# Sotsu FlipAction Monitor Review: A Revolutionary Choice for Portable Displays
With the arrival of genuine windowing multitasking and extended display capabilities in iPadOS 26, the prospect of combining my iPad Pro with a portable monitor became significantly more appealing. Over the years, I have employed a variety of portable displays, mainly alongside my MacBook Air, spanning from budget plastic versions to higher-end choices that prioritize the quality of the screen. While some have been satisfactory, the Sotsu FlipAction series is on another level. It resembles a 16-inch iPad affixed to a modular, magnetic Studio Display stand. Having utilized this monitor for over a year, I wish to convey my comprehensive insights on its value for the price. Let’s analyze it.
## Design and Build Quality
In a landscape where portable monitors generally fall into two categories—cheap plastic bodies with weak folio stands or bare metal slabs with a single hinge—the Sotsu monitor distinguishes itself with its distinctive design. The FlipAction incorporates a two-part system: a 16-inch display paired with a magnetic folding stand, both crafted from anodized aluminum. This grants it a premium essence reminiscent of Apple products. When not in use, the stand magnetically attaches to the back of the display, ensuring it’s compact and easy to slide into any backpack or laptop sleeve.
## Ergonomics and Viewing Angles
Setting up the monitor is easy. The stand boasts a dual-hinge design, allowing for various adjustments. It comprises a base hinge to bring the panel forward, a top hinge where the display connects, and offers a complete 360º rotation that locks at every 90º degree. This adaptability enables you to position it horizontally next to a MacBook, vertically as a sidebar display, or elevated above your iPad Pro for improved ergonomics.
## Display Performance
The Sotsu FlipAction series features three distinct 16-inch monitors: the Flip Action Pro Gen 1, the Flip Action Pro Gen 2, and the Flip Action Elite. All three share identical design and build materials but vary in display specifications. The FlipAction Pro Gen 1 showcases a Quad HD (2560×1600) display, 60Hz refresh rate, 350 nits brightness, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. Despite its specified brightness, it frequently appears brighter than my 5K BenQ monitor rated at 400 nits. The color accuracy is vibrant without being overly saturated, and the viewing angles are commendable.
### Gen 2 & Elite Options
– **FlipAction Gen 2**: Boosts the refresh rate to 120Hz with enhanced contrast (1500:1).
– **FlipAction Elite**: Delivers full 4K resolution and 450 nits brightness, perfect for high-res video or photo editing.
## Practical Use Cases
I primarily utilize the Sotsu monitor alongside my iPad to amplify productivity. The new multitasking windowing feature in iPadOS 26 permits me to engage with apps like Lumafusion on the iPad while keeping productivity applications active on the external monitor. It folds conveniently into a sleek package, fitting snugly into a 16-inch laptop sleeve.
Furthermore, I employ it as a secondary vertical display with my M4 Mac mini. When oriented vertically, it aligns seamlessly with my 5K BenQ monitor, offering added screen space for extra applications and windows.
## Pricing & Availability
The Sotsu FlipAction Pro Gen 1 is available starting at $499, while the Gen 2 is priced at $599, and the Elite model retails for $789. All variants can be purchased directly from Sotsu’s website.
## Final Thoughts
The Sotsu FlipAction series is not inexpensive, but it offers superior build quality, remarkable display performance, and a hinge system that improves usability in practical workflows. After a year’s use, the monitor continues to maintain its pristine appearance and performance. If you’re exploring options for a portable display, I strongly suggest considering the Sotsu FlipAction. For those looking for more budget-friendly alternatives, Sotsu also provides other choices that deliver excellent value for the investment.
