Comparing the Xgimi MoGo 4 and Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air: Analyzing each projector's features to determine the superior choice.
The Xgimi MoGo 4 and the Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air stand off in a showdown of high-quality portable projectors. These bad boys boast 1080p resolution, but they've got some notable differences worth checking out.
Pros
- MoGo 4: Sleek design, vibrant picture, a cinematic vibe, and easy set-up.
- Mars 3 Air: Attractive design, natural picture quality, expansive sound, and simple setup.
Cons
- MoGo 4: Lacks BBC iPlayer, thin sound, and sometimes overly vibrant colors.
- Mars 3 Air: Inconsistent streaming-app support, HDR peaks lacking impact, and a minor red undertone in dark scenes.
The Xgimi MoGo 4 just hit the shelves last week, joining Xgimi's lineup of portable projectors. Meanwhile, the Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air has been ruling our best portable projectors charts for a while now.
Let's pit 'em against each other and see how they measure up!
Price
Get your hands on the MoGo 4 for £509 / $499 (around AU$765). With the Mars 3 Air, you'll pay a bit more initially, around £550 / $600 / AU$1300, but we've seen some solid discounts on the Mars 3 Air since it's been out for over a year.
Winner: Xgimi MoGo 4 (for its lower starting price)
Design
Macho meets chic with these two visionaries. Both have built-in batteries, offer a claimed 2.5 hours of playback sans power outlet, and hit the scales at under 1400 grams.
MoGo 4: Slim profile, can twist and contort into a stand, and includes a mini-remote along with the usual remote control. Perfect for taking on the road without leaving the full remote at home.
Mars 3 Air: Bucket-shaped design, easy to carry, and sports a handle. However, lacks the MoGo 4's ability to adjust the stand's height.
Give the win to Xgimi MoGo 4 for its more versatile design that makes for simpler picture positioning.
Features
Both contenders are 1080p-resolution, LED-lit DLP projection systems running on Google TV, ensuring access to the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Disney+.
One HDMI connection is all you get on either device, and neither comes with support for BBC iPlayer or Channel 4, unless you Google Cast from another device.
Each projector offers Movie, Standard, Game, and Eco presets, with additional audio presets for music and more specialized modes such as Anker's Outdoors mode or Xgimi's Sports mode.
Tie: Both are pretty evenly matched when it comes to features.
Picture
The lights. The colors. The drama. Let's see how these projectors draw us into the magic.
MoGo 4: Brought a smile to our faces during testing with its vibrant and crisp overall image. However, it occasionally goes a bit overboard on the vibrancy - a necessity for outdoor viewing, perhaps? Still, it delivers deep blacks for a cinematic touch. Fast motion scenes may not have the detail and smoothness of more expensive models, however.
Mars 3 Air: Boasts a picture that's razor-sharp without looking overly processed. Dark scenes don't wash out like they do on many competitors. The auto focus system can sometimes make the top quarter of the image a touch softer, but it's easily forgivable for the overall viewing experience.
This time it's Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air that edges out Xgimi MoGo 4.
Sound
Don't forget the symphony to complete the cinematic experience!
Mars 3 Air: The sound is expansive for a projector, giving the illusion that the speakers aren't trapped inside the projector body. Detailed movie audio is crisp and well-rounded, no harshness or thinness in sight.
MoGo 4: Cranks out a balanced – though slightly thinner – sound. Both projectors have limited volume, keeping in mind their focus on portability.
Winner: Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air for its superior audio quality.
Verdict
Both the Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air and the Xgimi MoGo 4 shine in delivering top-notch visuals in a portable package, but it's the Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air that takes home the trophy for its edge in picture and sound quality.
Still, the MoGo 4 holds its own with balanced imagery and a versatile build, making it a strong contender for portable movie nights.
Overall Winner: Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air
In the realm of premium portable gadgets, both the Xgimi MoGo 4 and the Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air are worthy additions, particularly for audio-visual enthusiasts.
Though the MoGo 4 boasts a lower starting price, the Mars 3 Air offers a more refined picture quality, with a razor-sharp image that lacks the over-processing common in some competitors.
When it comes to audio, the Mars 3 Air's expansive sound architecture provides a rich cinema experience, surpassing the balanced-though-thinner sound of the MoGo 4.
However, the MoGo 4 deserves recognition for its versatile design, offering a more adaptable stand that aids in picture positioning during outdoor movie nights.
In a showdown of technology's finest portable projectors, the Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air emerges victorious, delivering superior picture and sound quality. Nevertheless, the Xgimi MoGo 4 remains a strong competitor, offering balanced imagery and a versatile design.
