14-inch Dell C1422H portable monitor review: Lightweight and basic with no extras

Portable monitors are becoming more common to the point where there are now even models targeting gamers like the 17.3-inch Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE or 15.6-inch MSI Optix MAG162V. The 14-inch Dell C1422H is a simpler and more basic option targeting office users and general use case scenarios. The manufacturer has sent us a sample for our testing and impressions.

There are a couple of notable advantages on the C1422H that most other office-type portable monitors lack. Black-white and gray-gray response times, for example, are noticeably faster on the Dell for less noticeable ghosting. The monitor also supports USB-C charging passthrough at up to 65 W meaning you can plug in an external power source and the host PC simultaneously to charge the host PC. Alternatively, the monitor can be powered solely by the host PC if desired. Both USB-C ports on the Dell have identical features meaning you don't need to remember which port is for power and which is for data.

Color reproduction is quite good for a portable monitor at almost 95 percent of sRGB. Some budget alternatives like the GMK KD3 or Auzai ME16Z01 have much shallower colors for poorer color accuracy than our Dell.

Some drawbacks to keep in mind are the fragile build quality and presence of pulse-width modulation on lower brightness levels. Unlike the GMK KD1 or Lenovo ThinkVision m14t, the Dell monitor has no edge-to-edge glass reinforcement and so the unit flexes and twists more easily. On the plus side, the matte panel reduces glare significantly which can come in handy when working outdoors.

It's worth noting that our Dell offers very similar colors, response times, contrast levels, and brightness levels as on the competing Lenovo ThinkVision m14t. However, the Lenovo model is glossy instead of matte, integrates VESA mounting support, 10-point touchscreen capabilities, auto-rotation, and a Kensington lock slot. It's a bit pricier and heavier than our Dell at 698 g vs. 602 g, but the extra features may be worth the extra weight to some users.