ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG 16-inch Portable Monitor: specs and uses

The ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG is a 16-inch portable monitor that adds a second screen to a laptop or other device. It has a 2560 x 1600 IPS panel, a 120Hz refresh rate and a 7 mm-thin body. This page explains what its specs mean and how it connects.

What WQXGA and 16:10 mean

The panel is WQXGA, which is 2560 x 1600 pixels, in a 16:10 shape. Compared with a 16:9 screen, 16:10 gives extra height, which is useful for documents, spreadsheets, code and web pages. At 16 inches, that resolution is sharp, so text looks crisp, although you may want to scale the interface up in your operating system so it is comfortable to read. IPS panels are known for wide viewing angles and consistent colour from the side, which matters when a screen sits next to a laptop.

Refresh rate and HDR

ASUS lists a 120Hz refresh rate, which it calls SmoothMotion. That is double the usual 60Hz on many office displays, and it typically makes scrolling and cursor movement look smoother. It only helps if the source device can output 120Hz at this resolution over the connection used.

The monitor is DisplayHDR 400 compliant, with 100% DCI-P3 colour coverage. DisplayHDR 400 is the entry level of the VESA HDR certification, so it indicates basic HDR support rather than the dramatic contrast of higher tiers. DCI-P3 is a wide colour gamut used in film and increasingly in photo and video work.

Ports and cables

There are two full-function USB-C ports, one on each side, plus an HDMI input and an earphone jack. "Full-function" USB-C means the port can carry video, data and power. Having a port on either side helps with cable placement, depending on which side your laptop is on. For a single-cable setup, your laptop's USB-C port needs to support video output (DisplayPort Alt Mode or similar), which not every USB-C port does. HDMI is the fallback for devices without that support, though the monitor then needs power through USB-C separately.

Portability and stand

It is 7 mm thin and weighs about 2.6 lb (1.2 kg), and measures about 14.1 x 9.7 inches. An integrated L-shaped kickstand props it up at a suitable height, and the monitor can be used in landscape or portrait orientation. ASUS positions it as a secondary display for hybrid workers, extending a laptop's workspace across two screens.

Who it suits

It suits people who work across several locations, those who want a second screen at a hot desk or kitchen table, and anyone who wants extra room for chat, reference material or a timeline next to the main window.

What to check before you buy

• Your laptop's ports: check whether a USB-C port supports video output and power delivery.
• Cables: confirm that the cables in the box suit your device, or whether you need others.
• Power: a bus-powered display draws from the host and may reduce battery life.
• Scaling: at 2560 x 1600 on 16 inches, you will probably adjust display scaling.
• Refresh rate: check that your device can output 120Hz at this resolution.
• Bundled offers: any promotions mentioned in older listings may have ended.

The short version

• A 16-inch, 16:10 portable monitor with a 2560 x 1600 IPS panel at 120Hz.
• DisplayHDR 400 and 100% DCI-P3 colour coverage.
• Two USB-C ports, HDMI and an earphone jack.
• A 7 mm profile, about 2.6 lb, with an L-shaped kickstand for landscape or portrait use.

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