A 720p monitor occupies a specific and often misunderstood niche. It’s not the display you want for modern gaming or detailed work — but for security camera feeds, retro consoles, Raspberry Pi projects, small secondary displays, and compact embedded builds, a small HD panel is exactly the right tool. Understanding what these compact monitors do well, and where a full HD panel makes more sense, saves you from buying the wrong screen for the job.
Because “720p monitor” pulls in a mix of tiny specialized displays and small budget panels, we’ve gathered a representative range to clarify your options. Whether you need a mini surveillance screen or a small secondary display, here’s how the choices compare.
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Design & Build
These skew small and purpose-built. The JINSWY 8-inch Mini Security Monitor is a rugged metal-cased 1280×720 unit with HDMI, VGA, AV, and BNC inputs plus a remote — clearly aimed at CCTV and surveillance use. The Thinlerain 13.3-inch is a similarly versatile small monitor with wide input support ideal for a Fire Stick, retro console, or Pi. On the more general-purpose side, the VILVA 15.6-inch Portable Monitor steps up to full HD in a slim, travel-friendly USB-C body, while the Sceptre 22-inch, Philips 241V8LB, and Samsung S30GD 22-inch are conventional desktop panels that go beyond 720p into 1080p territory for everyday desk use. Build quality reflects intent, from the JINSWY’s tough metal shell to the sleek portables.
Performance
For their intended jobs, the small 720p-class panels perform exactly as needed: the JINSWY security monitor displays camera feeds clearly with the specialist BNC and AV inputs surveillance setups require, and the Thinlerain handles a Fire Stick, Raspberry Pi, or classic console feed without fuss thanks to its broad input options. These aren’t about pixel density — they’re about compatibility and compactness. When your needs shift to anything involving text, productivity, or media, the 1080p options pull ahead decisively: the VILVA portable adds sharp full HD and USB-C convenience for a mobile second screen, and the desktop Sceptre and Philips panels — one even offering up to 144Hz for light gaming — give you far crisper, more comfortable everyday viewing.
Pros & Cons
- Ideal for specialized uses like CCTV, retro gaming, and Raspberry Pi projects.
- Compact and rugged small panels fit where a full-size monitor can’t.
- Wide input support including BNC, AV, and VGA on the surveillance-oriented models.
- Affordable for secondary and embedded display roles.
- Low resolution makes 720p poor for text, productivity, and modern gaming.
- Not future-proof — for a primary display, 1080p or higher is far more comfortable.
- Niche appeal means most general users are better served by a full HD panel.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re shopping for a primary or secondary desk monitor, skip 720p entirely and choose a 1080p panel like the Sceptre or Philips — the sharpness difference is dramatic and the cost is similar. For a portable second screen, the VILVA’s full HD USB-C design is far more useful than a low-res alternative. Reserve genuine 720p monitors for the specific compact and specialized roles where their small size and input flexibility are the actual selling points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 720p monitor good enough for gaming?
For modern PC gaming, no — the resolution is too low for a sharp, comfortable image. Small 720p panels are better suited to retro consoles, emulation, or as compact secondary displays than to current gaming.
Why would anyone buy a 720p monitor today?
They’re valuable for specialized uses: security camera monitoring with BNC/AV inputs, Raspberry Pi and embedded projects, tiny secondary displays, and retro gaming. In those roles, compact size and input flexibility matter more than pixel count.
Should I get 720p or 1080p for a second monitor?
For almost any desk or productivity use, choose 1080p — it’s far sharper for text and media at similar cost. Only pick 720p if you specifically need a very small or specialized panel.
Can these small monitors connect to a Raspberry Pi or Fire Stick?
Yes, models like the Thinlerain and JINSWY support HDMI and other inputs that work with a Raspberry Pi, Fire Stick, or similar devices, which is a big part of their appeal for hobbyist projects.
Verdict
A true 720p monitor is a specialist’s tool — the JINSWY 8-inch excels for security feeds and the Thinlerain 13.3-inch is great for Pi and retro projects. But if you’re after a general desk or portable display, step up to 1080p: the VILVA portable for travel or the Sceptre 22-inch for the desk deliver a far better everyday experience for similar money.
