InnoView PM408 monitor review: Fast, sharp gaming on the go

the Inovio PM408 It promises a clear, sharp picture of gaming, and it delivers. This portable monitor has a fast refresh rate, is thin and lightweight, and can be powered entirely via a single cable. It has two USB-C ports, in case you need extra power, and there’s an HDMI port for wider compatibility. It’s priced at $230, but I’ve seen it marked down to $160.

---

Don’t miss any of our unbiased technical content and lab reviews. Add CNET As Google’s preferred source.

---

Solid screen for work and play

The 16-inch screen’s picture quality is strong, especially for a screen of its price. Its brightness is only about 275 nits, but with the matte black finish, the screen is generally easy to see. The contrast ratio is also typical for IPS screenslightly exceeding 1000:1. The resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels provides great pixel density.

All of this is paired with a wide color gamut that covers 100% of the sRGB and DCI-P3 color spaces. For movies, games, and even work, this extra color makes visuals more engaging.

The 240Hz refresh rate is wonderfully smooth, and the display’s FreeSync technology allows it to support a variable refresh rate. I tested this with a session Sifu Kung Fu action game No noticeable problems were found. I did detect some faint shadows, but the trails were short and didn’t significantly detract from image quality while gaming.

Weak speakers and predictable power issues

The speakers are fairly fiddly, and caused power issues. When I turned it on at maximum volume while maxing out the display settings on a single USB-C connection, the display began to power cycle, or turn itself on and off repeatedly. Turning down the volume was enough to keep the screen on.

This is not entirely unusual behavior. Many monitors that can be powered via a single cable have problems, depending on the settings and power output of the device they are connected to. So be prepared to use auxiliary force.

The PM408 has a simple design with a metal frame that is lightweight and reasonably sturdy. This is better than I expected for the price. Its metal stand allows you to support it at a wide range of angles. Unfortunately, the controls are awkwardly placed around the back edge of the screen, making them difficult to press and navigate.

The InnoView didn’t include a case or cover, which is important for a portable monitor that might be in a bag or backpack. At least you get USB-C cables and an HDMI cable included with the monitor.

Great screen for the money

Finally, the InnoView PM408 is a great portable monitor, combining simplicity and a good gaming display in a great value package. Whether used for gaming or work, the PM408 has a lot to offer.

Inovio PM408 test results

Product name	measuring	White dot	Gamma	Peak brightness	Default brightness	Gamut coverage (P3 and sRGB)
Inovio PM408	16 inches	6900 thousand	2.3	274.8	274.8	100% sRGB, 100% P3

How we test screens

InnoView PM408 measurements were taken with a Spyder X2 Ultra colorimeter using DataColor’s Spyder X2 software for SDR. Results of Delta E 1976 color accuracy measurements are reported using Datacolor’s 48-color correction test.

On the most basic models, we can only test brightness, contrast, and color gamut. With more capable monitors, we can also perform tests for user-selectable modes for gaming or critical use of color, uniformity, etc. We may also perform tests to check how the accuracy of white points varies with brightness. We also use Blur Busters’ motion tests to judge motion effects (such as ghosting) or refresh rate issues that can impact games.

We tested HDR using VESA DisplayHDR Test modes to display 100% and 10% windows for measurements of brightness and RGBW values. Also measured using a Spyder X2 Ultra to obtain CIE xyY color values ​​for comparison with DCI-P3 color space xyY color values ​​to calculate HDR gamut coverage using this Range calculator.

Keep in mind that individual results can often differ from the results reported by the manufacturer for several reasons.