ViewSonic VP16 OLED Review: A Portable Display for Creative Pros

Tech Specs

Display: 15.6 in, 1920 x 1080 pixels, 16:9 aspect ratio
Panel type: OLED
Resolution: FHD (Full HD)
HDR: Yes
Static contrast ratio: 100,000:1
Dynamic contrast ratio: 20M:1
Brightness: 400 cd/m²
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Ports: Micro-HDMI 1.4, 2x USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode, 3.5mm audio out
Stand adjustment: Height, tent, flat
Thickness: 0.8 in

For creative professionals constantly on the move, finding the right portable monitor is crucial. The ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED, with its OLED screen and versatile stand, aims to capture the attention of graphic artists, videographers, and other creative enthusiasts.

In this review, I'll delve into the design, display, connectivity, and overall performance to determine if the VP16-OLED is a worthy investment.

PROS

• Stunning OLED display with vibrant colors
• Versatile stand design
• Comprehensive on-screen controls and menu system
• Inclusion of a hood shade for optimal viewing

CONS

• Relatively high price point
• Inbuilt speakers are lackluster

Design and Portability: An Ingenious Stand

The VP16-OLED, when not in use, resembles any other portable monitor - a standard 16:9 black plastic panel. However, the magic lies in the cleverly designed stand incorporated into the back. This folding stand allows the panel to be propped up conventionally, aligning nicely alongside a laptop display. Flip the stand the other way, and the monitor elevates higher, offering comfortable use alongside a standalone desktop monitor.

The stand's versatility doesn't end there. With a tripod mounting socket, the monitor is ready for studio use alongside a camera. Extending both sections of the stand straight even allows the screen to be propped in a portrait orientation, providing added flexibility for creative professionals.
On-Screen Controls and Menu System

A row of four buttons on the stand controls the monitor's on-screen display. Easily accessible when the stand is lifted, these buttons provide seamless navigation through ViewSonic's comprehensive menu system.

Mirroring the style of full-size desktop ColorPro monitors, the menu system offers extensive customization options, including color gamut pre-sets and detailed image quality adjustments. The VP16-OLED goes beyond the average portable monitor, catering to the preferences of creative users.
Additional Features: Hood Shade for Optimal Viewing

ViewSonic takes the user experience a step further by including a hood shade with the VP16-OLED. This accessory neatly folds into shape and magnetically attaches to the screen.

A thoughtful addition, the hood shade proves invaluable for preventing screen reflections, especially when working under harsh ambient lighting conditions. Typically found only with premium desktop monitors, this extra enhances the overall value of the VP16-OLED for creative professionals.
Display

Firing up the VP16-OLED is a breeze; simply connect the provided USB cable from your laptop to the screen (both USB-A and USB-C cables are included). If your laptop's USB-C socket can output sufficient power, the monitor operates seamlessly through this single cable, eliminating the need for an additional power connection.

The VP16-OLED features a 15.6-inch OLED panel with a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio. While the pixel density may seem modest, at 141 pixels per inch, it proves more than sufficient for photo and video editing on this compact screen.

The display's standout features include a 60Hz refresh rate and a remarkable peak brightness of 400 nits, which I found sufficient for my indoor needs. The OLED panel delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and impressive contrast ratios, catering to the demands of creative professionals.

Apart from editing photos and videos, the monitor also serves well for content consumption: watching my favorite movies was a delight on this monitor.

With higher contrast and color saturation than standard LCDs, this screen provides a more vibrant and punchy viewing experience. The lack of a separate backlight ensures that black sections of an image are truly black, without any of the shimmer commonly seen on LCD screens.

Although the distinction between OLED and LCD may not be as stark as night and day, the VP16-OLED undeniably provides a subtle yet noticeable improvement over a well-tuned IPS LCD monitor.
Connectivity and Sound

Connectivity options include two USB-C ports, one for monitor power (with a 40W charging capability) and one for charging devices, along with a micro HDMI jack and a 3.5mm audio-out port. This versatility makes the VP16-OLED compatible with both Windows and macOS devices, ensuring seamless integration into various setups.

The monitor has two one-watt speakers for sound. They were barely audible when the monitor was connected to a laptop without being plugged in. However, they got much better when connected to a power source. Still, these speakers are barely adequate. Most people will find the built-in speakers on their laptops or PCs better, except for videographers who might find them useful during shoots.

Should You Invest in the ViewSonic VP16 OLED?

The ViewSonic VP16 OLED, which retails for ₹45,999 (at the time of writing) on Amazon, is designed for creative professionals who require a portable display without sacrificing picture quality. Its OLED panel, versatile stand design, and robust performance make it an attractive option for those in need of a reliable on-the-go monitor.