Arzopa A1 Gamut (15.6" IPS) review 2027

What problem does the Arzopa A1 Gamut solve?

The Arzopa A1 Gamut is the cheapest usable portable monitor we tested, at $99.99. It solves one problem: you need a second screen away from your desk and you do not want to spend more than the price of a cable to get one. It is a spare screen, and that is the whole pitch.

The benefits are narrow but real. It is light at 1.7 lb, it worked with every device we tried, and it includes USB-C and HDMI plus all the cables you need. It also has speakers. For $100, that is a working second screen and nothing more.

How did it score 7.6?

We scored it across five criteria, and the split shows exactly where the money went.

• Image quality: 18 out of 30. We measured brightness, contrast, colour coverage and accuracy, plus panel type and resolution at the size. This is where it gave up the most points.
• Portability & build: 13 out of 20. Weight and thickness, the stand or cover, and how it survived a week in a bag.
• Connectivity: 18 out of 20. Single-cable USB-C with power delivery, HDMI, whether it worked with a phone and a console, and cables included.
• Features: 7 out of 10. Touch, speakers, battery, VESA mount, OSD controls and refresh rate.
• Value: 20 out of 20. Price against measured quality. It took every point available here.

That is a 7.6 overall, seventh of the eight portable monitors in this test group.

What does the Arzopa A1 Gamut do well?

Connectivity is the standout. It scored 18 out of 20 because it has USB-C with DP Alt, mini-HDMI and USB-C power, and it worked with every device we tried. Cables are in the box, which is not a given at this price.

It is also light at 1.7 lb, and it has speakers. Those are the four things it does right: $100 with USB-C and HDMI and all cables, light at 1.7 lb, worked with every device we tried, and speakers.

How does USB-C DP Alt Mode work on a portable monitor?

USB-C with DP Alt Mode means the port can carry a DisplayPort video signal alongside power and data over one cable. The monitor sends the picture from your laptop or phone through that single connection, and the same cable can deliver power to the screen. Mini-HDMI is the fallback for devices without USB-C video output. A separate USB-C power port lets you feed the monitor from a wall adapter or battery when the host cannot supply enough. That is the whole mechanism: one cable for video, one optional cable for power.

What is inside the Arzopa A1 Gamut?

We measured 220 nits of brightness and 94% sRGB coverage. It weighs 1.7 lb. Ports are USB-C (DP Alt), mini-HDMI and USB-C power. There is no touch. The cover doubles as a stand, and it is the flimsiest part of the package.

How does it compare with the other portable monitors we tested?

Against the ViewSonic VA1655 at $119.99 and a score of 8.1, the Arzopa is behind on brightness (220 nits versus 235 nits), sRGB (94% versus 96%) and stand quality, but it is cheaper and lighter at 1.7 lb versus 1.9 lb. The ViewSonic is $20 better.

Against the ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACV at $199 and 8.2, the Arzopa loses on brightness (220 nits versus 248 nits), sRGB (94% versus 99%), weight (1.7 lb versus 1.9 lb in the ASUS's favour is not the case here — the Arzopa is lighter) and the ASUS's proper kickstand. The ASUS is $100 better.

Against the ASUS ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH at $399 and 8.3, the gap is widest: OLED versus IPS, 360 nits versus 220 nits, 100% sRGB versus 94%, and mini-HDMI on both. The OLED is the best picture of any portable monitor we measured.

Where does the Arzopa A1 Gamut fall short?

Brightness, stand and accuracy. It is the dimmest monitor here at 220 nits. The cover-stand is flimsy and only works in landscape. And the colour claims exceed what we measured: the marketing says 100% sRGB, our meter read 94%.

Is the Arzopa A1 Gamut good value?

At $99.99 it scored 20 out of 20 for value, the only criterion where it took every point. Price against measured quality is the one axis where nothing here beats it.

Who should buy the Arzopa A1 Gamut?

It is right for a spare screen for the price of a cable. If you need a second display occasionally, on the road or at a kitchen table, and you will not pay $120 or $200 for better brightness and a better stand, this is the one. If you care about colour accuracy or a stand that holds its angle, spend the extra $20 on the ViewSonic.