The soundcore Nebula N1S combines 6000 ANSI lumens of brightness with excellent color reproduction
Soundcore Nebula has introduced a new high-performance lifestyle projector for customers looking for a state-of-the-art portable or backyard projector. The new model is called the Nebula X1S, and it offers a notable performance increase over the award-winning Nebula X1. Rather than developing an entirely new platform, Soundcore has retained many of the features that made the original X1 interesting while substantially increasing its light output.
The X1S looks nearly identical to the X1, and it incorporates many of the core technologies that were introduced on the Nebula X1. It uses a Texas Instruments 0.47-inch DMD with pixel shifting to display 4K on-screen resolution. The X1S also utilizes an RGB laser light source and a 14-element all-glass optical system.
The X1S also utilizes Nebula’s 25-degree motorized micro gimbal and high-quality 14-element glass lens with optical zoom. Soundcore says the X1S can produce an image up to 200 inches from a distance of approximately 13 to 22 feet. The X1S is designed to work with screens up to 300 inches.
The motorized micro gimbal lets the optical engine and lens assembly tilt vertically by up to 25 degrees. Combined with optical zoom, this gives users considerably more placement flexibility than most portable and lifestyle projectors.
The most significant upgrade is brightness. The X1S has a rated brightness of 6,000 ANSI lumens, compared with 3,500 ANSI lumens for the previous X1. The unit’s higher brightness is due to the fact X1S utilizes an upgraded triple laser light engine with a four-lamp optical engine, compared with the three-lamp optical engine used in the X1.
The unit’s higher light output is also achieved without sacrificing the outstanding color reproduction that their projectors are known for. The X1S has also received ISF display certification.
The added brightness should give the X1S more headroom when displaying larger images or when used in environments with some ambient light. This is important because soundcore continues to position the X1 series as a flexible lifestyle projector suitable for both indoor and outdoor entertainment.
Like the previous Nebula X1, the X1S also utilizes a six-blade dynamic aperture designed to adjust light output in real time to improve perceived black levels and contrast. The X1S has a rated native contrast ratio of 5,000:1 and a dynamic contrast ratio of 56,000:1. It includes NebulaMaster image processing, which analyzes the image to improve detail in bright and dark areas while maintaining accurate color reproduction.
The X1S is equipped with soundcore’s AI Spatial Adaptation system, which includes autofocus, automatic keystone correction, obstacle avoidance, screen fit, optical zoom adjustment, ambient light adaptation, and wall color compensation.
The X1S is compatible with soundcore Nebula SpaceFlow AI projection mapping technology
The X1S is also compatible with Soundcore’s SpaceFlow system which uses Google’s Veo generative video technology to create projection-mapping content for surfaces such as the exterior of a house. This is a really cool feature for those who are looking for an innovative way to decorate for Halloween and Christmas.
The X1S runs Google TV with built-in Netflix support and provides access to the broad selection of streaming applications available through the Google TV platform. Two HDMI inputs are located on the rear of the projector, including one with eARC support for connection to an external sound system.
Like the X1, the Nebula X1S includes an excellent audio system consisting of two 15-watt speakers, two 5-watt tweeters, and two passive radiators. Optional Wi-Fi satellite speakers can expand the system further.
When the satellite speakers are connected, the drivers inside the projector can be repurposed to provide additional bass, creating a 4.1.2-channel audio configuration. The rechargeable satellite speakers are rated for up to eight hours of operation and carry an IP54 dust and water resistance rating.
As I mentioned, we were incredibly impressed with the original X1's picture quality, but because it's brighter, the X1S should deliver an even better image. We recently received a soundcore Nebula X1S review sample, so look out for our full review in the coming weeks.
soundcore Nebula is offering several X1S system bundles
The Nebula X1S has an MSRP of $3,299. A package containing the projector and two wireless satellite speakers is priced at $3,998, while a bundle adding a 100-inch screen is $4,167.
Soundcore is offering introductory pricing through September 20, 2026, with the projector available for $2,499, the projector/speaker bundle for $2,799, and the projector, speaker, and screen package for $2,899.
The Nebula X1S and bundles are available on the Soundcore Nebula website and select retailers, including Amazon.
As I mentioned, we were incredibly impressed with the picture quality of the original X1, but due to its higher brightness, the X1S should deliver an even better image. We recently received a soundcore Nebula X1S review sample, so look out for our full review in the coming weeks.
