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UPerfect reached into a whole new category of display panel with the UColor T3. It blurs the formerly clear line between a desktop-class monitor and a portable monitor by creating a display that could genuinely be used for either.
It’s a 23.8-inch 4K matte panel, large enough for a desktop display. What makes this panel particularly interesting is that it’s as thin as a tablet and powered by a single USB-C port, rather than requiring a USB-C cable to connect to the computer and a separate AC power cable.
Having tested many of the best portable monitors around, including several from UPerfect, I can tell you it’s not the easiest to bring to a quick coffee run. But you could very easily take this on the road, perhaps to a temporary workspace, co-working, or business travel where you need a more substantial screen than your laptop allows. Regardless of the reason, if you need a monitor for whatever reason, but a traditional monitor won’t work for you, you don’t have to decide. You can get a full-sized, 4K-resolution panel that you can take wherever you are.
UPERFECT UColor T3: Price and availability
The UColor T3 is currently on sale directly on UPerfect’s site for $510 / £386 (and it’s discounted at time of review to $410 / £311). I’m also seeing it sold via online retailers for around the same price.
UPERFECT UColor T3: Unboxing and First Impressions
This unboxing didn’t feel like a monitor. It felt more like a laptop. I pulled out the 24-inch display, wrapped in protective material, and then pulled out two USB-C cables, an HDMI cable, a power adapter, and a manual. I chose not to get the VESA mount, though that would have come in a separate box if I had. The carrying case feels like a laptop sleeve or a display board case, rather than a monitor case.
Then again, I have never had a portable monitor this size, so that’s probably normal. In the style of a portable monitor, setup is pretty straightforward: all you have to do is pull out the display and plug in a single USB-C cable if you have a USB-C device, or plug in an HDMI cable if you’re going with HDMI. Then a USB-C for power as well, since power doesn’t transfer between the device and the monitor via HDMI.
Right off the bat, I was genuinely shocked by its size. Even next to my 14 and 16-inch laptops, this thing felt huge. I plugged in my iPad mini 7 just for kicks and giggles and was astonished at the size difference.
One thing that I like about this panel is the matte display. Personally, I am a sucker for a good matte screen. I have always had a PaperLike screen protector on my beloved iPads, even when my iPad Pro was my only device for a few years. And, if money were no object, I would have gotten a matte display on my 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro. Because of this love, I really appreciate the matte finish on this portable monitor. I also love that this monitor bends the rules of what makes a “portable” monitor.
Yes, it’s more portable than my monitors, which are rigged up with my Monobloc, monitor arms, BenQ light bars, and webcams, but it still won’t fit in even my larger Nomatic backpack. This display can be powered by a single USB-C cable running to your host device, but it will also need its own carrying case or an absurdly large bag to transport safely when in use. So, maybe even the term “portable” needs some translation. Or, is this unit too far gone?
UPerfect UColor T3: Design & Build Quality
When it comes to overall design and finish, UPERFECT ensured a product that looks high-end yet meets everyday needs. This isn’t a display you feel bad bringing out of the office or your house, but it’s also one that looks nice enough to use for a presentation with your boss or that client you are trying to impress.
The bezels are sleek, the display is sharp, though I do wish it were a bit brighter, and the stand pops out of the frame, feeling like a bonus feature every time. For setups you want elevated with a desk arm or mounted in an office.
Another unique option could be to use a VESA mounting bracket to mount a mini PC to the back of this monitor, and then run the USB-C directly into the computer, essentially making it so you could have a full-blown desktop with a single cable power system, and it could be pretty portable. Especially if the machine is something like the M-Series Mac mini, which offers unreal power, is reasonably cheap, and is portable in and of itself. You could even get a portable power station and run this on the go.
UPerfect UColor T3: In use
Specs
Display: 23.8 in IPS, 3840×2160 (4K)
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Contract Ratio: 1000:1
Finish: Matte anti-glare
Brightness: 350 cd/m2
Ports: USB-C (power + DP Alt Mode), HDMI, 3.5 mm audio out
Mounting: 75×75 mm VESA holes
Stand: Adjustable tilt stand built in
Power: USB-C
Weight: ≈ 1.92 kg / 4.23 lb (estimate)
Using this for the last few months, on and off, has been great. It hasn’t been used every day, but my team and I have repeatedly grabbed it for testing machines, for working in different places. I grabbed this and brought it to a coffee shop, though that was odd, and I used it as an added display for workspaces I already have.
One of my favorite setups I used this monitor for was mounting it on a monitor arm, then putting this display below it at an angle closer to 60 degrees, almost like a laptop display. I love this look when I am working with a laptop, so having a portable display that gives me the same look and feel as my desktop is great.
This display would also be great for those in the IT world who need to physically plug into server rooms, run tests on machines with a repair cart, or similar needs. It’s large but portable, making this an excellent display for unique or otherwise not-great scenarios.
UPERFECT UColor T3: Final verdict
The UPerfect UColor T3 lives in the grey area between portable monitor and standard desktop monitor, in the best way. It’s not stationary and hard to move like a standard display, and it’s not too small like most portable displays.
While it doesn’t get super bright, which is sad, the colors are great, the matte display cuts down on glare, and the portability and usability with that size is fantastic. For those niche use cases, this is a spectacular option.
The UColor T3 delivers superb 4K sharpness and premium materials in a semi-portable format. It straddles portable and desktop categories perfectly for those who travel occasionally but still need a large, accurate display. It’s not ultra-bright or light, but for workspace flexibility and clarity, it’s an easy recommendation.
Should you buy a UPERFECT UColor T3?
|
Value |
More expensive than other panels, but also a lot more screen |
4 / 5 |
|
Design |
Slim, matte finish, with a built-in stand |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Hardware |
4k panel, HDMI, USB-C and a VESA Mount, but it’s fairly dim |
4 / 5 |
|
Performance |
Sharp and easy to see, but only indoors and not with direct light |
4 / 5 |
|
Overall |
A semi-portable, “portable” monitor with massive real estate, a fairly dim display with a built in stand and easy usability. |
4.5 / 5 |
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