Auzai 21.5-inch monitor is super cheap and super average
(October 15, 2020 update: We previously stated that the monitor uses a TN panel and not a VA panel. This has been corrected.)
Auzai is currently selling a 21.5-inch 1080p monitor for less than $100 USD on Amazon. The company recently sent us a unit to test and, after playing around with it for a couple of days, it may be wise to hold onto your hundred dollar bill if you value higher quality monitors.
The first major drawback of the monitor is its VA panel and subsequent limited viewing angles. Though 100 mm VESA mounting is supported, don't expect great colors when rotated. The claimed 178-degree viewing angles don't hold up well if viewing from the top or bottom.
The second drawback is the general graininess of the overall image. It's not an issue when sitting at a normal distance from the screen, but image quality differences are obvious when compared to something pricier like the Dell Ultrasharp U2415 retailing for over two times the price.
Thirdly, the next disadvantage relates to the color accuracy of the display. Though color coverage is actually pretty good at 95 percent of sRGB, color accuracy is just average at best with the color red being the most inaccurate even after calibrating the display.
Fourthly, the plastic base allows for almost no angle adjustments outside of a narrow tilt of just a few degrees. Users can remove the entire base with just a Philips screwdriver if desired.
The last noticeable disadvantage to keep in mind is the proprietary AC adapter. Not only are standard AC power cables not supported, but the included adapter is relatively short at around 3.5 to 4 feet in length.
The cheap Auzai monitor works well for web browsing, emailing, video, and other casual scenarios and the very light weight makes it easy to handle. More serious office workers or gamers are going to want to invest a little more on monitors with crisper and better calibrated displays.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Inexpensive Lightweight (2240 g with base) 95 percent sRGB coverage Integrated speakers VESA mount | Color red is inaccurate Image quality is slightly grainy Short, proprietary AC adapter TN panel with limited viewing angles Plastic build quality feels cheap |
Auzai M215BH Monitor 21.50, 1920x1080 | HP Pavilion 15-cs2019ng BOE080D, IPS, 15.60, 1920x1080 | Asus VivoBook 15 K571LI-PB71 Panda LM156LF-GL03, IPS, 15.60, 1920x1080 | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11IGL05 N116BCA-EA1, IPS LED, 11.60, 1366x768 | Dell Vostro 15-5581 156CL04 1G2XW, IPS, 15.60, 1920x1080 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Display | |||||
Display P3 Coverage | 71.2 | 67.2 | 40.2 | 45.35 | 38.86 |
sRGB Coverage | 94.5 | 88.1 | 60.4 | 67.7 | 58.5 |
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 69.6 | 64.4 | 41.56 | 46.93 | 40.15 |
Response Times | |||||
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 28.4 ? | 43 ? | 28.4 ? | 38 ? | 36 ? |
Response Time Black / White * | 21.4 ? | 29 ? | 24 ? | 25 ? | 27 ? |
PWM Frequency | 208 ? | 250 ? | 208 ? | ||
Screen | |||||
Brightness middle | 210.7 | 320 | 263.9 | 270 | 231 |
Brightness | 192 | 293 | 246 | 259 | 213 |
Brightness Distribution | 82 | 86 | 87 | 76 | 87 |
Black Level * | 0.36 | 0.26 | 0.26 | 0.195 | 0.13 |
Contrast | 585 | 1231 | 1015 | 1385 | 1777 |
Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 3.93 | 4.5 | 5.56 | 3.98 | 4.81 |
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 10.02 | 8.81 | 16.11 | 8.46 | 8.33 |
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated * | 3.51 | 4.3 | 4 | 4.2 | |
Greyscale dE 2000 * | 2.8 | 4.71 | 5.8 | 2.57 | 5.19 |
Gamma | 2.07 106% | 2.45 90% | 2.16 102% | 2.3 96% | 2.33 94% |
CCT | 6766 96% | 7085 92% | 7828 83% | 6332 103% | 7088 92% |
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 61.7 | 58 | 38.2 | 43 | 37 |
Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 94.5 | 88 | 60.1 | 67 | 58 |
Total Average (Program / Settings) |
* ... smaller is better
Source(s)
The 15.6-inch Auzai portable monitor is also currently on sale for $160 USD or $30 off the original retail price for Prime Day.