Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor Review

The Arzopa Z1FC is a portable gaming monitor that aims to provide a high-refresh-rate experience for gamers on the go. With its 144Hz refresh rate and 16.1-inch display, it offers an intriguing option for those seeking to enhance their mobile gaming setup or add an extra screen to their workspace. 

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	ARZOPA 16.1'' 144Hz Portable Monitor with Kickstand, 100%...	No ratings yet	£169.99	Buy on Amazon

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Specification

• Product Name: ARZOPA Type-C Portable Monitor
• Screen Size: 16.1 Inch
• Panel Type: IPS
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 1920*1080
• Display Color: 16.7M
• Colour Temperature: 6800K 
• Visual Angle: H: 85°/85°Min V: 85°/85°Min
• Contrast Ratio: 1200:1
• Brightness: 300cd/m2
• Colour Gamut: 100%
• Input Interface: Mini HD(Video Signal), Type-C Full Function(Video Data, Power Supply ISDN),
• Speaker: Built-in Speakers(1W*2)
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz

Unboxing / Design

Upon unboxing the Arzopa Z1FC, users are greeted with a sleek and modern design. The monitor features a slim profile with a thickness of just 0.37 inches (9.4mm), making it highly portable. The 16.1-inch screen is surrounded by relatively thin bezels, which helps maximise the viewing area while keeping the overall footprint compact.

The monitor’s build quality is commendable, with a metal chassis that provides durability without adding excessive weight. At 1.72 pounds (780g), it strikes a good balance between sturdiness and portability. The matte black finish gives it a professional appearance that should fit well in various settings, from gaming setups to office environments.

Included in the box are essential accessories:

• USB-C to USB-C cable
• Mini HDMI to HDMI cable
• USB-A to USB-C cable
• Power adapter
• Protective cover (which doubles as a stand)

The protective cover is a thoughtful addition, serving both to shield the screen during transport and as a versatile stand. It allows for multiple viewing angles, which is useful for adapting to different usage scenarios.

Ports / Set Up

The Arzopa Z1FC offers a straightforward setup process, thanks to its versatile connectivity options. The monitor features:

• 2 x USB-C ports (full-function, supporting video, data, and power)
• 1 x Mini HDMI port

This selection of ports allows for easy connection to a wide range of devices, including laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles, and more. The USB-C ports are particularly useful, as they can handle video, data, and power delivery through a single cable, simplifying the connection process.

Setting up the monitor is generally a plug-and-play affair. For most modern laptops and smartphones with USB-C ports that support video output, you can simply connect the device to the monitor using the provided USB-C cable. The monitor will automatically detect the input and display the content.

For devices without USB-C video output, the Mini HDMI port provides an alternative connection method. This is particularly useful for gaming consoles or older laptops. However, when using HDMI, you’ll need to provide power to the monitor separately through one of the USB-C ports.

The monitor’s on-screen display (OSD) menu is accessible through a small joystick on the back of the device. This allows users to adjust various settings such as brightness, contrast, colour temperature, and input source. While functional, the joystick control can be a bit fiddly, and some users might prefer a more intuitive control method.

Compatible Phones

The Arzopa Z1FC is compatible with a wide range of smartphones, particularly those that support DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C. This feature allows phones to output video directly through their USB-C port. While Arzopa provides a list of compatible devices, it’s worth noting that this list may not be fully up-to-date with the latest models.

Some notable phone compatibility features include:

• Samsung DeX: Samsung flagship phones can use DeX mode, providing a desktop-like experience when connected to the monitor.
• Huawei Easy Projection: Similar to DeX, this allows for a PC-like interface on compatible Huawei devices.
• Motorola Ready For: Offers a desktop-style experience on supported Motorola phones.
• Microsoft Continuum: Provides a Windows-like interface on compatible Windows phones (though these are now rare).

For iPhone users, compatibility is possible but requires an additional Lightning to HDMI adapter.

As of 2024, many flagship phones support DisplayPort Alt Mode, including:

• Samsung Galaxy S24 series
• Google Pixel 8 series
• OnePlus 12 series
• Sony Xperia 1 VI
• Asus ROG Phone 8 series

It’s important to note that while many phones can output video to the monitor, the experience may vary. Some may only mirror the phone’s display, while others offer more advanced desktop-like interfaces.

Performance

The Arzopa Z1FC’s performance has been excellent during my time testing it.

Most of the time, I haven’t used it to its full potential, I set it up as an additional monitor for my work laptop. Using the USB-C I am able to run two normal monitors, and this all from one laptop. As it is relatively small compared to a normal monitor, it fits perfectly under my main monitors, which I then use for 3cx and MS Teams. 

I have then tested it with gaming and multimedia consumption. The 144Hz refresh rate is an important feature for gaming, providing smooth and fluid motion that’s especially noticeable in fast-paced games and scrolling through content.

Display Quality:
The 1080p resolution on the 16.1-inch IPS panel delivers sharp and clear images. While not as pixel-dense as some higher-resolution options, it strikes a good balance between visual quality and performance, especially considering the target use cases of portable gaming and productivity.

The IPS panel has a matte coating which reduces glare considerably. Technically this also means colours won’t be as vibrant but I have found that is offers good colour reproduction and Arzopa  claims this has 100% of the sRGB colour space. This ensures vibrant and accurate colours, which is beneficial for both gaming and content creation tasks. The 300 nits of brightness is adequate for most indoor environments, though it may struggle in very bright settings or direct sunlight.

Viewing angles are excellent, typical of IPS technology, allowing for consistent image quality even when viewed off-centre. This is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple people might be viewing the screen.

Gaming Performance:
For gamers, the 144Hz refresh rate is a significant advantage. When paired with a capable gaming laptop or console, it provides a smoother gaming experience with reduced motion blur and improved responsiveness. This is particularly noticeable in fast-paced games like first-person shooters or racing games.

The monitor’s response time, while not explicitly stated in the specifications, appears to be reasonably good for an IPS panel. There’s minimal ghosting or smearing in most scenarios, though it may not match the performance of dedicated gaming monitors with faster response times.

Audio:
The built-in speakers, while a convenient feature, are relatively basic. With just 1W of power each, they lack the volume and depth for an immersive audio experience. They’re suitable for casual use or in quiet environments, but for gaming or enjoying media, external speakers or headphones would be recommended. I rarely use the audio on this monitor, but it could be handy for notification sounds.

Productivity:
For work-related tasks, the Z1FC performs admirably. The 16.1-inch screen provides ample space for document editing, web browsing, or running multiple applications side by side. The 16:9 aspect ratio is well-suited for most productivity software and media consumption.

Price and Alternative Options

The Arzopa Z1FC is positioned as a mid-range option in the portable monitor market, offering a balance of features and affordability. As of the time of writing, the monitor is available directly from Arzopa for £110, while on Amazon, it’s listed at £170 but frequently drops to £119.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	ARZOPA 16.1'' 144Hz Portable Monitor with Kickstand, 100%...	No ratings yet	£169.99	Buy on Amazon

To put this pricing in context, let’s compare the Z1FC with some of Arzopa’s other offerings:

The Z1FC stands out in this lineup due to its high refresh rate, making it the best option for gamers among Arzopa’s offerings. The Z1RC, while pricier, offers a higher resolution which may appeal to users prioritising image quality over refresh rate.

When looking at alternatives from other brands, the market offers various options:

• Uperfect sells a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS Monitor for around £70, but it lacks the high 144Hz refresh rate of the Z1FC.
• The Asus ROG Strix XG16AHP is a 15.6-inch FHD 144Hz monitor with a built-in battery, offering more portability but at a higher price point.
• Brands like Yodoit and Uperfect offer monitors with higher resolutions (2560×1600) at increased prices, catering to users who prioritise pixel density.

The Z1FC’s value proposition lies in its combination of a large 16.1-inch screen, 144Hz refresh rate, and relatively affordable price. For gamers and users who appreciate smooth motion, it offers features typically found in more expensive models.

However, it’s worth noting that the portable monitor market is quite competitive, with new models frequently being introduced. Potential buyers should consider their specific needs:

• If high refresh rate is a priority, the Z1FC is an excellent choice.
• For those who need higher resolution, the Z1RC or options from other brands might be more suitable.

Users looking for the utmost in portability might prefer models with built-in batteries, like the Asus ROG Strix.

Overall

The Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor is an excellent, affordable portable gaming monitor.

The Z1FC excels in its primary role as a portable gaming monitor, offering smooth gameplay and responsive visuals. Its IPS panel provides good colour accuracy and wide viewing angles, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity tasks.

For productivity users, the 16.1-inch screen offers ample space for multitasking, and the USB-C connectivity simplifies setup with compatible laptops and smartphones. However, those requiring colour-critical work might find the 100% sRGB coverage limiting compared to wider gamut displays.

I’d say it is best suited when used in conjunction with consoles or miniPCs. Allowing you to have a small and portable battlestation.

Overall, I can give the Arzopa Z1FC a strong recommendation. I’d just recommend that you decide on a monitor that fits your needs, if it is used for general office work, then one of the more affordable Arzopa options would be a better fit. Alternatively, if you have a powerful SFF PC, then you may want one of the more expensive options from the likes of Uperfect, which has a higher resolution as well as a high refresh rate.

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.

Last update on 2025-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API