ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHP 17.3-inch portable gaming monitor: specs and uses

The ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHP is a 17.3-inch portable gaming monitor with a built-in battery. It adds a second screen to a laptop, a console or a phone without needing a desk setup, and it comes with a tripod stand, smart case and carrying bag. Here is what its specs mean.

Panel, refresh rate and response

The screen is 17.3 inches, Full HD (1920 x 1080) and IPS. IPS panels typically hold colour and brightness well at wider viewing angles. ASUS rates the refresh rate at 240Hz, with support for 144Hz, and the response time at 3ms (grey to grey). A higher refresh rate shows more image updates each second, which makes fast motion look smoother, provided the source device can send that many frames. Many consoles output 60Hz or 120Hz, so the full 240Hz mostly matters with a capable PC.

Adaptive-Sync is also listed. It lets the monitor match its refresh rate to the frame rate coming in, to avoid tearing.

Hybrid-signal USB-C and micro-HDMI

The monitor has hybrid-signal USB-C and micro-HDMI ports. ASUS says they connect to smartphones, laptops, game consoles, cameras and tablets. USB-C carries video, and often power, over one cable, but only if the source's USB-C port supports video output. Check the device's specifications. Micro-HDMI works with a micro-HDMI-to-HDMI cable for consoles and many cameras.

Built-in battery

The built-in battery runs the monitor for up to three hours at 240Hz, according to ASUS. That helps for a session away from an outlet, though actual time depends on brightness and settings. When it is plugged in, the battery isn't needed.

What comes with it

The listing says the package includes:

• ROG Tripod: a stand that holds the monitor at a viewing height.
• Smart Case: protects the screen in a bag and can fold into a stand.
• Carrying bag: for transport.

The monitor measures 9.8 x 15.7 x 0.4 inches (about 25 x 40 x 1 cm) and weighs 2.3 lb (about 1 kg), thin and light enough to slide in beside a laptop. ASUS lists a three-year warranty.

Who it suits

It suits people who want a second screen when travelling or working in different places, console and handheld PC players who want a larger screen than the device offers, and photographers or video makers who want a bigger preview for a camera. It works as a portable extra display for a laptop on the road.

What to check before you buy

• Ports: confirm your laptop, phone or console can output video over USB-C, or has HDMI.
• Cables: check which cables are in the box and whether you need a micro-HDMI cable.
• Power: a USB-C power source is needed to charge the battery; check the specifications for wattage.
• Frame rate: the 240Hz refresh rate only helps if your device can produce it.
• Resolution: Full HD on 17.3 inches suits many tasks, but check it meets your needs for text and detail.
• Speakers and stand: check ASUS's specification sheet for audio features and how you will position it.

The short version

• A 17.3-inch Full HD IPS portable monitor with 240Hz (also 144Hz), 3ms and Adaptive-Sync.
• Hybrid-signal USB-C and micro-HDMI inputs.
• Built-in battery for up to three hours at 240Hz.
• Includes a tripod, smart case and carrying bag; 2.3 lb and 0.4 inch thick.
• Three-year warranty, as ASUS lists it.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.