Technical Review of Lepow Z1-Gamut Monitor
By: Jeff Smith
Tags: Gadgets, Portable Monitor, Digital Life, Lepow, Technology

The popularity of portable monitors has recently increased due to their ability to receive both power and data through a USB Type-C port. If a phone, tablet, or laptop is equipped with a full-featured Type C port, only one cable connection is required between the device and the monitor.

In the past, portable monitors were generally utilized as secondary screens for laptops. However, many users are now connecting them to phones and gaming devices such as the PS4 and Xbox. When my roommate is monopolizing our big screen television, I will often sneak into the kitchen, connect my portable monitor to a Fire TV Cube, and binge-watch one of my favourite television series.

Today I am reviewing Lepow’s latest portable monitor, the Lepow Z1-Gamut.

Description:

This monitor weighs in at 1.7 pounds. The Z1-Gamut is 14.5 inches wide, 9 inches tall, and just over a half inch thick when enclosed within its protective cover.

A thin bezel wraps around this device’s 15.6-inch screen which features an HD resolution of 1920 x 1080. Two speakers combine to provide stereo sound.

The Lepow Z1-Gamut is equipped with a protective cover that can be converted into a stand.

A mini-HDMI port and a full-featured USB-C port are located on the monitor’s left edge. Also included is a 3.5mm auxiliary output for use with a headset or external speakers.

The right edge of this device is fitted with a USB-C port which is intended for use as a power input. A tiny rotatable switch allows the operator to adjust both the volume and the monitor’s video characteristics using the OSC menu.

Accessories include USB-C to USB-C cable, USB-C to USB-A cable, mini-HDMI to HDMI cable, USB to AC adapter, plastic screen protector, cleaning kit, and user’s guide.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Lepow

Model: Z1-Gamut

Net Weight: 771 grams (1.7 pounds)

Visual Area: 344.16 x 194.59 millimeters (13.55 x 19.46 inches)

Screen Size: 15.6 inch

Panel Type: IPS

Aspect Ratio: 16:9/ 4:3

Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Display Color: 16.7M

Color Temperature: 6800K

Visual Angle: H: 85°/85°Min V:85°/85°Min

Contrast Ratio: 1000：1

Brightness: 320 nits

Refresh Rate: 60 Hz

Input Interface: Mini HD (Video signal), Type C full function (Video data, Power supply ISDN), Type C power supply

Output Interface: 3.5 mm headphone interface

Speaker: Dual stereo speaker (1 Watt each)

System Requirement: Devices with an HD output interface, computers with full Type C video output capability

The Manufacturer:

The Shenzhen Lepow Creative Technology Company manufactures portable monitors, E-Books, power banks, smart bags, and aroma diffusers. It is based in Shenzhen, China.

Compatibility:

The Z1-Gamut can receive both data and power from a phone fitted with a full-featured USB-C port. Sadly, I could not test this feature because my Umidigi X smartphone cannot transmit data and power over its USB-C port.

This monitor may also be connected to external devices via its mini-HDMI to HDMI cable. I plugged in my Amazon Fire TV Cube. I then ran power to the monitor’s right-edge USB-C port using the provided cable and a wall adapter.

Portable monitors are often utilized as a laptop’s secondary screen. I connected the Lepow Z1-Gamut to my elderly HP laptop via the HDMI cable and used a power bank to provide power.

Power:

This device draws up to two amps and requires an input of five volts. Power is supplied to either the left-hand-side USB-C port along with data or to the right-hand-side USB-C port.

In one of my tests, I connected an Anker 20100mAh power bank and my Fire TV Cube to the monitor. The power bank’s charge level did not drop below 75 percent until I’d watched five hours worth of television programs and movies. This device consumes very little power.

Sound:

The Lepow Z1-Gamut is fitted with a pair of one-watt speakers. The sound quality was acceptable but, even at maximum volume, suitable only when there is minimal background noise. Happily, an auxiliary 3.5mm output allows for the connection of a headphone or external speakers.

Video:

Lepow equipped this monitor with an IPS panel. IPS panels typically provide better color and viewing angles than other types of displays.

This device’s resolution is 1920 x 1080 (HD), and it can display 16.7 million colors.

Brightness is rated at 320 nits. While the monitor’s screen proved brighter than that of my HP laptop, the video appeared dull and faded during tests in my sun-drenched kitchen. With the curtains closed, the picture noticeably brightened. In most situations, this monitor provides a pleasant viewing experience.

Colors appeared slightly faded while viewing videos over Netflix. However, this might have more to do with the output from the Fire TV cube because colors were vivid and lifelike when the Lepow monitor was connected to my laptop.

Final Assessment:

Lepow has produced a reasonably priced portable monitor with excellent flexibility and amazingly low power consumption. I especially appreciate the inclusion of the cables necessary to connect this monitor to a variety of devices. The Lepow Z1-Gamut is recommended.