I reviewed this paper-thin portable monitor - and I still can't believe it sports a 16:10 3K OLED panel

5 hours ago 1

In the world of portable productivity monitors, panel performance is a significant factor, but so is ergonomics and real-world usability. For the UPERFECT UColor O2, it knocks the panel display out of the park for 95% of users; we just wish it could switch into portrait mode if desired. Outside of that, this panel is gorgeous, easy to use, lightweight, and reasonably priced.

Pros

  • +

    3K OLED panel

  • +

    120Hz

  • +

    1ms Response Time

  • +

    16:10 aspect ratio

  • +

    Compact and lightweight

  • +

    Vesa Mount

Cons

  • -

    Not 4K

  • -

    No Full-size HDMI

  • -

    Can't go portrait with the included stand

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UPerfect is one of those brands that continues to surprise me, not only with what's produced, but also with the quality of the releases. I've tried quite a few from the company at this point, ranging from basic travel monitors to complex multi-screen units, as well as large and small panels.

So far, I've been rather impressed. UPerfect seems to understand what consumers want, and it's built a panel for it. Moreover, I tend to find solid panels at a decent price.

The UColor O2 is no different. This is a 16-inch, 3K, 16:10, 120Hz, 1ms OLED panel with USB-C ease of use, a functional stand/folio, all while staying ultra-lightweight and thin. It's great for those who need a little extra display at their dedicated desk setup, of course, but it's also fantastic for those who are on the go and want to bring a display with them for extra productivity away from a desk setup. Regardless of your reasoning, I've reviewed many of the best portable monitors out there, and the UColor O2 is one of them.

UPERFECT | UColor O2

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

UPERFECT UColor O2: Pricing & Availability

The UColor O2 is available on the UPerfect website by clicking here. I'm also seeing it available from a few other retailers.

Currently, the display is priced at $630 / £469, and at the time of review, it's discounted down to $350 / £261.

For an OLED panel, even though it's only truly 3K resolution, that price is pretty incredible. Especially when you consider that the display is a full 16 inches, which is comparable to the larger laptops on the market, and features a 120Hz refresh rate, a 16:10 aspect ratio, a 1ms response time, and excellent color representation for those looking for a display for gaming.

UPERFECT UColor O2: Unboxing & first impressions

The unboxing for UPerfect's displays is always interesting to me. The boxes are so understated for what is inside, but perhaps that's a part of the plan.

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Inside the box, you will find the monitor, folio cover/stand, a mini-HDMI to full-size HDMI cable, two USB-C cables, a USB-A to USB-C cable, VESA Mount Screws, and a 33W power adapter. Nothing crazy, but it's just enough to get you started.

Personally, even though this device can run mini-HDMI, I will probably never use it, so I kept that cable tucked away, along with the USB-C to USB-A Cable and power brick, leaving me with the monitor, the folio, and the USB-C to USB-C Cables. With this, I went straight to work setting it up for an on-the-go panel I could take with me everywhere.

While reviewing this panel, I just finished reviewing a Samsung smartphone with DEX capabilities, which gave me the excellent idea of trying to get some work done while out and about, utilizing just the phone, a keyboard, and this panel.

UPERFECT | UColor O2

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

UPERFECT UColor O2: Design & build quality

Specs

Display: 16″ OLED
Resolution: 2880×1800 (3K)
Aspect Ratio: 16:10,
Color: 100% DCI‑P3/ sRGB, 500 nits brightness
Refresh/Response: 120 Hz (USB‑C), 1 ms response
Ports: 2× USB‑C (full‑featured), 1× Mini‑HDMI
Weight: ~720 g

This panel is delightfully sleek. It's thin and lightweight, and the folio doesn't add much bulk, making it worth carrying around and not like a burden in the slightest. The bezels are minimal, the buttons are premium-looking, and the stand makes the panel usable in its most basic form, eliminating the need for a third-party stand.

One thing I have grown to like about the company's offerings is the lack of branding. I dislike it when companies plaster their branding all over their beautifully made products, making them look cheap.

UPERFECT | UColor O2

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

UPERFECT UColor O2: In use

As I mentioned, I wanted to try this panel out with my Samsung phone, which I have just finished testing. I was able to set this up with a single USB-C cable. Although I didn't want to drain the phone's battery, I also added a power cable to charge the phone via passthrough charging from the second USB-C port on the monitor.

This compact setup, paired with a keyboard, was something I considered trying after seeing it promoted on the UPerfect website, following my recent review of the Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro. For this simple setup, the panel was fantastic and helped me get some real work done on the go. Once I had finished testing the legitimacy of that setup, I tried out this display with my iPad, MacBook Pro, Dell Precision, and some of my Lenovo devices.

On every test, the panel performed well, giving me extended workspaces to complete whatever I was working on.

UPERFECT | UColor O2

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

The clarity on the 3K display is sharp and vivid, but what I appreciate is the 16:10 aspect ratio. Personally, every time that I have tried a 16:10 aspect ratio, I fall in love with it over and over. 16:9 is standard, and I understand it, but just that little extra to get to 16:10, I feel like there is so much more vertical space available to spread out my research, project management, chats, and so on.

Thanks to the device's light weight, I can carry it in a backpack with ease, without worrying about adding extra weight or making my bag feel uncomfortable. I wish that this petite folio could somehow accommodate portrait viewing. Still, I understand that not every display can have that option. Additionally, the display has an integrated VESA Mounting spot on the back of the panel, allowing you to add your stand on the go or mount this panel to your desk or workspace.

UPERFECT UColor O2: Final verdict

All in all, the UPerfect UColor O2 is a great portable monitor. It's got an excellent refresh rate, a spectacular response time, a brilliant OLED panel at 3 K resolution, and it has the ever-popular USB-C capabilities. If you are looking for an ultra-light display with USB-C, this is a great option to consider, especially if you are like me and enjoy the 16:10 aspect ratio a bit too much.

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Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Highly Portable, great design

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for portable / nomatic users

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Decent price for what it is

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Collin Probst

Former TechRadar Pro B2B Hardware Editor, Collin has been in journalism for years, with experience in small and large markets, including Gearadical, DailyBeast, FutureNet, and more.

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