UPERFECT UColor 16" OLED Monitor Review: by Game Tech Talk
The UPERFECT UColor 02 OLED 120 Hz, HDR, 16-inch, 16:10, touch-capable monitor—a very promising product that we should have reviewed earlier. Canada, however, had a bit of a postal conflict.
About a month later than the original date, it finally reached us, and boy was we glad. We didn't waste a minute. we opened it and took out all the components: the panel, instructions, USB-C to USB-A, USB-C to USB-C, HDMI 2M cable, and of course, the little power block.
This power block provides 30 watts of power. Thirty watts is quite a bit, indicating that this panel may be power-hungry. However, this is not a problem if flexibility is available. This brings me to the main points of this review. We’ll cover the pros, cons, and compatibility tests with various devices. By the end, you'll know if it's worth your time and money.
Design and Connectivity
On the body, the front features the panel with a 1-inch bezel at the bottom. The left side houses navigation buttons, while the right side has ports for one or two USB-Cs and a mini HDMI input.
Powering the Monitor
There are two ways to operate a portable monitor:
- - USB-C Video Out: Supply power via a USB-C connection from devices capable of USB-C video output. This includes iPhones, many Android phones, iPads, Android tablets, handheld PCs (like Steam Deck or ROG Ally), Macs, PCs, retro handhelds, and Nintendo Switch (with variable compatibility).
- - HDMI Out: Use any device with an HDMI out, but this setup requires an external power source.
This power source can be a USB-A to USB-C from consoles like the Xbox Series or PS5, a power block like the one included, or another USB-C from a MacBook. Sometimes, using just one USB-C may suffice depending on the host device’s external power rating.
Note: Without external power, the OLED monitor may not operate at its full potential. For best performance, always provide sufficient power from a wall outlet, USB port, or power bank.
Performance and Visual Quality
The Uperfect panel offers up to 2880x1800 resolution with a 212 PPI density. The colors are superb, although there's a slight warmth out of the box, which can be adjusted through presets or custom settings.
Brightness and contrast can also be tweaked. Keep in mind that power availability may impact functionality.
Audio and Gaming Features
The monitor includes two rear-facing speakers. While serviceable in a pinch, they lack depth and may be drowned out in open spaces.
For PC users, resolution and frame rates can go up to 120 Hz, which is fantastic for gaming. HDR is supported but appears to be a "fake" HDR implementation, often shifting color warmth beyond comfort.
There are no VRR options, and the color space is limited to 8-bit, which may not satisfy professional color graders. However, the OLED's self-emissive pixels make visuals pop beautifully.
Touchscreen and Device Compatibility
The panel’s touchscreen functionality works well with handheld PCs, offering responsiveness comparable to touchscreen laptops. On Android, the experience is decent but not as smooth as on native screens. On iOS, touch features are either non-functional or work poorly as pseudo-trackpads. Apple's proprietary tools and lack of MFI licenses limit functionality, so it's not ideal for Apple users.
Build and Accessories
Weighing just 720 grams, the panel is lightweight and slim. However, the bundled cover meant to function as a kickstand is poorly designed and almost unusable. A better solution is to purchase a VESA stand or use a MagSafe sticker with a stand for better positioning.
Use Cases and Conclusion
This panel is great for gaming, productivity, and creative tasks. While portable monitors often involve compromises, this one feels closer to a "no-compromise" approach. One notable feature is reverse charging. When external power is supplied, the panel can charge connected devices like phones, tablets, or handheld PCs.
Final Thoughts
At $399, the UPERFECT 02 OLED monitor is impressive, offering flexibility and convenience. While larger OLED monitors are becoming more affordable, the portability of this product unlocks greater value. If gaming or productivity on the go is part of your workflow, this is a panel worth considering.
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