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Hats off to the Uperfect Umax 24, as this display screen has me questioning what a transportable monitor really is. Except you’re a type of wandering service provider Gorons from Zelda: Wind Waker, there’s fats probability this 24.5-inch show goes to slot in your backpack. But, I genuinely imagine this is perhaps the final word journey panel for handhelds just like the Steam Deck and even the Change 2, particularly for those who’re on the lookout for barely beefier specs.
I grew up throughout a time when “transportable” TVs had been all the fad, and that was actually simply shorthand for a heavy CRT with a deal with. So, though 24.5 inches feels absurd, I’m going to argue the Umax 24 continues to be a greatest transportable monitor contender. No, it’s not going to slip into the laptop computer compartment of your tech bag, and it makes use of its personal carry case, but it surely’s nonetheless a 1440p 165Hz show that’s approach simpler to take with you than a desktop mannequin.
The catch? Nicely, slimming down a QHD show like this isn’t low-cost, because the Umax 24 will set you again $459.99 / £462 at full value direct from Uperfect (additionally accessible at Amazon). At first, that MSRP did give me the ick, however now that I’ve spent some good high quality time beaming its visible into my eyeballs, I’m not solely offended by the worth tag. Nonetheless, it’s something however reasonably priced, and it’s an funding that isn’t going to go well with each participant universally.
|
Value |
$459.99 / £462 |
|
Display measurement |
15.6-inch |
|
Display sort |
IPS |
|
Decision |
2560 x 1440 |
|
Refresh charge |
165Hz |
|
Brightness |
250 cd/m2 |
|
Response time |
10ms |
|
Viewing angle |
178° |
|
Distinction ratio |
1000:1 |
|
Shade assist |
16.7M colors |
|
Inputs |
2x USB-C, 1x HDMI 2.0 |
|
Weight |
2.64 kg (5.83 lbs) |
Design
I hope you want large rectangles, trigger that’s successfully what the Uperfect Umax 24 is. I assume that’s solely a half-joke since if you’re making an attempt to make a 24-5-inch gaming monitor transportable, it is smart to forgo something model parts that can add bulk within the identify of aesthetics. Plus, if I’m being actual with you, nearly each display screen to launch lately is merely a skinny body round a panel, so many of the truthful finally ends up partying across the again.
I’ll give Uperfect their due, the Umax 24’s bezel is fairly skinny. You’d assume a 24.5-inch display screen with no actual booty would wish some thick edges to accommodate its guts. However nope, the borders are respectably slimline and don’t actually distract from the panel. I might have truthfully given the show a bit extra of a move if it occurred so as to add some width to its perimeter, so I’m pleased with what has really been achieved.
Circling again to that aforementioned social gathering, the again consists of a barely raised backside that retains the ports and buttons to the perimeters. Once more, I totally anticipated Uperfect to want extra space for the internals of this display screen, however as a substitute it has Tetris’d the whole lot right into a 0.63-inch-thick physique. Finally, it’s by conserving issues this skinny that the Umax manages to earn transportable monitor standing regardless of being fairly huge.
On the left facet, you’ll have entry to 2 USB-C ports, certainly one of which you’ll use to energy issues, and a mini HDMI. It’s maybe right down to your individual private preferences whether or not having cables firing out the facet is an ick or not, however the answer is to make use of some ring-angled adapters.
The OSD buttons stay on the best, and whereas the metallic toggles are barely low-cost and rattly, they’re miles higher than what I’d had to make use of with different transportable screens. There’s a little bit of a development of cheaper show makers utilizing a pivoting wheel for transferring up and down, and my thumbs are nonetheless making an attempt to recover from the ache of a budget plastic.
By separating every button, Uperfect has no less than made it so that you don’t need to take care of all-in-one options that really feel far worse and may result in irritating mispresses. My largest gripe right here is that there’s no seen labling on them to actively inform you what you’re urgent, and whereas I get that printing symbols would look garish, I’d have taken even some embossed hints.
Moderately than having to determine easy methods to prop this huge display screen up or make use of its VESA mount on the again, you’ll be capable to use its built-in kickstand. It’s fairly easy because it consists of an oblong metallic body on a hinge, but it surely feels strong sufficient to get the job completed. I’ve moved it forwards and backwards to try to get a way of whether or not it’ll slacken off over time, one thing that might trigger absolute havoc, but it surely feels prefer it’d take quite a bit to make it free.
Options
In 2025, QHD screens aren’t remotely distinctive, and with the likes of the Sony Inzone M10S hitting as much as 480Hz, decrease refresh charges don’t impress me a lot. Okay, I’ll give up it with the Shania Twain whereas I’m forward, however my level is that whereas I wouldn’t usually take into account a 1440p 165Hz display screen to be spectacular, it turns into one thing particular when you squeeze it into a light-weight bundle. In case it wasn’t clear, that’s precisely what the Uperfect Umax 24 is doing.
At smaller sizes, I’d argue you don’t really want 1440p to have a very good time. However, because the Umax 24 dares to push the transportable bar to 24.5 inches, I can see why Uperfect determined to go along with a QHD panel. It could have nonetheless seemed dense sufficient at a smart distance even at 1080p, however for those who do envision your self sitting fairly near it sooner or later, enjoying one thing like Metroid Prime 4 on the Change 2, it’ll look fairly crisp.
The Umax 24 comes armed with a USB-C with Alt DisplayPort performance, so it’ll be good for handhelds and gaming laptops. You’re sadly, however maybe understandably for weight causes, not getting a built-in battery right here, however the very nature of the setup means you’ll be capable to both energy the display screen utilizing your chosen machine, its energy adapter, or perhaps a energy financial institution.
Extra gaming handhelds than ever are beginning to embrace a couple of USB-C port for charging, together with the Change 2, and that can can help you make one thing of an interlinked setup. Moderately than having separate chargers going into the display screen and your machine, you’ll be able to as a substitute feed the latter with an adapter, then use the secondary port to connect with the display screen. Supplied you’re utilizing an adapter with a beefy sufficient wattage, that can can help you maintain the whole lot powered to minimise wires, and a few energy banks may even maintain you operating with out an outlet (albeit for an hour or two at most).
Since mini HDMI can also be an choice, this display screen can even technically function a PS5 monitor. You’ll be capped at 144Hz because it’s 2.0, however that’s greater than sufficient to take pleasure in console shooters at 120fps. Naturally, utilizing Sony’s system or a Xbox Collection X goes to hamper the transportable facet of this show, however for those who’re the kind of participant who’s tempted to seize a PlayStation Portal simply so you’ll be able to play whereas another person makes use of the TV, maybe a slimline 24-inch monitor is a greater front room answer.
For those who’re actually on the lookout for one thing that retains the necessity for extra wires and extras at bay, you’ll be thrilled to listen to the Umax 24 has built-in audio system. They’re not remotely punchy, and the 1W set would possibly wrestle to chop by means of noisy environments. That stated, they’re completely serviceable for those who simply want to listen to what’s occurring otherwise you’re pitched up someplace with out hussle and bustle. Let’s face it, nobody at your native espresso store desires to listen to characters shouting nonsense in Mario Kart anyway.
Efficiency
I’ve spent a few weeks utilizing the Umax 24 with handhelds and consoles, and whereas I used to be initially sceptical about its measurement, it’s protected to say this huge transportable monitor is helpful. It is a display screen that’s designed that will help you really feel such as you’re utilizing an bizarre show whereas away out of your desk, and whereas there are drawbacks tied to its portability, they’re outweighed by the panel’s pure versatility.
I’ll get a few of the cons out of the best way first since they’re fairly simple. The primary disadvantage I observed upon firing up the panel settings want a number of handbook tweaking out of the field. In Cyberpunk 2077, default distinction ranges actually didn’t get together with the neon-soaked gloom of Evening Metropolis, however I used to be capable of make issues a little bit simpler on the eyes by cranking up distinction, enjoying round with black ranges and saturation, and guaranteeing that HDR is firmly off.
Technically, this display screen has an HDR mode, you’ll wish to depart it off in most eventualities. The Umax 24 doesn’t have the brightness to again up its supposed Excessive Dynamic Vary skills, and utilizing them dangers undesirable distinction ranges. Don’t get me fallacious, the characteristic would possibly show helpful relying on the sport, because the Change 2 may need good optimisation for decrease HDR brightness since Mario Kart World will take full benefit of it in handheld mode, however that is still to be seen.
My different reservation is that balancing settings on the Umax 24 generally might be tough. To assist the panel look its greatest in all eventualities, you may need to make use of totally different ranges every time, and the built-in presets don’t set issues precisely how I’d desire them. You’re extra more likely to discover this when leaping from a darker surroundings to someplace extra vibrant, as for those who’ve been messing with the distinction dial, issues would possibly look a little bit oversaturated.
Alright, let’s discuss positives, because the Umax 24 has quite a bit to supply gamers on the lookout for portability. First off, it is a fairly crispy QHD display screen, and 1440p appears to be like good and sharp throughout 24 inches. For those who’re utilizing a handheld just like the Steam Deck OLED, demanding RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077 aren’t going to look unbelievable since FSR and lowered settings will make issues look grainy. However, the second you turn to one thing lighter like Tomb Raider Trilogy or an indie that may run at native decision with out compromise, you’re cooking.
I’m really already enthusiastic about utilizing the Umax 24 with the Change 2 because it looks like such a very good match for the OG model. I’ve spent a while enjoying Mario Kart 8 and different Ninty outings on this panel, and I’m fairly stunned at how nicely it scales to 1440p. Colours are all respectable, though in fact a little bit muted in comparison with OLED screens, however there’s nothing that screams “I’m only a wee transportable monitor with restricted skills” occurring. Merely put, I’d simply assume this was an bizarre desktop show if it had been mounted to a pedestal stand.
Please don’t roll your eyes after I say this, however I’m an enormous sucker for the entire “cosy gaming” aethstetic. You recognize, the factor that’s purely vibes primarily based that may be a phenomenon on Tiktok and Instagram? I’m totally invested in that. The Umax 24 appears to be too because it’s virtually serving as a correct gaming display screen you’ll be able to pitch up anyplace, together with in your mattress with cute blankets and cups of tea. Sure, I’ve been spending a number of time tackling my Steam backlog doing simply that, enjoying the whole lot from the Runescape-inspired, bug-themed RPG FlyKnight to Disco Elysium and Stardew Valley.
On the similar time, I wouldn’t remotely grumble if I had to make use of the Umax 24 as my most important show. It hits most of the similar notes as different IPS QHD panels, and slimming issues down doesn’t notably affect vibrancy. Brightness is the one pitfall that actually stands out, however the hole between this transportable monitor and a 1440p contender just like the Lenovo Legion R27qe isn’t huge sufficient for me to care.
I’m additionally an enormous fan of the Umax 24’s 165Hz skills, even when I wouldn’t use this transportable monitor for correct aggressive gaming. It’s going to really feel slick sufficient in bizarre adventures, and I’d fortunately play a number of rounds of Overwatch 2 on this display screen. Nonetheless, response instances sit round 10ms, which isn’t best for those who’re on the lookout for tremendous reactive outcomes after they matter most.
Let’s be truthful, although – for those who want that stage of aggressive efficiency, you’ll seemingly be utilizing a gaming laptop computer with a show tailor-made to these wants. Transportable screens, particularly fashions that dare to hit 24 inches, are higher suited to each basic use and secondary play. The very fact you’ll be able to hit 1440p 165Hz on this panel is spectacular sufficient, and whereas there are extra responsive choices on the market, just like the Asus ROG Strix, you’ll be paying the identical value for a 17-inch display screen and nonetheless solely get 3ms because of this. For context, the quickest OLED panels are inclined to hit 0.03ms, so the tradeoff isn’t fairly getting you to an esports candy spot.
Do you have to purchase the Uperfect Umax 24?
The thought of a 24.5-inch transportable monitor might sound daft, however the Uperfect Umax 24 makes use of its giant stature to function a flexible gaming display screen. Whereas it’s not sufficiently small to fit neatly into the laptop computer compartment in your bag, bringing this show with you in its carry case isn’t going to weigh you down, and its USB-C capabilities imply you will get away with utilizing a single energy adapter or energy financial institution.
Naturally, the Umax makes some compromises to realize a slim physique, but it surely’s all within the identify of being each low powered whereas nonetheless offering spectacular QHD 165Hz visuals. What I’ll say is that because it prices $459.99 / £462, you’ll wish to think twice about whether or not you want a display screen this measurement for taking up the go or if a less expensive various with fundamental specs will do the trick.
Will different smaller transportable screens pull off the identical strikes as a multiplayer Mario Kart display screen over the summer season? I’m not satisfied, however for those who’ve not acquired any large plans for a light-weight display screen, conserving prices down is smart.
How I examined the Uperfect Umax 24
Over the course of two weeks, I used the Uperfect Umax 24 to play video games utilizing the Steam Deck, Nintendo Change, and a desktop gaming PC. Throughout that point, I hung out utilizing the whole lot from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to Cyberpunk 2077 and lighter indie video games to check the panels 1440p 165Hz capabilities whereas assessing the display screen’s constancy, colours, responsiveness, and brightness. I additionally spent appreciable time testing the transportable monitor in lifelike eventualities in order to test its usability and constructed high quality.
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