The Sceptre E205W-16003R is a good entertainment panel for video-watching or gaming. It comes with a 1600 x 900 resolution which is pretty decent for a 20-inch screen monitor. For no more than $70, you get a 60Hz display, TN panel, respectable audio, and 2 HDMI ports for connection to other displays or devices.
It certainly is one of the most affordable monitors you can find in the market.
Pros
- Simple design
- 1600 x 900 display
- Ample screen estate
- 2 HDMI ports
- Priced affordably
- Decent audio
Cons
- Only has tilt adjustment
- 20" Led HD+ monitor high resolution 1600 x 900
- 2 x HDMI ports ( convertible to DVI ), Security Lock: The Security Lock securely fastens your...
- Fast response time 5ms. Dimensions - With Stand (Inches)- 18.01 x 7.02 x13.57 .Without Stand...
Sceptre E205W-16003R Specs
| Screen size | 20-inch (1600 x 900 resolution) |
| Panel type | TN |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz |
| Response time | 5 ms (G-to-G) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m2 |
| Viewing angle | 170 degree (Horizontal) 160 degree (vertical) |
| Dimensions | 18.35 x 7.17 x 13.58 inches |
| Weight | 5.84 pounds |
Design and Features
The Sceptre E205W-16003R is a matte-black monitor that measures 18.35 x 7.17 x 13.58 inches and weighs 5.84 pounds. The panel has an average size bezel, not too large or too slim as high-end monitors. It measures roughly half an inch maximizes screen area and combined with the panel’s thinness gives the monitor an overall modern sleek feel.
At the rear of the display is the stand. It’s made of hard plastic but that’s not a statement to its weakness. The stand is firm and sturdy and fits the oval base to make a strong stable and wobble-free stand. Once locked into the base and the screen, the stand hinge offers tilt adjustments but not height, swivel, or pivot adjustments.
While the Sceptre E205W-16003R has a tilt-only stand (-5°/15°), it is VESA mount compatible with a 75x75mm pattern. Sceptre throws in complimentary spacers just in case you need to mount the monitor to a wall. Speaking of complimentary, there is a screwdriver included to secure the two screws into the joints. It only takes a couple of minutes to assemble.
The Sceptre E205W-16003R 20-inch panel has a native resolution of 1600 x 900. For most, that might seem a little too little and one to cause graininess in images. But that’s not the case. For a 20-inch screen, the 900 resolution produces crisp images on pictures and games. The 1600 by 900 resolution supports respectable refresh rates for gamers keeping the frame rates at playable rates.
The display is also built on a TN panel, flaunts of 5ms response time and 60 Hz refresh rate.
Update: The Sceptre E225W-19203R Monitor is a 22-inch configuration for those looking for slightly bigger screen estate. It also sports a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. Everything else is similar to our unit though.
Ports
The Sceptre E205W-16003R input port selection includes 2 HDMI ports, a single VGA port, audio output, and power input connector. The standout here is the 2 HDMI ports that make connecting to an HDTV, projector, DVD player to Blu-ray player really easy. However, the most convenient is a separate monitor to TV. Having a USB Type-C port is standard for desktops but not for monitors so it’s understandable that this product doesn’t have one considering the price point.
This is a monitor is targeted for the budget user audience looking for a monitor for daily productivity and multimedia. It’s definitely an optimal monitor that will give you basic monitor needs.
Looking at the rear, all the control buttons can be found on the bottom left. They are conveniently placed one on top of the other in a vertical alignment making it easier for your fingers to access them. The bottom-most button turns the display on or off while the remaining four are for moving you through the menu selection.
The physical controls can be easy to use, but they’re incomparable from the joystick controller you get on premium monitors. For the low price, this feature isn’t really what you would expect.
The buttons allow you to access the menu option called the On Screen Display Control (OSD). Using the buttons, you can change settings such as Picture settings (FPS, RTS, Movie, ECO, Standard, User), Color adjust, Image, Signal source, OSD menu and miscellaneous. Each of the buttons has a specific role. One button activates the On-Screen Display (OSD).
The second cycle between PRESET modes and double up as the upward movement button. The third button is both the downward movement button and activates a permanent crosshair for first-person shooting games. Finally, the fourth and last button acts as the EXIT button. Also, the button switches between all the different inputs of the display.
Performance
For as under $70 monitor, the Sceptre E205W-16003R is on par with many other high-end gaming monitors, especially when it comes to the response time. It offers a solid 5ms rapid response time which even while low for fast-paced AAA games, is still on the best list (Good gaming monitors have less than 3ms response time).
Even at 5ms, the response time is sufficient enough to eliminate trailing of fast-moving objects which can be annoying while gaming. To a large extent it reduces the ghosting effect but for low demanding games. More recent titles might require you to upgrade to a fitting monitor with at least 3ms response.
As for the refresh rate, Sceptre puts the limit to up to 75Hz. But in the real sense, the monitor can only shoot to 60Hz refresh rate. 60Hz is expected for this monitor at the price point. It helps reduce the tearing and stuttering on fast-paced games. That means it can handle less demanding games without experiencing hiccups. You might see some minor stuttering in more demanding games and 60Hz monitor might not suffice.
You will need a gaming monitor with at least 120Hz or 144Hz to ensure sharper visuals. Games aside, consumers who don’t game will struggle to notice the difference between this 60Hz monitor and others. If you typically use your monitor for web browsing, online videos and answering emails then the 60Hz is enough. Scrolling through pages should feel smoother.
Conclusion
For less than $70, the Sceptre E205W-16003R is a godsend for budget users looking for an affordable monitor for home and office productivity. It certainly is the cheapest monitor we’ve seen this year. The Sceptre E205W offers a remarkably balanced set of features such as sturdy build quality, 1600 x 900 display on a TN panel, 5ms response time, 60Hz refresh rate and good quality images and video for its price.
We easily recommend it as our Editor’s Choice award for the best budget monitors for home/office productivity and gaming.
Are there other alternatives?
The Sceptre E205W-16003R sells for a very competitive price that you’ll be hard-pressed to find. You can, however, find other alternatives for slightly higher a price. The Sceptre E225W-19203R monitor sets a good pace for alternatives. It sells for roughly the same amount with a small almost $10 difference.
Its resounding difference to our unit is the fact that it offers a Full HD (1920 x 1080p) resolution and more screen estate (22-inches). It’s also an impressive choice for budget users looking for a home/office monitor for daily productivity.
Should you buy it?
Yes. Other than its price, the Sceptre E205W-16003R is a practical monitor. It makes reading, browsing and viewing that much easier. You won’t have to get an external speaker if you don’t have one as it comes with audible enough sound-producing speakers, with enough sound to fill a small room. On the whole, this is a great monitor that won’t hurt your pocket and will get the work done.
- 20" Led HD+ monitor high resolution 1600 x 900
- 2 x HDMI ports ( convertible to DVI ), Security Lock: The Security Lock securely fastens your...
- Fast response time 5ms. Dimensions - With Stand (Inches)- 18.01 x 7.02 x13.57 .Without Stand...
