With the emergence and rapid adoption of hybrid work around the world, portability has become a non-negotiable requirement. Versatility is an essential requirement for working between a tight home setup, improvising on the go or just trying to avoid the busywork of multitasking on a single cramped laptop screen. For this reason alone, having a second monitor that’s portable, functional and just works can be a game-changer.
Dell’s Pro 14 Plus Portable Monitor (P1425) steps into that space with a sleek 14-inch 16:10 panel and a few clever design choices, but it’s not without its quirks.
Portable polish
Let’s start with the good. The Pro 14 Plus earns its name when it comes to portability. It’s slim (just 4.6mm without the stand), incredibly light (620g with stand and cables), and the included sleeve with cable storage means it slides into a laptop bag without fuss or fear of scratches and damage. Setup is genuinely plug-and-play. It’s a single USB-C cable that handles video, power, and up to 65W of passthrough charging. Two USB-C ports (one on each side) offer the flexibility to place it wherever your workflow demands, whether you’re left- or right-docked.
Dell’s minimal industrial design is on point here, and the stand, which tilts from 10 to 90 degrees, is more versatile than most would expect from something this thin. Plus, the portrait mode transition is made seamless by a built-in auto-rotation sensor, which is a thoughtful touch for coders, writers, or spreadsheet workers.
Image quality where it counts
The extra vertical space from the 16:10 aspect ratio is a subtle but meaningful win for productivity. At 400 nits brightness and with 100% sRGB colour coverage, the visuals are punchy and sharp. Viewing angles are excellent, as expected from IPS, and Dell’s ComfortView Plus technology reduces blue light without nuking the colour profile.
There’s no touchscreen here, and while that’s not unusual for portable monitors, it’s something you’ll notice if you’re coming from a 2-in-1 or tablet workflow. And while the anti-glare finish works well in bright settings, some smudging is inevitable, especially since your instincts might push you to tap the screen, even though it won’t respond.
Not quite plug-and-play perfect
Despite all that polish, a few rough edges remain. The on-screen display is handled by physical buttons on the monitor’s edge, which can be stiff, fiddly, and feel dated. In a device that is otherwise defined by modern minimalism, this feels out of place.
There’s also the price. At around AU$466.40, it’s on the premium end of the portable monitor market. You’re paying for brand confidence, build quality, and colour accuracy, which is worth it for busy professionals and those who aren’t budget-conscious. But students or casual users will likely think twice, especially when some competing monitors offer touch input or more responsive control schemes at lower prices.
The value is still truly in the versatility, flexibility and utility that an extra screen creates. Once you optimise your workflow with an additional screen, it becomes nearly impossible to regress to a solo screen. For this reason alone, the price is often not indicative of the true value, and Dell has earned a worthy consideration with this device.
Verdict & Value
The Dell Pro 14 Plus Portable Monitor is a well-built, travel-friendly screen designed for serious on-the-go productivity. It nails the core brief: offer a high-quality second screen with smart connectivity and solid colour fidelity in a package you’ll barely notice in your bag. But for all its strengths, the steep price tag may leave some users reaching for alternatives.
If you need something reliable and professional-looking, this is a strong contender. Just be prepared to increase your workflow at the expense of a lighter wallet.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Great display; smart design with dual USB-C; excellent colour fidelity
Lowlights: No touchscreen; Clunky physical OSD buttons; Premium price for feature set
Manufacturer: Dell
Model: Dell Pro 14 Plus Portable Monitor – P1425
Price: AU$466.40
Available: Now
Review based on unit supplied by Dell and is currently available via Dell’s official website and at select retailers.
