The ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR is a worthy entry in the portable monitor market, giving you the versatility and quality that is suitable for you whether you’re a jet setter or a work-from-home professional looking for a secondary monitor. Let’s see if it’s any good.
Key Features
- 15.6-inch Full HD portable anti-glare IPS display with an ultraslim and thin design helps you get things done more efficiently when you’re on the go
- USB Type-C connector (DP Alt mode) for user convenience and compatibility with compatible devices
- ASUS Eye Care monitors feature TÜV Rheinland-certified Flicker-free and Low Blue Light technologies to ensure a comfortable viewing experience
- Automatically sense its orientation and switch the monitor between landscape and portrait modes via DisplayWidget Center software
- User-friendly design with an embedded tripod socket on the rear and 360° kickstand for versatility.
Packaging
Design
In terms of design, this ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR boasts a sleek and stylish design that is both modern and practical. Given its 15.6-inch IPS display, this portable screen maintains a slim profile. The casing is robust, providing good protection for regular travel, and the overall build quality is solid.
I must admit this monitor is very light, making it highly portable and easy to carry around. It weighs just around 800 grams and measures only 8mm in thickness. It comes with a pouch that protects the screen when not in use. This makes the MB166CR an ideal choice for those who often work on the go.
The kickstand is also very versatile (can be rotated). Both portrait and landscape modes are no issues should you need them.
Display
This portable screen offers a full HD resolution (1920×1080), which is more than enough for portable monitors. The IPS panel gives you a wide viewing angle and excellent colour reproduction, making it suitable for tasks that require colour accuracy like photo editing or graphic design. Additionally, the brightness levels are adequate for both indoor and outdoor use.
Connectivity
There is only one USB-C port, which allows for both power and data transmission through a single cable (the USB-C cable is included), simplifying the setup process and reducing cable clutter. This is particularly helpful if you have a laptop and a smartphone that support video output via USB-C. However, it would be more awesome if it had an HDMI port that caters to old devices with no USB-C.
Performance
I’ve tried this portable monitor with Microsoft Surface Pro and it worked like a charm. Just literally plug and play. No need to download anything or set up anything. The process is very simple. The monitor did well across a variety of general uses, from general productivity tasks to video streaming and casual gaming. I will bring this monitor for my next overseas trip.
I’ve also tested it with my Steam Deck (a handheld portable gaming console). I can see the merit of this monitor for those who travel with portable gaming devices. It’s 100% better than playing with a small screen. The refresh rate and response time are more than adequate for my taste.
One of the more impressive features of the ZenScreen MB166CR is its intuitive On-Screen Display menu, which is easy to navigate and allows you to change settings like brightness, contrast, and colour profiles with ease. It also has a Blue Light Filter and Flicker-Free technology. Nifty!
Tech Specs
Display
- Panel Size: 15.6 inch
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Display Viewing Area (H x V) : 344.16 x 193.59mm
- Display Surface: Non-Glare
- Backlight Type: LED
- Panel Type: IPS
- Viewing Angle (CR≧10, H/V) : 178°/ 178°
- Pixel Pitch: 0.179mm
- Resolution: 1920×1080
- Brightness (Typ.): 250cd/㎡
- Contrast Ratio (Typ.): 800:1
- Display Colours: 262K
- Response Time: 5ms(GTG)
- Refresh Rate (Max): 60Hz
- Flicker-free: Yes
Video Feature
- Trace Free Technology: Yes
- SPLENDID Technology: Yes
- Colour Temp. Selection: Yes (4 modes)
- GamePlus: Yes
- QuickFit: Yes (Photo/Alignment Grid)
- HDCP: Yes
- DisplayWidget: Yes, DisplayWidget Center
- Low Blue Light: Yes
Audio Feature
- Speaker: No
I/O Ports
- USB-C x 1 (DP Alt Mode)
Signal Frequency
- Digital Signal Frequency : USB-C: 24-83KHZ (H) / 60Hz(V)
Power Consumption
- Power Consumption: 5.24 W
- Power Saving Mode: <0.5W
- Power Off Mode: <0.3W
- Voltage : 100-240V, 50/60Hz
Mechanical Design
- Height Adjustment: No
- 1/4″ Tripod Socket: Yes
Dimensions
- Physical Dimension without Stand (W x H x D) : 36.01 x 22.56 x 1.18 cm
- Box Dimension (W x H x D) : 43.4 x 29 x 7.6 cm
Weight
- Net Weight: 0.78 kg (without Stand)
- Gross Weight: 1.7 kg (with Stand)
Accessories (vary by region)
- 360° kickstand
- Quick start guide
- USB-C cable
- Warranty Card
- ZenScreen sleeve
Certificate
- TÜV Flicker-free
- TÜV Low Blue Light
ASUS Zenscreen MB166CR Review Conclusion
In conclusion, the ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR proves to be a versatile and high-quality addition to the portable monitor market, catering well to both frequent travellers and work-from-home professionals. Its sleek design, lightweight build, and robust protection make it an ideal travel companion, while the full HD IPS display ensures excellent colour reproduction and wide viewing angles.
The convenience of a single USB-C connection for both power and data simplifies setup and reduces clutter, though an additional HDMI port would have enhanced its compatibility with older devices. Overall, the ZenScreen MB166CR offers impressive performance across various uses, from productivity tasks to gaming, making it a valuable tool for anyone needing a reliable and portable secondary display.
If you are in the market for a portable monitor, I would recommend this ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR as this is a competent portable monitor that is well-suited for you who need a secondary display for your laptop or for you who want a lightweight option for entertainment while travelling. Overall, it offers good value for money, especially considering its features and performance.
Disclosure: ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR review sample was supplied for reviewing
