The Uperfect A17 is a competitively priced portable monitor that offers strong performance for its cost, but falls short of some manufacturer claims. While it delivers on key specs like resolution and brightness, color accuracy isn’t as advertised. This makes it a decent option for budget-conscious users who need a secondary display on the go, but buyers should be aware of discrepancies between listed and actual performance.
Sharp Display, Questionable Color Accuracy
The 15.6-inch Uperfect A17 boasts a sharp 3,840×2,160 resolution, ensuring crisp visuals. Brightness hits 426.6 nits (close to the 450-nit claim) and contrast is a robust 1,610:1. These figures, combined with an effective matte finish, provide a comfortable viewing experience.
However, independent testing reveals color coverage isn’t what Uperfect states. While the A17 achieves 99% sRGB coverage—a strong result—AdobeRGB performance is only 81% despite a 100% claim. DCI-P3 coverage also lags behind at 84%. This matters because accurate color reproduction is critical for professionals in fields like photography or graphic design, and buyers relying on advertised specs may be disappointed.
Practical Design, Limited Features
The A17’s industrial design is basic: a thick plastic slab with a prominent bottom bezel. It lacks a built-in kickstand, relying instead on a magnetic cover that serves as a makeshift stand. While not elegant, this system is functional. VESA mounting holes are present for more permanent setups.
A clever but imperfect workaround for propping up the monitor is using a pen or pencil slotted into a designated hole at the bottom left. This solution echoes similar designs from Asus portable monitors.
Power Concerns and Connectivity
The monitor features two USB-C ports and one HDMI input. Single-cable connectivity is possible, but power delivery issues are common. Maximum brightness combined with the built-in speakers often exceeds what some USB-C ports can handle, leading to flickering or instability. Using an external speaker resolves this problem. Power output varies between laptops—some Thunderbolt 4 ports provide enough power, while others (like certain USB4 ports) do not.
Verdict: A Reasonable Trade-Off
The Uperfect A17 isn’t groundbreaking, but it provides strong brightness and clarity for its price. It’s a solid choice for mobile productivity, especially given discounts that bring the price down to around $190. However, buyers should manage expectations regarding color accuracy and power requirements.
Despite shortcomings, the A17 delivers a usable experience at an attractive price point, making it a viable option for those prioritizing affordability over perfect specifications.
