb (about 3.3 kg), with a carrying handle on top. That makes it easy to move between a living room and a bedroom. The listing doesn't mention a battery, so plan on an outlet near where it sits.

It suits people who want a projector for movie nights in different rooms of the home, with built-in streaming and speakers they can aim, and who can dim the room.

What to check before you buy

• Room light: at 380 ANSI lumens, plan on a dim or dark room.
• Image size and distance: check the throw distance in the specifications for the image size you want.
• Connections: if you want to plug in a games console, a laptop or another source, check the ports.
• Account and internet: a Google account and an internet connection are needed for setup.
• Power: check that there's an outlet within reach of where it will sit.

The short version

• A 1080p Full HD projector with Google TV built in.
• Two 10W Dolby Audio speakers (20W in total) that rotate 90° side to side and 200° up and down.
• TÜV-certified 380 ANSI lumens; all-glass lenses and a sealed optical engine.
• Autofocus, auto keystone, obstacle avoidance and screen fit; the stand tilts up to 15°.
• 183 x 204 x 228 mm and 7.3 lb, with a carrying handle.

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