ConsFirst / Projectors / Compare
Hisense C2 Ultra vs Nebula Mars 3
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Hisense C2 Ultra ranks higher (#1 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on picture quality, brightness, smart features & setup. Nebula Mars 3 wins on reliability.
The biggest complaint about the Hisense C2 Ultra is bulky stand you must use; for the Nebula Mars 3 it's android tv is sluggish; netflix needs a workaround. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Hisense C2 Ultra | Nebula Mars 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in projectors | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Home theater | Portable |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 15% | 12% |
| Overall score | 4.3 | 3.7 |
| Picture quality | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Brightness | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Built-in sound | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Smart features & setup | 4.0 | 2.5 |
| Reliability | 3.0 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $300 · $$ $300–1,000 · $$$ over $1,000. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Hisense C2 Ultra
- Bulky stand you must use
Wirecutter says power runs through the swiveling stand, so you have to use it even if you don't want its speakers. The stand can screw into a mount but won't lock the projector in place, so it's a poor fit for a dedicated theater. PCMag measured 13.9 lb, the largest model it has seen in this class.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), PCMag review - Reliability is mixed for some owners
Amazon's review summary says reliability gets mixed reviews, with some owners running into issues. One recent 1-star Amazon review says the image started flickering after 12 days. About 15% of Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars, though the listing pools other Hisense C-series models.
- Rainbows, digital-only lens adjustments and HDMI 2.0
PCMag lists the single-chip DLP design's possible rainbow artifacts as its one con. Wirecutter notes there's no lens shift (keystone and zoom adjustments soften 4K detail and add lag), and the two HDMI 2.0 inputs can't take 4K at 120 Hz. Deep bass at high volume can make the cabinet rattle.
Source: PCMag review, Wirecutter (NYT)
Nebula Mars 3
- Android TV is sluggish; Netflix needs a workaround
Wirecutter notes you must sideload Netflix. A top Amazon reviewer says that after a year the built-in Android TV stays sluggish despite updates, and others recommend a streaming stick. Amazon's summary mentions a buggy interface.
- Heavy, and connection quirks
At 9.9 lb it needs a sturdy tripod (Wirecutter, PCMag). It has no USB video input (Wirecutter). PCMag had trouble connecting some 1080p sources. A 1-star Amazon review says copy-protected movies downloaded to a phone wouldn't play while camping.
- Value questioned; distracting battery light
Amazon's summary says opinions on value are mixed, with some calling it comparable to non-portable models at the price. PCMag found the ring of battery LEDs on the handle distracting when sitting behind it, and it has no optical zoom.
Who should pick which
Pick the Hisense C2 Ultra if
A big, bright picture in a living room with some light
Movies in Dolby Vision and HDR
Console gaming (Designed for Xbox, low lag)
Skip it if: You want to ceiling-mount it in a dedicated theater; You see DLP rainbow artifacts easily; You want something light to carry around
Pick the Nebula Mars 3 if
Backyard and campsite movie nights
A big image without an outlet (about 2 hours at full brightness)
Sound loud enough outdoors without a speaker
Skip it if: You want something light to carry; You want native Netflix and a snappy interface; You only watch indoors (cheaper plug-in models are brighter)
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