USB-C portable monitors with phone - what should I know?

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heartburnkid

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  • #1
    I'm looking to replace an old Fire 10 tablet, and I had the thought of just getting one of those portable touchscreen USB-C monitors and attaching that to my phone, and using that. Mostly, I use the tablet for watching videos, either in bed or on planes or what not, so I think that could suit the use case well and simplify my life a little by giving me one less system to manage. Anyone have experience with this type of thing?

    I'm thinking of a monitor in the 10-12" range, something that easily fits on my nightstand. I'd love recommendations if anyone has used this category of product. Any tips, warnings of potential pitfalls, etc. would also be much appreciated.
     
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    HiroTheProtagonist

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  • #3
    The main thing to keep in mind is that you'll probably need a separate power supply, since trying to power the screen from your phone will either not work or it will drain your battery quickly. Beyond that, so long as your phone supports video out via USB-C, you should be golden.

    That said, my main experience in this space was a Wisecoco LCD bar display I bought for holding digital sticky notes at work. My Pixel can't do video out, so I've never tried hooking up a phone.
     
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    heartburnkid

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  • #4
    koala said:
    You sure your phone supports that? That's not so common, I believe...

    (edit: Just tried my Pixel 7A and nope.)
    Click to expand...
    I have a Motorola Edge+ 2022. Just checked, and it does support video out. The website does say it requires a USB-C to HDMI adapter, but I'm hoping it will work with a USB-C direct connect monitor.
     
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    heartburnkid

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  • #7
    koala said:
    Hmm, I think my SO might have that exact phone (it's a Motorola, and it has "edge" in the name, at least). I have a Huion Kamvas, I might try how that works next week.

    (The Huion Kamvas is a USB-C display with a traditional non-touchscreen drawing tablet. It's likely very similar to a USB-C portable monitor.)
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    That would be awesome if you can. I think all the Edge models do support external displays, so that should be representative enough.
     
    Paladin

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  • #8
    A basic tablet in the same range of price will probably look as good or better and have all the features the screen does not. If you can get a good screen with an integrated battery for under $100, then maybe it makes sense but given you can get a decent tablet for basic media playback and other basic needs for around $200 or less... I would just go with that.
     
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    DarkLordOfTheIT

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  • #11
    I have a 12.4" widescreen monitor mounted on my dash and connect it to my OnePlus 9Pro. In my experience I had to use a powered Anker USB-C hub to make it work the way I wanted it. My phone is connected to the hub with a USB-C cable. I have another USB-C cable plugged into it that provides power. And finally I have the external monitor connected via HDMI/Mini HDMI cable. -
     
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