The Asus ZenScreen MB16QHG
Ahead of Computex, Asus introduces the ZenScreen MB16QHG, a 16-inch Portable Monitor that’s priced at $399. It’s one of the first models to hit this particular size category, as 15.6-inch models are more common.
In exchange for the premium, you get a bigger screen that boasts 2560 x 1600 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s a good all-around portable monitor, suitable for travel and desk use. It’s compatible with the growing number of 16-inch laptops, including the Asus ZenBook Series 5, and provides extra vertical resolution.
Asus ZenScreen MB16QHG specs
The Asus ZenScreen MB16QHG is a solid portable monitor, with good color performance, a robust stand, and one of the brightest panels in its category. It also includes a hinged base for easy access to ports and hides cables.
Asus ZenScreen MB16QHG design
The design includes a hinged base, allowing you to sit the monitor upright, lay it flat against the base, and adjust the viewing angles. The base also has a hole for a tripod, which is a handy feature if you’re a photographer in the field. It uses a full-size HDMI port, two USB-C ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Asus ZenScreen MB16QHG performance
The display itself offers a 2560 x 1600 resolution, which is more than you’ll get on many other portable monitors. It’s good for multitasking and editing tasks, and you won’t have to squint as much compared to 1440p.
The 120Hz refresh rate also helps with scrolling and crisp images, and it feels snappy to use. Finally, it achieves 417 nits of brightness, which isn’t quite the claimed 500 nits but is still bright enough to use in most environments.
The Asus ZenScreen MB16QHG delivers excellent color gamut performance and good panel uniformity (85%, according to the company). It’s also one of the brightest portable monitors in its category, but it doesn’t quite reach the higher brightness claim. Don’t get us wrong, 417 nits is plenty bright, but it’s a missed opportunity as other 16-inch portable options struggle to achieve 300 nits.
That said, the difference in brightness isn’t night and day, and you won’t notice it unless you place the MB16QHG next to a competitor. In fact, our color gamut tests show the MB16QHG outperforms some considerably brighter portable monitors, making it a good choice for color-sensitive work.
The biggest sacrifice is black levels, which aren’t OLED-level and produce white crush in dark scenes. It’s not a deal-breaker, but you’ll notice the difference if you’ve used OLED or other high-quality monitors.
Navigating the Asus ZenScreen MB16QHG on-screen display (OSD) is done using a 5-way joystick, which offers various menu options such as brightness, contrast, and color profile settings. It’s easy enough to use, but we find it more intuitive than the joystick found on the Asus MB16QGL.
Final thoughts on the Asus ZenScreen MB16QHG
The Asus ZenScreen MB16QHG is a good all-around portable monitor, particularly for photographers in the field. The tripod mount is a nice touch that other competitors don’t necessarily offer, and it provides extra vertical resolution that sets it apart from 15.6-inch models.
The MB16QHG is also one of the pricier options, with cheaper options that boast different features and lesser-known brands. It’s arguably a good choice if you’re seeking extra resolution but don’t need 4K in a portable form factor, but there are cheaper 1440p options out there if you’re on a budget.
