HomeReviewsAffordable and Portable: HONGO 2K 16" Monitor Review

Affordable and Portable: HONGO 2K 16″ Monitor Review

Introducing the HONGO 2K 16″ monitor – a versatile option for multitasking and gaming. It boasts a stylish design and hassle-free setup. Nevertheless, there’s potential for enhancements due to its average built-in speaker quality and color accuracy.

NewForTech Opinion:

Pros:

  • Simple Plug-and-Play
  • Seamless Gaming Experience
  • Single Cable Connection

Cons:

  • Limited Color Precision
  • Complicated OSD Controls
  • Subpar Built-in Speakers
HONGO 2K 16" monitor
(Image Credit: Amazon)

HONGO 2K 16″ Portable Monitor: QUICK SPECS

  • Size: 16-inch
  • Type: LED-backlit IPS
  • Resolution: 1600×1200 (2K)
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
  • Refresh Rate: 120Hz
  • Brightness: 250 nits
  • Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
  • Connectivity: 1x USB Type-C (for power and display), 1x HDMI port, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Weight: Approx. 680g

HONGO 2K 16″ Portable Monitor: THE DETAILS

The HONGO 2K 16″ monitor is a versatile and budget-friendly option for a dual setup. It saves desk space and is easily transportable. It suits everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and gaming but has limitations for color-critical creative work.

The unboxing experience reveals an understated monitor with a minimalistic design and a practical Smartcase that serves as both protection and a stand. The description may call it frameless, but it has a sleek modern frame.

HONGO 2K 16" Portable Monitor: THE DETAILS
(Image Credit: Amazon)

Setup and usage are simple: just connect it to your computer using a USB Type-C cable. With a maximum resolution of 1600×1200, it delivers clarity, making routine tasks and media viewing enjoyable.

Realistically, it’s one of the top portable monitors for various users, including office workers, gamers, and creative professionals needing extra screen space. However, its color accuracy may not meet professional standards, and the built-in speakers are basic. Nonetheless, it offers a well-rounded solution.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

Priced at just $199, the HONGO 2K 16″ Monitor offers a cost-effective blend of affordability and performance. It’s a budget-friendly Amazon alternative to pricier second-screen choices, especially given its 2K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Its feature package competes well, delivering decent all-around value for the price. This makes it perfect for dual-screen needs, space constraints, or on-the-go portability.

Score: 5/5

Video from: 1 Up Nerdcore Youtube Channel

DESIGN

The HONGO 2K 16″ monitor impresses with its sleek, minimalist design. Unboxing reveals a premium-feeling product, despite its low price. The Smart case, doubling as a stand, exemplifies smart product design that combines both aesthetics and functionality. This wrap-around case ensures the monitor’s safety during transport and storage.

HONGO 2K 16" monitor impresses with its sleek
(Image Credit: Amazon)

It’s worth noting that the monitor is portable enough to fit into a laptop slot, making it an ideal companion for a 16″ MacBook Pro or similar laptops.

Adjusting the monitor is straightforward, with resolution controlled through the computer and brightness, contrast, and other settings accessible via user-friendly on-screen displays. However, the on-screen display controls, though easy to use, are somewhat clunky, featuring a carousel-style design using the monitor’s side buttons. Given the monitor’s overall quality, these controls could have been more intuitive.

Design: 4.5/5

FEATURES

The HONGO 2K 16″ monitor offers a wide range of features catering to general and specialized users. With a 1600×1200 resolution, it delivers sharp, clear visuals suitable for various tasks. Notably, the 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth, lag-free gaming—a must for gamers. Add FreeSync technology to the mix, and you get a screen that minimizes screen tearing, offering a seamless gaming experience.

FEATURES
(Image Credit: Amazon)

In terms of color, the monitor supports the sRGB color space, delivering vibrant visuals for everyday tasks and gaming. While it includes HDR functionality, it primarily enhances the gaming and entertainment experience, rather than creative workflows.

The built-in speakers serve their purpose but don’t excel in audio quality. Connectivity options include a USB Type-C port and HDMI, providing flexibility for various setups. For those looking to save desk space or integrate it into a more complex setup, the VESA mount compatibility is a valuable feature. The HONGO 2K 16″ monitor is a versatile all-rounder, capable of handling a wide range of applications but excelling in none.

Features: 4/5

PERFORMANCE

MetricScore
Gamut4.5/5
Tone Response5/5
White Point3.5/5
Contrast5/5
Luminance Uniformity3.5/5
Colour Uniformity4/5
Colour Accuracy4/5
Overall Rating4/5

The HONGO 2K 16″ monitor is a versatile display for home or on-the-go use. It suits various tasks, from word processing to gaming.

For everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing, it excels. The controls allow easy adjustments, though they may take some getting used to. The 1600×1200 resolution provides exceptional detail and clarity.

monitor is a versatile display
(Image Credit: Amazon)

In gaming, the HONGO shines with its 120Hz refresh rate, handling fast-paced titles smoothly without screen tearing or lag, thanks to FreeSync technology.

However, for color-critical work, it falls short, with Adobe RGB and P3 percentages around 69% and 70%, below industry standards.

After testing with Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra monitor calibration, it’s clear that the HONGO 2K 16″ is a solid all-around performer, suitable for everyday use and gaming but not ideal for professional color work.

Performance: 4/5

SHOULD YOU BUY A HONGO 2K 16″ MONITOR

If you need an affordable, portable second screen with a smooth 120Hz display, the HONGO 2K 16″ monitor is a great choice. Setup is a breeze with USB Type-C or HDMI connectivity.

However, it’s not the best for color-sensitive creative work due to limited color coverage. Built-in speakers are decent but not exceptional.

Value: 5/5
Design: 4.5/5
Features: 4/5
Performance: 4/5
Total: 4/5

Why you should buy

  • You need an affordable second monitor.
  • You need a portable monitor matching MacBook Pro 16″ dimensions.

Don’t buy it if

  • You require a monitor for color-sensitive work.
  • You prioritize built-in speaker quality for immersive audio.