INTRODUCTION

   Up until roughly 2-3 years ago whenever i had to build a new system (either a complete one or one just for tests) i had to move it from one location to the other just so i could hook it up with an LCD screen. I currently have 2 desks in the office with 3 LCD screens (49/38/32") on them and since i don't have ample room to have more around all systems used to go next to one of them for windows installation and tests. Ever since i started using portable monitors however this hasn't been the case and so now i simply don't have to move my builds anywhere, i just install Windows and run tests where i assemble them. UPERFECT has send over quite a few of their models and since some of you asked for reviews of models with high resolutions (higher than 1080p) today with me i have their latest 17.3" UMAX model (173K03).

   UPERFECT was founded in 2017 as a brand based on decades of experience and research along with a sole vision to enlighten people in enhancing their display to 4K and improve their lives through our portable display technology. At UPERFECT MONITOR we understand and are fully committed to solving real-time challenges experienced by people worldwide by the provision of high-quality, individualized modern technological monitors with professionalism, dignity, and respect. We strive to understand the challenges that people are facing today and use our strong technology acumen to find exclusive and unprecedented solutions for them.

   This time over the 17.3 inch model UPERFECT has send over features an 8-bit QHD (2560x1440p) ADS IPS HDR backlit panel which sports refresh rate of 60Hz, 16:9 ratio, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 300 cd/m2 brightness and 178 degrees viewing angles. As usual two tiny speakers are located on the sides (1each, 8Ohm impedance) of the aluminum frame along with a menu navigation roller, mini-HDMI port, USB type C PD output, USB Type-C for audio/video input and PD input/output and a 3.5mm audio output. As for what image technologies UPERFECT has used this time well among others this particular model has ECO mode, 4 different display modes, clone mode, sharpness, daisy chain and darkness enhancements and an sRGB color gamut of 100%. So even though this portable monitor is clearly not aimed towards demanding gamers it does look promising.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

This time over UPERFECT has used a plain cardboard box that has a partial product drawing at the front right beneath a product description.

Turning the box around we find an eco-message and some certifications.

Along with the portable monitor inside the box you'll also find a magnetic cover/stand, mini HDMI to HDMI cable, two USB-C cables, USB C power adapter and the user manual (which wrongly says 1080p instead of 1440p - same thing with part of the online specifications).

THE UMAX 173K03

The UMAX 173K03 model gets shipped with the same magnetic cover/stand as their other models.

In terms of size the aluminum frame of the UMAX 173K03 measures 391mm in length, 241mm in height and 11mm in thickness.

Just like with previous models the diagonal of the screen is 440mm.

An opening is placed on either side right in front of each 1W speaker.

The clickable menu roller together with the mini HDMI, two USB-C and 3.5mm ports is located on the left side.

75x75mm VESA compatible holes are located at the rear of the aluminum frame.

The magnetic cover/stand is very useful and allows the portable monitor to be set in 2 different positions.

OSD MENUS

Via the navigation roller you can enter the OSD menu to adjust backlight, brightness, contrast, sharpness, saturation and color temperatures, calibrate the screen, set the game and image modes (standard/game/movie/photo), enable daisy chain, set the aspect ratio, enable/disable HDR, choose preferred input, set the volume, mute sound, select the audio source, choose language for the OSD and reset the monitor to its factory settings.

VIEWING ANGLES / PICTURE QUALITY

This particular portable monitor sports an sRGB gamut of 100% so it actually produces sharp images with good color reproduction. Movement is also good although with a refresh rate of 60Hz you can't expect miracles with fast passed games.

IPS panels have great viewing angles but since this model features an ADS IPS backlit panel you can see how it is recorded on the side picture (luckily this was just from the side).

TEST RESULTS

DATACOLOR SPYDERX ELITE MEASUREMENTS

By using the SpyderX Elite Colorimeter by Datacolor i measure both the color gamut (SRGB and Adobe) and the brightness levels of the monitor at hand.

Here you can see results for Color and Luminance Screen Uniformity (instead of just listing results at 100% brightness I’m listing all of them - 50/67/83/100%).

Datacolor rates monitors based on their overall results so it was decided to include this chart as well.

POWER CONSUMPTION

Power consumption may not be what most people look for when out to get a brand new monitor but at the end of the day it's still an important factor so i do hope this is of interest to some of you.

CONCLUSION

   The UMAX 173K03 portable monitor by UPERFECT may not be ideal for gaming but thanks to its QHD/2K resolution (2560x1440p), 100% sRGB gamut and good brightness levels it’s actually a very good choice for movie viewing and office use. Color accuracy is very good, image sharpness even at default is satisfactory (you can tweak that even further from the OSD) and thanks to its cover/stand and VESA compatible holes it can be placed either on your desk or on a monitor arm. Unfortunately, even though the aluminum frame of the UMAX 173K03 is quite good in terms of build quality the built-in speakers are far from great and the same more or less applies to the menu roller which is not very easy to use at times.

   Currently the UMAX 173K03 QHD/2K portable monitor by UPERFECT retails for USD279.99/268.848Euros directly from UPERFECT (use code BLACK35 to get an extra $35 off from your order) a price tag which is good for a portable model, especially after using the discount code. In the end of course it all comes down to what you’d want a portable monitor for but if size, resolution, HDR and color accuracy are important to you I seriously suggest giving it a chance.

PROS

- Good Build Quality
- 17.3 Inch ADS IPS Backlit Panel (Size/Viewing Angles)
- Resolution / Color Gamut / Brightness Levels
- HDR Compatible
- Available Ports (Mini HDMI/2xUSB C/3.5mm)
- Stereo Speakers
- Compatibility (Smartphones/Tablets/Laptops/MacBooks/PCs)
- Cover/Stand

CONS

- Speaker Performance
- 60Hz Refresh Rate (For Some)