This hybrid monitor shocked me and I think it will surprise you too

I’ve tested countless displays, and it takes a lot to surprise me. Yes, I’m impressed with the latest portable monitor innovations and love using 4K Laser projectors, like the Dangbei DBOX02 Pro, but they have features I’ve seen before. That’s why I was thrilled to try KTC’s new MegaPad A25Q5, which combines a monitor and a tablet into a unique, do-it-all device.

The brand’s H27E6 gaming monitor impressed me with its excellent features and outstanding value, and I had high expectations for the KTC MegaPad. It’s marketed as a 25-inch portable monitor but has a few tricks up its sleeve that make it a hybrid device for running apps or streaming shows. I tested the versatile KTC MegaPad for a week, and here’s how it went.

4.5/5

Brand: KTC
Screen Size: 25 inches
Display Technology: IPS
Resolution: 1080p

Pros & Cons

Incredible versatility
Built-in battery
Ideal for indoor or outdoor use

1080p resolution
No HDMI port

Price, availability, and specs

There’s nothing like it

The MegaPad is designed for indoor or outdoor use and stretches the definition of portable, weighing around 12 pounds and measuring 22.3 x 13.08 x 1.53 inches. Design-wise, it has medium-sized black bezels around the glossy front display, while the back is covered by rugged, cream-colored plastic with a stylish wave pattern running from top to bottom.

The MegaPad’s unique styling incorporates a handy carry handle built into the frame and an adjustable stand on the back, which supports vertical or horizontal positioning and offers up to 45 degrees of swivel. The stand can extend or retract to my preferred height and orientation, and folds neatly for transportation. Besides the stand, the back features large tactile power and volume control buttons, and speaker vents on either side.

A USB-C port and power socket are located on the left side of the frame and enclosed in a rubber hood to protect them from the elements. You also get an integrated 8MP webcam above the display on the front panel, with a physical privacy shutter.

A spacious 25-inch IPS display offering 1080p resolution dominates the front of the monitor. It has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, a 178-degree viewing angle, and 99% sRGB color accuracy. The resolution and refresh rate are about average for a monitor of this size, but they provide decent visuals for movies or shows.

I noticed a considerable difference in sharpness compared to my 4K monitor, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker. The display quality was satisfactory for daily use, and I felt it was in line with the MegaPad’s pricing.

Sound is as important for immersion as visuals, and the MegaPad knocks it out of the park with four integrated speakers. These include a pair of 8W subwoofers and two 4W tweeters, which surpass most TVs and laptops with their loud, clear sound and deep bass.

Sound is as important for immersion as visuals, and the MegaPad knocks it out of the park with four integrated speakers.

When it comes to wireless connectivity, the MegaPad includes Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1. It also has ports for the power adapter and a single USB-C, which I used to connect my laptop and try a wireless keyboard and mouse.

An internal battery makes the MegaPad ideal for outdoor use. According to KTC, the 5,000mAh internal battery provides up to 11 hours at 55% brightness and 30% volume, and can drop as low as 4 hours at 100% brightness and 100% volume.

Things got interesting when I discovered the MegaPad isn’t just a monitor. It’s also a remote-controlled tablet that can work as an all-in-one desktop or a TV. The 25-inch display is a massive touchscreen that offers fluid navigation and is as fast and responsive as most smartphones. It runs on Android 14 and is powered by a Qualcomm SM6115 Octa-core CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage.

While not mind-blowing, the power on hand was adequate for browsing, running web-based productivity apps, and streaming videos without any lag or performance issues. It can also handle most Android games without any problems, provided they have modest graphics requirements.

I put it to the test by connecting a wireless controller and playing games, like Asphalt 8 and Shadow Fight 4. The resolution couldn’t match my gaming monitor, but the game looked stunning on the large 25-inch display, and was a massive upgrade over my phones and tablets.

I was impressed by the MegaPad’s gaming performance, especially when running on battery power alone. Discovering I could use my game controller as a remote to navigate and open apps on the MegaPad was an unintended side effect of the experiment.

Connecting a wireless keyboard and mouse via a USB dongle transformed the MegaPad into a desktop PC. A cursor appeared on-screen for me to navigate without touch, and I could effortlessly type emails and articles in Google Docs. This ability adds another dimension to the MegaPad and makes it an ideal tool for students or businesspeople who need to do serious work.

The MegaPad isn’t just a monitor. It is also a remote-controlled tablet that can work as an all-in-one desktop or a TV.

The MegaPad also works as a smart TV and includes a nifty remote control. I was surprised at its instant response and found it ideal for navigating Netflix and other streaming services. It’s also great for scrolling through apps and settings, and it has a dedicated button that adds an on-screen cursor that tracks my hand movements. I could use the MegaPad as a tablet and switch to monitor mode instantly with the remote control.

The MegaPad A25Q5 is currently available from the KTC website and Amazon for between $370 and $400.

Brand: KTC
Screen Size: 25 inches
Display Technology: IPS
Resolution: 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Refresh Rate: 60Hz

What I liked about the KTC MegaPad A25Q5

Unrivaled versatility

I can’t get over the MegaPad’s outstanding versatility and ability to handle multiple scenarios. Some multipurpose devices seem gimmicky, but the MegaPad gets it right, striking the perfect balance for work or recreation. It can be a business monitor, a kid’s tablet, a smart TV, or a desktop computer, depending on what I need at any given time.

Part of the MagaPad’s versatility comes down to solid design choices. The combination of its size, the carry handle, and built-in stand makes it easy to move from room to room or take it outdoors for picnics or camping trips. Speaking of outdoors, the MegaPad can work anywhere once it’s charged, and the internal battery provides adequate power for hours of use.

Some multipurpose devices seem gimmicky, but the MegaPad gets it right as a do-all monitor.

KTC claims it can last between four and eleven hours, depending on the brightness and type of content being viewed. I tried it for work, browsing the internet and watching YouTube videos, and it lasted around five hours at 50% brightness. This was satisfactory to me and more than enough to watch an entire movie or football game.

I can’t overstate how much I appreciated the remote control. It’s one of the MegaPad’s standout features because it significantly improves overall functionality and lets me use the device while relaxing on my couch. I liked its uncluttered design, excellent responsiveness, and the ability to use it like a mouse cursor for navigation.

It’s impossible to talk about the MegaPad without mentioning its excellent value. My 15.5-inch Asus MB16AHP portable monitor costs around $225, and comparatively, the MegaPad is a steal at around $400, given its capabilities. It’s worth it as a single device that can save you from buying a separate monitor, Chromebook, and tablet.

What I didn’t like about the KTC MegaPad A25Q5

Performance limitations

The MegaPad’s Qualcomm SM6115 Octa-core CPU and 8GB of RAM won’t set any performance records, but I managed to use it for lightweight apps and other daily tasks without any issues. However, it became a bit sluggish when running demanding games. I think it’s better suited for general users than for demanding professionals who might want to run resource-hungry graphics or AI tools.

I was disappointed at the MegaPad’s lack of an HDMI port for connecting consoles or soundbars. Including one would round off the MegaPad’s outstanding versatility and increase its appeal to users.

I would have liked the MegaPad to have an HDMI port for connecting consoles or soundbars.

The MegaPad has solid build quality, but I think it could include additional protection to improve durability during transit. I’d have liked to see rubberized corners or a screen that’s recessed into the frame to protect it from the inevitable bumps and knocks it will pick up on the road.

Should you buy the KTC MegaPad A25Q5?

There’s no question about it

Few devices I’ve tested have impressed me as much as the MegaPad, and I was amazed at how many roles it can fulfill. It can be a touchscreen monitor for professionals wanting to improve their productivity, or an affordable desktop for students. Kids can use it as an Android gaming console or educational tablet, and it can also work as an entertainment center for streaming movies while cooking or on road trips.

While not a performance beast, the MegaPad successfully juggles various roles and has an exceptional price-to-performance ratio. I think it’s an excellent buy for most users and appeals to the whole family.

This device was provided to Pocket-lint by KTC.