BIGASUO Portable Monitor Review
December 19, 2024
Explore the BIGASUO Portable Monitor in this whimsical review. Discover its sleek design, stunning FHD display, and effortless setup for your tech-savvy adventures.
BIGASUO’s 15.6-inch portable monitor pairs standard budget specs with a few practical touches that most competitors skip. The 1080P IPS panel delivers 300 nits, 1000:1 contrast, 100% sRGB, FreeSync, 3ms response time, and HDR at 60Hz. What stands out at this price tier is the menu wheel control design (adjust sound and brightness without entering the OSD menu), the 24-month warranty with lifetime technical support, and the complete cable kit including three cables and an AC adapter. At 1.4 lbs with a built-in foldable kickstand, it handles the basics of a portable second screen reliably.
Below, we cover the display, design, connectivity, and limitations based on the manufacturer’s specifications.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Specification |
Detail |
| Screen Size |
15.6 inches |
| Resolution |
1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
| Panel Type |
IPS (LCD) |
| Refresh Rate |
60Hz |
| Response Time |
3ms |
| Color Gamut |
100% sRGB |
| Contrast Ratio |
1000:1 |
| Brightness |
300 nits |
| Viewing Angle |
178° |
| Aspect Ratio |
16:9 |
| Screen Finish |
Glossy |
| HDR |
Yes |
| Adaptive Sync |
FreeSync |
| Eye Care |
Blue light reduction, flicker-free |
| Speakers |
Built-in (2 speakers) + 3.5mm audio jack |
| Ports |
1x USB Type-C (full-function), 1x Mini-HDMI, headphone jack |
| Controls |
Menu wheel + button (sound/brightness without OSD) |
| Stand |
Built-in foldable kickstand |
| Weight |
1.4 lbs |
| Thickness |
0.3 inches (thinnest point) |
| Dimensions |
14.3″ D x 8.9″ W x 0.51″ H |
| Power |
5V |
| Warranty |
24 months + lifetime technical support + 30-day returns |
Design and Build
At 1.4 lbs and 0.3 inches at the thinnest point, the BIGASUO fits comfortably in a laptop bag alongside a notebook computer. The built-in foldable kickstand sits flush on the back when not in use and props the monitor at a viewing angle on any flat surface. No separate case or stand needed.
The glossy IPS display produces vivid colors with enhanced perceived contrast in controlled lighting. In bright environments, the glossy finish will produce visible reflections. At 300 nits, the brightness partially offsets this in moderately lit rooms, but strong overhead lighting or window glare will still be distracting.
Display Performance
1920 x 1080 on 15.6 inches produces 141 PPI, the standard for this size class. The IPS panel delivers 178° viewing angles with 100% sRGB color coverage. Colors are accurate across the web-standard color space for productivity, media, and casual creative work.
300 nits brightness is the mid-range standard. It handles typical indoor environments comfortably: home offices, meeting rooms, and cafés with moderate lighting. The 1000:1 contrast ratio is the IPS baseline. HDR adds contrast depth to compatible content, with 300 nits and 1000:1 providing entry-level HDR improvement over SDR.
The 3ms response time is faster than many budget portables (which often sit at 5-6ms) and paired with FreeSync for tear-free visuals. At 60Hz, FreeSync primarily benefits video playback and casual gaming by smoothing frame rate fluctuations.
Blue light reduction and flicker-free technology are included for reduced eye strain during extended sessions.
Menu Wheel Control
Most portable monitors require navigating an OSD (On-Screen Display) menu to adjust basic settings like brightness and volume. The BIGASUO uses a menu wheel that allows direct sound and brightness adjustment from the main interface by scrolling up or down, without entering the OSD. During video playback or gaming, this means faster adjustments without interrupting the experience. The wheel includes clear indicator icons for intuitive use.
This is a small design detail, but one that improves daily usability. If you frequently adjust brightness between different environments (home, office, café) or change volume during media, the direct-access wheel saves time compared to button-based OSD navigation.
Connectivity
| Port |
Count |
Function |
| USB Type-C (full-function) |
1 |
Video + power (single cable) |
| Mini-HDMI |
1 |
Video input |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack |
1 |
Headphone/speaker output |
Plug & Play with no drivers required. USB-C delivers single-cable video and power from compatible devices. When connecting via Mini-HDMI, the included adapter must be connected simultaneously to power the monitor. This is a two-cable setup for HDMI connections.
Compatible with laptops, smartphones, Mac, PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and more. For USB-C video requirements, see our USB-C portable monitor guide.
Display Modes
Duplicated (mirror), extended (independent second display), and second screen (standalone). Supports both landscape and portrait orientation for different workflows: landscape for general use, portrait for document reading, photo editing, and data analysis.
Audio
Two built-in speakers provide audio for video calls, system sounds, and casual media. The 3.5mm audio jack connects headphones or external speakers for private listening or improved quality. The manufacturer highlights the sound and brightness adjustment via menu wheel as part of the audio experience, allowing quick volume changes without menu navigation.
What’s in the Box
| Item |
Quantity |
| 15.6″ Portable Monitor (with kickstand) |
1 |
| USB Type-C to Type-C Cable |
1 |
| USB Type-C to USB-A Cable |
1 |
| Mini-HDMI to HDMI Cable |
1 |
| AC Adapter |
1 |
| User Manual |
1 |
Three cables (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI) plus an AC adapter cover all standard connection scenarios. Most users can set up immediately without purchasing additional accessories.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
| Consideration |
Detail |
| Glossy Screen |
Reflects ambient light. Distracting in bright offices and near windows. |
| Single USB-C Port |
No dual USB-C option. Limited cable routing flexibility. |
| HDMI Requires Separate Power |
When using Mini-HDMI, the adapter must be connected for power. Two-cable setup. |
| 60Hz Refresh Rate |
Standard for productivity. Not suited for competitive gaming. |
| 1000:1 Contrast |
Standard baseline. Some competitors offer 1200:1. |
| 300 Nits + Glossy |
300 nits is mid-range but paired with a glossy finish that amplifies reflections in bright settings. |
Who This Monitor Is Best For
Budget buyers who want a complete package with strong support: The 24-month warranty with lifetime technical support and 30-day returns is among the best in the budget portable monitor category. Combined with three included cables, an AC adapter, and the built-in kickstand, this is a ready-to-use package that covers connection scenarios and post-purchase confidence. For more on what to look for in budget portable monitors, see our buying guide.
Users who frequently adjust brightness and volume: The menu wheel with direct sound and brightness access (no OSD navigation) saves time for users who move between environments. If you adjust display settings multiple times per day as you shift between locations, the wheel design is a practical quality-of-life improvement over standard button controls.
Travelers who need a lightweight, self-standing second screen: 1.4 lbs with a built-in kickstand, three cables, and an AC adapter means everything you need is included. No external stand or case required.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Users who work in bright environments: The glossy finish and 300-nit brightness create challenges near windows and under strong overhead lighting. Matte-finish monitors handle bright environments better. Our comparison pages feature matte alternatives.
Gamers: 60Hz limits gaming to casual use. FreeSync helps with smoothness, but the refresh rate is the bottleneck. For gaming portables, higher refresh rate alternatives are available.
Users who need dual USB-C: Only one USB-C port is available. If cable routing flexibility matters for your desk layout, monitors with dual USB-C offer more options.
Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| 100% sRGB with 300 nits and HDR |
Glossy screen reflects ambient light |
| Menu wheel for direct brightness/volume adjustment |
Single USB-C port |
| 24-month warranty + lifetime tech support |
HDMI requires separate power connection |
| FreeSync + 3ms response time |
60Hz, not suited for competitive gaming |
| 1.4 lbs with built-in foldable kickstand |
1000:1 contrast, standard baseline |
| Three cables + AC adapter included |
|
| Blue light reduction + flicker-free eye care |
|
| Dual speakers + 3.5mm audio jack |
|
Final Verdict
BIGASUO’s 15.6-inch portable monitor does not lead on any single headline spec. Instead, it delivers a complete, well-supported budget package. The 100% sRGB, 300 nits, FreeSync, 3ms response, HDR, and IPS panel provide a solid display foundation. The menu wheel, built-in kickstand, three included cables, and 24-month warranty with lifetime tech support add practical value that goes beyond the spec sheet.
The glossy finish is the main trade-off for users in bright environments. The single USB-C port and HDMI power requirement add minor friction to specific setups. But for the primary use case of a budget portable second screen for everyday productivity, media, and light entertainment, the BIGASUO covers the essentials with better support terms than most competitors at this price.
For users who want a reliable budget portable with strong after-sales backing and thoughtful usability details, the BIGASUO is a solid choice. For brighter environments, gaming specs, or matte finishes, alternatives are available across our comparison hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the menu wheel and why does it matter?
The menu wheel is a physical scroll control on the monitor that lets you adjust brightness by scrolling down and sound by scrolling up, directly from the main interface. Most portable monitors require entering an OSD (On-Screen Display) menu and navigating through layers of settings to change brightness or volume. The BIGASUO’s wheel skips that step, making adjustments faster and less disruptive during use.
Why does the HDMI connection need separate power?
USB-C carries both video and power on a single cable. Mini-HDMI carries video only. When using the HDMI connection, the monitor needs a separate power source through the included adapter. This means a two-cable setup for HDMI connections: one for video, one for power.
Is the 24-month warranty unusual for a budget portable?
Yes. Most budget portable monitors offer 1-year warranties. The BIGASUO’s 24-month warranty with lifetime technical support and 30-day returns provides above-average coverage at this price tier.
Can I use this for gaming?
For casual gaming, the 60Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, and FreeSync provide smooth, tear-free visuals. For competitive gaming where higher refresh rates provide a tactical advantage, 60Hz is a limitation. The HDR support adds visual depth to compatible games.
Is the glossy screen a problem?
In dim-to-moderate indoor lighting (home offices, bedrooms, controlled environments), the glossy finish enhances color vibrancy. In bright offices, near windows, or under strong overhead lighting, reflections will be visible and potentially distracting. The 300-nit brightness helps offset this in moderately lit rooms but cannot overcome strong ambient light sources.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
