Kenowa Portable Monitor Review
February 20, 2025
Explore the witty yet insightful "Kenowa Portable Monitor Review." Discover how this compact 13.3" screen enhances work and play with uncompromising ease.
The Kenowa HD-133 is a 13.3-inch portable monitor running at 1366 x 768 resolution — HD, not Full HD. This places it in the entry-level tier of portable monitors, targeting users who need a basic second screen at the lowest cost rather than high-resolution visual performance. It connects via HDMI or VGA (no USB-C), requires an external 12V DC power supply, and includes a built-in 90° adjustable stand with speakers. At 72% sRGB and 300 nits brightness, it covers basic productivity and casual media use.
This is a budget product, and the review is framed accordingly — here’s what it delivers and where it falls short for the price.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Specification |
Detail |
| Screen Size |
13.3 inches |
| Resolution |
1366 x 768 (HD) |
| Panel Type |
LED |
| Refresh Rate |
60Hz |
| Response Time |
5ms |
| Color Gamut |
72% sRGB |
| Contrast Ratio |
800:1 |
| Brightness |
300 nits |
| Viewing Angle |
160° |
| Aspect Ratio |
16:9 / 4:3 |
| Screen Finish |
Glossy |
| Eye Care |
Blue light reduction, flicker-free |
| Ports |
1x HDMI, 1x VGA, 3.5mm audio |
| Power |
DC 12V 2A (external supply required) |
| Speakers |
Built-in |
| Stand |
Built-in, 90° adjustable |
| Wall Mount |
Yes |
| Weight |
Not specified |
| Dimensions |
12.9″ W x 8.1″ H x 0.78″ D |
| Warranty |
1 year |
Design and Build
The HD-133 measures 12.9″ x 8.1″ with a 0.78-inch depth. This is thicker than most modern portable monitors (which typically sit at 0.2–0.4 inches), but the trade-off is a built-in 90° adjustable stand that eliminates the need for a separate case or kickstand. The stand folds flat for transport and props the monitor upright for desk use — a simple, functional design choice for a budget product.
The monitor is wall-mountable according to the Amazon listing, which adds placement flexibility for users who want a semi-permanent secondary screen on a wall bracket rather than exclusively portable use.
The glossy screen finish will produce vivid color appearance but reflects ambient light. In bright offices or near windows, glare will be noticeable.
Weight is not listed on the Amazon page. The dimensions suggest a compact unit, but without a confirmed weight, portability cannot be fully assessed against competitors.
Display Performance
1366 x 768 — What This Resolution Means in Practice
The 1366 x 768 resolution on a 13.3-inch screen produces approximately 118 PPI. This is noticeably less sharp than the 141 PPI of a 15.6-inch 1080P monitor. Text is readable but will appear softer, and fine details in images and video lack the crispness of Full HD. For basic tasks — email, web browsing, video calls, simple document work — 768P is functional. For anything that benefits from detail — spreadsheets with small cells, photo editing, code with dense syntax — the resolution will feel limiting.
To be direct: if you are accustomed to a 1080P display on your laptop, this monitor will look noticeably less sharp as a second screen. This is the primary trade-off of the budget tier. If resolution matters to your workflow, a 1080P portable monitor — even at a slightly higher price — is a meaningful upgrade. Our portable monitor buying guide covers the practical differences between resolution tiers.
Color and Brightness
The 72% sRGB color gamut is below the 100% sRGB baseline that most mid-range and premium portables offer. Colors will appear less vivid and less accurate than on a wider-gamut display. For general productivity and casual media, this is acceptable. For photo editing, design work, or any color-sensitive task, 72% sRGB is insufficient.
300 nits brightness is mid-range and adequate for most indoor environments. The glossy finish will enhance perceived color vibrancy but introduce glare in bright settings.
The 800:1 contrast ratio is below the 1000:1 standard but above the 600:1 found on the weakest panels. Dark scenes will lack depth compared to higher-contrast monitors, but the difference at this price tier is expected.
160° Viewing Angle
The 160° viewing angle is narrower than the 178° standard found on IPS panels. Colors and brightness will shift when viewed from the side, though the effect is less severe than the 90° angles found on true TN panels. For single-user, straight-on viewing, 160° is adequate. For sharing the screen with others, some color shift at wider angles is expected.
Connectivity — No USB-C
| Port |
Count |
Function |
| HDMI |
1 |
Video + audio input |
| VGA |
1 |
Video input (analog) |
| 3.5mm Audio |
1 |
Audio output |
| DC 12V |
1 |
Power input (required) |
The most important thing to understand about connectivity: this monitor has no USB-C port. There is no single-cable setup possible. Every connection requires two cables — a video cable (HDMI or VGA) plus the DC power supply. The external 12V DC adapter must be connected for the monitor to operate.
The VGA port is an unusual inclusion on a modern portable monitor. It provides compatibility with older laptops, desktops, and legacy equipment that lack HDMI output. For workplaces or users with older hardware, this is a genuine advantage that most competing portable monitors do not offer.
For context, most portable monitors in the mid-range and above connect via USB-C with a single cable handling video, audio, and power. The lack of USB-C on the Kenowa means a more cluttered setup with more cables. For more on connection types and their implications, see our guide to USB-C laptop monitor connectivity.
Device Compatibility
| Device |
Connection Method |
Compatible |
| Windows Laptop/Desktop |
HDMI or VGA |
Yes |
| Mac |
HDMI (may need adapter) |
Yes |
| Xbox |
HDMI |
Yes |
| PS3 / PS4 / PS5 |
HDMI |
Yes |
| Nintendo Switch |
HDMI |
Yes |
| Camera |
HDMI |
Yes |
| Older PCs/Laptops with VGA |
VGA |
Yes |
Note: phones and tablets are not listed as compatible — without USB-C, there is no practical way to connect most mobile devices to this monitor.
Display Modes
The monitor supports three modes: Mirror (duplicates your screen), Extended (adds a second independent display), and Second Screen (standalone display). Both landscape and portrait orientation are supported. These are standard modes available on virtually all external monitors and are controlled through your device’s display settings, not the monitor itself.
Audio
Built-in speakers are included. The 3.5mm audio jack provides an output for headphones or external speakers. For basic audio — video calls, system sounds, casual media — the built-in speakers are functional. For anything where audio quality matters, external audio is recommended.
What’s in the Box
| Item |
Quantity |
| 13.3″ HD Portable Monitor |
1 |
| DC Power Supply (12V 2A) |
1 |
| Standard HDMI Cable |
1 |
| User Manual |
1 |
No VGA cable is included. If you plan to use the VGA connection, you will need to supply your own cable. This is worth noting since the VGA port is one of the monitor’s differentiating features.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
| Consideration |
Detail |
| 768P Resolution |
Noticeably less sharp than 1080P. Text and fine details appear soft. Limiting for detail-oriented work. |
| No USB-C |
No single-cable setup possible. Requires HDMI/VGA cable plus external DC power every time. |
| 72% sRGB |
Below the 100% sRGB standard. Colors less vivid and accurate than mid-range competitors. |
| External Power Required |
The 12V DC adapter must be connected at all times. No bus-powered operation. |
| Glossy Screen |
Reflects ambient light. Glare in bright environments. |
| 160° Viewing Angle |
Narrower than the 178° IPS standard. Some color shift at wider angles. |
| 800:1 Contrast |
Below the 1000:1 standard. Dark scenes lack depth. |
| No VGA Cable Included |
VGA users must supply their own cable despite the port being a listed feature. |
| Weight Not Listed |
Portability cannot be fully assessed without confirmed weight. |
| 0.78″ Thick |
Thicker than most modern portables (0.2–0.4″). Takes more bag space. |
Who This Monitor Is Best For
Users with older hardware that only has VGA output: The VGA port is the Kenowa’s most distinctive feature. Most modern portable monitors have dropped VGA entirely. If you have an older laptop, desktop, or legacy system with VGA-only output, this is one of the few portable monitors that will connect directly without adapters.
Buyers on the tightest budget who need any second screen: If the priority is simply having a second display at the lowest possible cost — and resolution, color accuracy, and USB-C convenience are secondary — the Kenowa covers the basics. It works, it connects, and it gives you extra screen space.
Users who need a wall-mountable small display: The wall-mount capability combined with HDMI/VGA input and the 13.3-inch size makes this useful as a small fixed display — a security camera monitor, a dashboard display, a kitchen recipe screen, or a point-of-sale information panel.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Anyone accustomed to 1080P or higher: The 768P resolution is the defining limitation. If your laptop runs at 1080P, this second screen will look noticeably softer. A 1080P portable monitor — even a basic one like the standard 15.6″ portable — provides a meaningfully sharper experience.
Users who want single-cable simplicity: Without USB-C, every connection requires two cables plus a power outlet. If you value clean, minimal setups, a USB-C portable monitor eliminates this cable overhead entirely.
Creative professionals: 72% sRGB and 768P resolution are insufficient for any color-critical or detail-oriented work. Our comparison pages feature monitors with wider gamuts and higher resolutions at accessible price points.
Travelers without guaranteed power outlets: The mandatory external DC power means you cannot use this monitor anywhere without an outlet — no airplane tray tables, no park benches, no café corners without a socket nearby. Bus-powered USB-C monitors eliminate this dependency.
Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| VGA port — rare in modern portables, supports legacy hardware |
768P resolution — noticeably less sharp than 1080P |
| 300 nits brightness — adequate for indoor use |
No USB-C — always requires two cables plus DC power |
| Built-in 90° stand — no extra accessories needed |
72% sRGB — colors less vivid than 100% sRGB monitors |
| Wall mountable for fixed installations |
External 12V power always required — no bus-powered operation |
| HDMI + VGA covers both modern and legacy devices |
Glossy screen reflects ambient light |
| Built-in speakers and 3.5mm audio output |
0.78″ thick — bulkier than most modern portables |
| Budget price point |
No VGA cable included despite featuring the port |
Final Verdict
The Kenowa HD-133 is an entry-level portable monitor for a specific set of needs. Its strongest case is the VGA port — a legacy connection that most modern portables have abandoned — combined with HDMI, a built-in stand, wall-mount capability, and a budget price point. For users with older hardware, fixed-display use cases (security feeds, dashboards, kitchen screens), or the tightest possible budget, it provides a functional second screen.
The limitations are straightforward and expected at this tier. The 768P resolution is soft by modern standards, the 72% sRGB gamut restricts color accuracy, the mandatory external DC power adds cable clutter and limits portability, and the 0.78-inch depth makes it thicker than most alternatives. There is no USB-C — every connection requires multiple cables and a power outlet.
For the right user — someone who values VGA compatibility, wall-mountability, or the absolute lowest entry cost for a second screen — the Kenowa delivers. For anyone else, the step up to a 1080P USB-C portable monitor provides a substantially better experience at a modest price increase. Our portable monitor buying guide can help determine whether budget savings or display quality should take priority in your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1366 x 768 good enough for everyday use?
For basic tasks — email, web browsing with large text, video calls, simple documents — it is functional. If your work involves spreadsheets with small cells, photo editing, coding, or any task where detail and sharpness matter, 768P will feel limiting. The jump to 1080P at this screen size is a noticeable improvement in clarity.
Why does this monitor need a separate power supply?
The Kenowa connects via HDMI or VGA, neither of which carries power. The monitor requires an external 12V DC power adapter to operate. This is different from USB-C portable monitors, where a single cable can carry video, audio, and power simultaneously. The DC power requirement means you always need access to a power outlet.
Can I connect my phone to this monitor?
Not easily. The monitor only has HDMI and VGA ports — no USB-C. Most modern phones output video via USB-C. Without a USB-C port on the monitor, connecting a phone would require an adapter chain (USB-C to HDMI adapter plus HDMI cable plus DC power), which defeats the purpose of a simple portable setup.
Why include a VGA port in a modern monitor?
VGA is a legacy video standard still found on many older laptops, desktops, and industrial/commercial equipment. Most portable monitors have dropped VGA in favor of USB-C and HDMI. The Kenowa’s VGA port makes it one of the few portable monitors that can connect directly to older hardware without adapters — useful in workplaces with aging equipment or for users who haven’t upgraded their computers. For more on connection types, see our buying guide.
Is the glossy screen a problem?
Glossy screens produce more vivid perceived colors but reflect ambient light. In controlled indoor lighting (home office, dimmer rooms), this is manageable. Near windows, under fluorescent lights, or outdoors, glare will be distracting. If you primarily work in bright environments, a matte-finish monitor would be more practical.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
