Arzopa Z1RC: 30 second review
The demand for portable monitors is somewhat limited, as most people who need a computer on the go opt for a laptop with a built-in display. Projectors are often used for those looking for an additional screen, perhaps for a presentation to clients, as they allow for easy viewing by a wider audience.
The Arzopa Z1RC is designed to provide a laptop (or desktop) computer with a second 16-inch screen that is easy to transport and connect.
In many ways, it's similar to the Espresso 17 Pro we reviewed earlier, except it has a smaller panel, lower resolution, and was built with cheaper components.
And, like the Espresso design, this panel is USB powered, either via a typical phone charger (not included) or via USB power from the host system.
Doing this with a laptop will always reduce battery life, although if the laptop is USB charged and mains powered, that shouldn't be a problem.
Display input is via Mini HDMI or USB-C, and cables that convert from standard HDMI to the Mini variety are included in the box. The box can also connect a PC with USB-C to one of the monitor's two ports.
What's especially cool about this design is that it has a built-in kickstand that's adjustable for multiple viewing angles in landscape mode and works in portrait orientation.
Overall, this is a useful device for modest money if you can live with some limitations.
Arzopa Z1RC: Price and availability
- How much does it cost? $120/£129
- When does it come out? It is available now
- Where can you get it? Direct from Arzopa worldwide or in Europe
Considering the high price of the Espresso 17 Pro display and their ergonomic similarities, the price of the Z1RC was quite shocking.
For US customers, Arzopa has reduced the MSRP price from $189.99 to $119.99. For UK customers, that translates to a still remarkably affordable £129.99.
That's what off-brand portable monitors with a 1080p display typically cost, making the Z1RC an excellent value.
Arzopa Z1RC: Specifications
| Model: | ArzopaZ1RC |
|---|---|
| Screen size: | 16 inches from corner to corner |
| Resolution: | 2560×1600 |
| Compatibility: | TB4, TB3, USB 4.0, USB-C |
| Number of ports: | 2 |
| Ports: | 2x USB-C, 1x Mini HDMI |
| Quoted Color Specifications | 100% RGB |
| Panel bits | 8 |
| Display technology: | IPS |
| Size | 356 x 240 x 9 mm (width x depth x height) |
| Weight | 763g |
| Accessories included | USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C, HDMI to Mini HDMI Cables |
| Touch capability | No |
| Maximum update | 60Hz |
Arzopa Z1RC: Design
- simple design
- Wiring options
- Built-in support
What stands out most about the Z1RC is the simplicity of the design and how this makes it fit for purpose.
It's a 16-inch IPS panel with no integrated power supply, some basic controls to access a sparse OSD menu, and a built-in kickstand. Almost everything else is just window dressing, to some extent.
Included in the box, along with three cables, is a short printed user guide detailing how this monitor can be connected to a host system.
If you use the HDMI output, the monitor needs to draw power from somewhere else, which could be the computer via USB-C or USB-A or an external power source.
Power demands are around 9W, so even a relatively small power bank can provide that power.
But, if you have a properly equipped laptop with a USB-C port that can put out those watts, then the Z1RC can simply be connected via a USB-C to USB-C cable that carries both the monitor signal and the power to drive it. . .
On the left side are the two USB-C ports and the Mini HDMI input. Alongside these are buttons that turn the monitor on/off, volume and brightness adjustments, and a button to bring the OSD to the screen.
Since the screen comes to life once you plug it in, the power button is largely superfluous.
The OSD menu controls brightness, contrast, sharpness, ECO and DCR options, and can adjust color temperature. However, the only practical reason most owners would use the OSD is for source switching, as you can connect two host systems to this panel.
There are speakers, but Arzopa doesn't say what size they are, and given the limited space inside the screen, they may be less than a watt.
But our favorite design feature is easily the kickstand, a strip of metal with a hinge on one end that can hold the screen in portrait and landscape orientations. It's easy to unfold and store, can't be lost, and in landscape mode offers some options for screen angle.
The natural resolution of this screen is a slightly unusual 2540 x 1600, making it slightly larger than 1440p. It seems like an ideal resolution, as 1080p at this size would seem awkward with some apps and 4K would be overkill.
The Z1RC may be basic, but it was designed to perform with minimal fuss and does so successfully.
Arzopa Z1RC: Performance
- Backlight uniformity issues
- 100% sRGB
- Limited viewing angles
Testing the Z1RC was another opportunity to pull out our Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra and give this display a proper review.
Since this screen is IPS and only 8-bit, our expectations were set back a bit. Arzopa claims this monitor has a 1200:1 contrast ratio and a maximum brightness of 500 nits, but even monitors from top brands often fall short of the numbers provided.
While the contrast ratio was reasonably close to 1060:1, the Z1RC's backlight isn't bright enough for 500 nits, coming in closer to 337 at a 100% setting.
It's probably closer to 400 nits at its peak, but these are average numbers, and this screen is significantly brighter at the top edge and much darker further down the panel. The bottom edges are up to 15% darker, which would require 400 nits at the top and reduce it to 340 nits at the bottom. The lack of uniformity of brightness is probably the worst aspect of the Z1RC.
Ironically, color uniformity is better, although it is still biased upwards.
This panel offers 100% sRGB gamut, 89% AdobeRGB, 95% P3, and 69% Rec 2020. For an IPS panel, these are respectable numbers, even if no one who makes a living working with color would rush. to buy one.
The Z1RC is a monitor suitable for office work or presentations to clients. However, make sure the person watching is perpendicular to the screen, as it tends to be less bright outside of optimal viewing angles.
According to the specifications, the viewing angle range is 85 degrees in both horizontal and vertical directions, which is low for IPS technology.
Arzopa Z1RC: Verdict
It's easy to swipe on the Arzopa Z1RC because it's not as bright as the specs should be and the backlight is uneven. But realistically, for the low asking price, this is a very useful piece of equipment that someone traveling could carry that gives them more screen real estate.
Those who want 100% Adobe RGB colors or a touch panel can pay much more for those privileges. This design is not for that market.
This reviewer found it excellent for use with Mini PCs, which can supply the power needed to drive the display without a USB-C power source.
Owners must accept that the Z1RC is not a device to be thrown carelessly in a bag, as it only comes with a 12-month warranty. But if you carry it in the box it came in, it should be reasonably safe.
The Arzopa Z1RC may not be the most amazing portable monitor, but it is one that most people can afford and many may find invaluable.
Arzopa Z1RC: Report Card
| Worth | Surprisingly low cost for what it offers. | 5/5 |
| Design | Simple but effective design and easy to transport. | 4/5 |
| Performance | Backlight issues but otherwise reasonable | 3.5/5 |
| Total | There are better portable displays, but not at this price. | 4/5 |
Should you buy an Arzopa Z1RC?
Buy it if…
Don't buy it if…
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