OK, I title this review "A big improvement on the Anker Nebular Mars 2" tongue somewhat in cheek. This IS a much improved projector over my Mars 2–a projector I've used five years now and found immensely convenient and useful.
The Mars 3 is brighter: over three times as bright at 1000 lumens to the Mars 2's 300 lumens. The Mars 3 is higher resolution: 1080p vs the Mars 2's 720P. The Mars 3's battery is 185 Wh to the Mars 2's 48 mAh.
In so many ways this new projector surpasses the Mars 2. But there is a Mars 3 Air that in form is much like the Mars 2 with improved performance in the following areas: 400 lumens, 1080p resolution and 65 Wh.
The battery in the Mars 3 can last 2.5 hours at the full 1000 lumens and will last 5 hours at 300 lumens. The Mars Air must run at less-than-maximum lumens when on battery to get its claimed 2.5 hours. My Mars 2 struggles to get past two hours of battery life at five years of age.
So you would think the new Nebula Mars 3 would trounce the Mars 2 in my reckoning. BUT, the Mars 2 is SO svelte, so easy to carry, so just-plain-useful at its size while the Mars 3 is like lugging a heavy Stanley lunchbox with you.
Honestly, despite liking the Mars Nebula 3, I kind of wish I had bought the Mars 3 Air. The difference in size and weight is much more significant than I thought it would be when I bought the Nebula 3.
Nevertheless, if size and weight don't mean as much to you, I suspect you will love the Nebula 3.
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