Arzopa Z1FC Gray: problems, parts and running costs
Checked: 2026-11-05
Summary
The Z1FC is a 16.1-inch 1920x1080 144Hz portable monitor weighing 780 g, and its recurring complaints are about brightness (about 300 cd/m²), the basic 2 x 1W speakers and an awkward on-screen menu rather than hardware failure. It has no battery and no replaceable parts, so the running cost is just electricity, measured between 3.5 W and 9.0 W depending on brightness. Around $105-130 bought direct it is a reasonable buy for 144Hz gaming with a laptop, mini PC or console; for office-only use a 60Hz model is enough.
Common problems and fixes
- Mini HDMI port instead of full-size HDMI — a standard HDMI cable does not fit; HDMI sources need the included Mini HDMI to HDMI cable and separate USB-C power, and some consoles, handhelds and phones need a dock or hub. The 2-year US limited warranty covers defective units, not missing adapters. [2][3][7]
- Nintendo Switch needs a 65W charger — a 20W charger failed with a Switch and a 65W charger was required, which the manual does not mention. Use a 65W adapter for Switch play. This is a setup requirement, not a warranty item. [4][7]
- Windows starts at 60Hz instead of 144Hz — some setups default to 60Hz, so the refresh rate has to be selected by hand in the display settings. [5]
- No orientation button, and phones cannot switch to portrait — portrait mode is changed in the computer’s display settings, and a phone cannot switch the monitor to portrait at all. Phones need DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C and some only mirror the screen. [3][4]
- Fiddly on-screen menu control — the menu is awkward to operate; settings such as brightness and refresh rate take more effort to change than on comparable monitors. The 2-year US limited warranty does not cover menu operation. [3][7]
- Kickstand feels unstable on soft surfaces — on a bed or sofa the stand can wobble; place the monitor on a firm desk or use a case with a firmer base. Not a covered fault. [5][7]
Parts and consumables
- Protective case (Gray bundle option) — Arzopa’s US page offers the monitor with a protective case as a separate option; the page did not list the case type or cables, and both options showed as sold out when checked in November 2026. [1]
- Sleeve bag — The Gadgeteer’s unit came with a sleeve bag with a cable divider; bundles differ, since one unit arrived with no case at all. [2][4]
- Cables — The Gadgeteer’s unit included two USB-C to USB-C cables (one full-function, one power-only), a Mini HDMI to HDMI cable and a user guide; the Mini HDMI to HDMI cable is the one needed for HDMI sources. [4]
Yearly running cost
Not enough data for a yearly total. The monitor has no battery and no filters, pods or subscription; the only running cost is electricity. Measured power draw was 3.5 W at 0% brightness, 4.6 W at 25%, 5.8 W at 50%, 7.3 W at 75% and 9.0 W at 100%, and The Gadgeteer says it needs about 10 W. Multiply the wattage by your own hours of use and your local electricity rate. Pass-through charging lets one charger feed both the monitor and the laptop. [2][4]
When it is a good buy
Arzopa’s US page showed a sale price of $129.99 against a $209.99 regular price, with a $104.99 flash-sale line at checkout; both options showed as sold out when checked in November 2026. The Gadgeteer listed $129.99 in July 2025. Around $105-130 bought direct the Z1FC is a reasonable buy for 144Hz gaming with a console, mini PC or laptop. Alternatives:
- Dell Pro 14 Plus — the better choice for colour-critical work: ServeTheHome measured its accuracy at 2.35 with 100% sRGB, against 98% sRGB and 2.12 on the Z1FC.