ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC Review: “Performance and Portability”
ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC
The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is a marvel of modern technology, blending portability with performance in a sleek package. This 15.6-inch portable monitor is a versatile companion for those who need an extra screen on the go, offering Full HD resolution, USB Type-C connectivity, and a design that's as stylish as it is functional.
Product Brand: ASUS
Editor's Rating:
4.5
4.5
Pros
- Portability: The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is incredibly lightweight and slim, making it an ideal companion for those who frequently work on the go.
- Screen Quality: The monitor boasts a Full HD IPS panel that delivers excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
- Versatility: The ZenScreen MB16AC is compatible with both USB Type-C and Type-A sources, making it versatile and easy to connect with various devices.
- Protective Cover: The included smart cover not only protects the screen but also doubles as a stand, providing two different viewing angles for maximum comfort.
- Eye Care Technology: The monitor comes with ASUS Eye Care technology, including a blue light filter and flicker-free backlighting, to minimize eye strain during long usage periods.
Cons
- No Built-in Battery: The monitor draws power from the device it's connected to.
- Limited Refresh Rate: With a refresh rate of 60Hz, it may not be the best choice for hardcore gamers.
- No Touchscreen: Unlike some portable monitors, the ZenScreen MB16AC does not feature a touchscreen.
- No Speakers: The monitor does not have built-in speakers, so you'll need to rely on your laptop or external speakers for audio.
If you need a portable monitor, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC could be the right choice for you. This portable monitor, with its 15.6-inch Full HD display, offers a visual experience that’s as impressive as it is versatile. Whether you’re a digital nomad seeking a productivity boost, a gamer craving a portable play screen, or a creative professional needing a color-accurate canvas, the ZenScreen MB16AC caters to your needs with its blend of performance and portability.
With its single USB Type-C port handling both power and video signal, the ZenScreen MB16AC simplifies your workspace by reducing cable clutter. Its lightweight and slim design makes it easy to carry around, while its durable metal alloy casing ensures it can withstand the rigors of travel. With the ZenScreen MB16AC, ASUS has truly redefined what a portable monitor can be.
If you would like to see more monitor choices, check out our Top 10 Monitors Buying Guide.
Table of Contents
Video Review
Specifications
- Display Size: 15.6 inches, providing ample screen real estate for multitasking.
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080, offering Full HD clarity for sharp visuals.
- Ports: USB Type-C, enabling easy connectivity with modern devices.
- Weight: 1.7 pounds, making it incredibly lightweight and portable.
Design and Build
The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is a portable monitor that brings a new level of flexibility to your work environment. The monitor’s design is sleek and minimalist, with a slim profile that makes it easy to slip into a bag or briefcase. The casing is made of a high-quality metal alloy, giving it a sturdy feel despite its lightweight nature. The monitor’s stand and protective cover are ingeniously designed, serving dual purposes. The cover not only protects the screen when not in use but also folds into a stand, providing both portrait and landscape orientations.
The ZenScreen MB16AC is not just about looks; it’s also built to last. The monitor has endured rigorous testing to ensure it can withstand the rigors of travel. The screen is protected by a hard coating, which helps prevent scratches and other damage. The monitor’s back panel is also robust, resisting flex even when pressure is applied. This durability is a significant advantage for a portable monitor, as it’s likely to be subjected to more wear and tear than a typical desktop monitor.
The monitor’s build quality extends to its stand and cover. The stand is sturdy and provides stable support for the monitor in both portrait and landscape orientations. The cover, which doubles as a stand, is made of a durable material that can withstand repeated folding and unfolding. It attaches to the monitor via magnets, making it easy to put on and take off. Overall, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC’s design and build quality are impressive, making it a reliable choice for those who need a portable monitor.
Connectivity
The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC offers a seamless connectivity experience, thanks to its hybrid signal solution. This feature allows the monitor to receive both power and video signal from a single USB Type-C cable. This eliminates the need for additional cables and reduces clutter, making the ZenScreen MB16AC an ideal choice for those who value simplicity and convenience.
The monitor also comes with a USB Type-C to Type-A adapter, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. Whether you’re using a laptop, a smartphone, or a gaming console, the ZenScreen MB16AC can easily be connected and ready to use. It’s worth mentioning that the monitor automatically adjusts its orientation based on the content, providing a flexible viewing experience.
One of the standout features of the ZenScreen MB16AC is its support for ASUS’s DisplayWidget software. This software allows users to automatically adjust the monitor’s settings based on the application being used. Whether you’re editing a document, watching a movie, or playing a game, the DisplayWidget software ensures that you get the best possible viewing experience.
Screen Quality
The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC boasts a Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display that delivers sharp and vibrant visuals. The monitor’s 15.6-inch screen size provides ample space for multitasking, while its IPS panel ensures wide viewing angles and accurate colors. This combination results in an immersive viewing experience, whether you’re working on a document or streaming your favorite show.
The monitor’s brightness level of 220 cd/m², while not the highest on the market, is adequate for most indoor settings. The ZenScreen MB16AC also features an anti-glare coating, which effectively minimizes reflections and allows for comfortable use in a variety of lighting conditions.
The ZenScreen MB16AC excels in color accuracy, covering 72% of the NTSC color space. This ensures that colors are vibrant and true to life, making the monitor a good choice for tasks such as photo editing or graphic design. However, professionals requiring 100% color space coverage may need to consider other options.
The monitor also offers a response time of 5ms, ensuring smooth visuals with minimal ghosting. This makes the ZenScreen MB16AC suitable for a range of applications, from video playback to casual gaming. However, it may not meet the needs of hardcore gamers who require ultra-fast response times.
Gaming Ability
The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is not just a portable monitor, it’s a companion for your gaming adventures. While it may not be the first choice for hardcore gamers due to its 60Hz refresh rate, it does a commendable job for casual gaming. The response time of 5ms is adequate for most games, and the Full HD resolution ensures that the graphics are clear and detailed.
The IPS panel technology used in the ZenScreen MB16AC provides excellent viewing angles, which is a boon for gamers. Whether you’re playing a fast-paced racing game or a strategic RPG, the colors remain consistent and vibrant from all angles. The monitor also has a low blue light filter and flicker-free technology, which can help reduce eye strain during long gaming sessions.
However, it’s important to note that the ZenScreen MB16AC is not designed specifically for gaming. It lacks features like G-Sync or FreeSync, which are commonly found in dedicated gaming monitors. These technologies help to reduce screen tearing and stuttering during fast-paced action scenes. But given its portability and versatility, the ZenScreen MB16AC still holds its own as a good option for gaming on the go.
Value
The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is a portable monitor that offers a balance between price and performance, making it a valuable addition to any mobile workspace. It’s not the cheapest portable monitor on the market, but it justifies its price tag with its impressive features and performance.
The monitor’s price point is justified by its high-quality IPS panel, which delivers excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles. This makes it ideal for professionals who need to work on the go and require a reliable secondary display for their laptop or smartphone. The ZenScreen MB16AC also comes with a protective cover that doubles as a stand, adding to its value.
If you’re looking for a portable monitor that delivers excellent performance and doesn’t compromise on quality, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is worth the investment.
The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC offers excellent value for its price. It delivers high-quality visuals, has a sleek and portable design, and comes with a protective cover that doubles as a stand. While it may be more expensive than some other portable monitors, its superior performance and quality justify its cost. If you’re a professional who often works on the go and needs a reliable secondary display, the ZenScreen MB16AC is excellent.
Conclusion
Drawing from a wealth of information gathered, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is a portable monitor that has proven itself to be a reliable companion for those on the move. Its lightweight and slim design makes it a perfect fit for those who need an extra screen while traveling or working remotely. The monitor is not just about portability, it also boasts a sleek and stylish design that is sure to catch the eye. The metallic finish gives it a premium feel, and the protective cover doubles as a stand, providing two different viewing angles for maximum comfort.
The ZenScreen MB16AC doesn’t just look good, it’s built to last. The construction is solid, and it feels sturdy in the hand. Despite its slim profile, it doesn’t feel fragile or flimsy. The protective cover not only serves as a stand but also protects the screen when not in use, adding to the overall durability of the device. The cover is also smartly designed to fold into a stand, allowing for landscape or portrait orientation.
The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is not just about looks and durability, it’s also about practicality. The device is designed with a hole in the bottom right corner, which can be used to prop the screen up with a pen if you’ve forgotten the cover. This is a small but thoughtful design feature that shows ASUS’s attention to detail and consideration of the user’s needs. Overall, the design and build of the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC are top-notch, making it a standout choice for a portable monitor.
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FAQ
The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is compatible with both USB Type-C and Type-A sources, making it versatile and easy to connect with various devices. However, it's always best to check the specific requirements and compatibility of your device.
No, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC does not come with built-in speakers. You will need to rely on your laptop or external speakers for audio.
While the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC has a refresh rate of 60Hz and a response time of 5ms, which are adequate for most games, it may not be the best choice for hardcore gamers. It lacks features like G-Sync or FreeSync, which are commonly found in dedicated gaming monitors.
No, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC does not feature a touchscreen.
The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC draws power from the device it's connected to via the USB connection. This means it doesn't require a separate power source, but it can drain the battery of your laptop or smartphone faster.
Review
90%
Review Summary The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC earns a 90% rating due to its impressive blend of performance, portability, and versatility. Its Full HD IPS display, USB Type-C connectivity, and sleek design make it a standout in the portable monitor market. While it has minor areas for improvement, such as a built-in stand and a higher refresh rate for gaming, its overall feature set offers great value for its price.
