The ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED promises brilliant colors and portable functionality that you won’t find from its competitors. Its design its close to the Asus PQ22UC, but smaller and more robust based on the pictures alone. Its more expensive than the INNOCN OLED portable monitors, but let’s check it to see if its worth the extra cost.
ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED Specifications
- Screen Size: 16 Inches
- Resolution:1920 x 1080 FHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: OLED
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Contrast Ratio: 100000:1
- Brightness: 400 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: Yes
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – No
- Stand: Pivot – No
- VESA Compatibility: No
- Connectivity: USB-C x 2, Mini-HDMI x 1
- Dimensions (WxHxD) 14.1” x 12.38” x 0.8”
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
Design and Features
The ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED looks simple and sophisticated, although its design can sometimes make it look like a mini desktop monitor. It has a matte black finish so it won’t stain or get scratched easily after regular use. The display has thin bezels, but the bottom has a thicker strip with the company’s logo.
Its thicker than most portables in the same size class because of its built-in stand. However, its overall thickness is still below 1 inch, so we think it will be manageable for most users who have a laptop bag or backpack. Its twice as heavy as its competitors, but the added heft pays dividends so its an acceptable trade-off.
Build quality for this model is considerably better than what we’ve seen on other ViewSonic portables. It feels like a refined product with no cosmetic defects, so it’s a joy to hold and use. The built-in stand doesn’t sag or wobble so the screen won’t move unwantedly if its planted on a stable surface.
The ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED has OSD buttons on its base so they are easy to access if the monitor is standing. The menus take some getting used to, but at least you get a full-featured OSD, unlike with other portables. However, that also means that a joystick would more convenient to use, especially if you calibrate regularly.
Another advantage this monitor has is its built-in stand which gives you vertical and tilt adjustments. Its also firmer and more stable than a kick or flip stand, so there will be less distractions while you are busy with it. The monitor isn’t compatible with VESA mounts, but that’s understandable in this case.
The ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED has two USB-C ports, a micro HDMI port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The other Type-C port is intended for the included power adapter for power, so only the primary will work in DP Alt Mode with up to 40W of delivery power. It’s a bit clunky since you will also need to plug in your laptop.
You don’t get speakers with this model, but that’s okay since laptop speakers will almost always sound better than built-ins with portable models. You do get a calibration or shading hood as a consolation. It’s magnetic and important for this monitor due to its glossy panel surface.
Display and Performance
The ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED boasts a 15.6-inch OLED panel with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms response time. It has a 400 cd/m2 brigtness max and a 100000:1 contrast ratio. OLEDs have various advantages, but you need to take extra care to avoid issues like burn-in.
16-inch 1080p monitors aren’t known for sharpness, but they are still commonly available because they work great for most purposes. The pixels are tighter since the panel is smaller than a desktop variant’s, so images still look clean with excellent visibility You don’t get a lot of room with it, but that predicament is what portable monitors are designed for.
The ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED covers more than 100% of the sRGB gamut, 99.5% of DCI-P3, and 98% DCI-P3. It offers stunning views, but its also suitable for professionals who edit and create content. However, its deltaE averages for the 3 gamut are at 2.24, 2.91, and 2.66 respectively, so its not sharply calibrated out of the box.
Calibrating it with a colorimeter improved the dE averages to 0.91, 1.23, and 1.15, respectively. Doing this makes it even better for color-critical applications, although you will need a colorimeter to achieve comparable results. It’s a must-have if you will use the monitor for work, but otherwise, its just an impractical accessory.
The ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED’s brightness reached 388 cd/m2 at 100% brightness so it can fight off a decent amount of glare. Its contrast reached an incalculable level, thanks the panel type’s individually dimming pixels. Its capable of deep blacks and fantastic dynamic range, unlike the IPS variants which barely breached 1000:1.
Panel uniformity for the test sample was excellent since the monitor does not have a regular backlight that sometimes leaks. The screen looked even all around, and there were no signs of noticeable light blooms. Its prone to burn-in like all OLEDs, but it should be fine as long as you don’t leave a static image on it for extended periods.
The ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED is limited to 60hz, but it doesn’t have any issues with blurring or ghosting. OLEDs have naturally fast pixel response times, so transitions look clean without any trailing or persistence. Its great for gaming, although the refresh rate is the clear limitation in this regard.
The ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED doesn’t have Adaptive Sync, but that’s understandable since it wasn’t meant for gaming. 1080p 60Hz doesn’t take a lot these days, so you won’t have to worry a bout stuttering and tearing. Input lag sits at 8ms at 60Hz, so the screen doesn’t show delays or have a sluggish feel.
Thoughts on the ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED
The ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED is our new favorite portable monitor for professionals thanks to its fantastic panel. It offers superb color output and contrast, so it’s pure eye candy for any type of use. Its also very functional and robust, unlike other portables that rely on a flip cover to prop them up
We have very little complaints with this monitor, although there is still room for some improvement. Minor flaws like the 40-watt limitation aren’t deal-breakers, but having more power throughput will matter to professionals on the go. However, it’s still a fantastic buy at its price, and we highly recommend it if you want a gorgeous portable display.
Pros:
- Excellent Price for OLED Portable
- Brilliant Colors and Contrast
- Buit-in Stand
Cons:
- 40 Watts Limitation
- Thicker and Heavier
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