ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACE 15.6 inch USB Type-C IPS Monitor
The new ASUS MB16ACE 15.6 inch ZenScreen Monitor is one kind of highly portable monitor with a hybrid signal solution, which means that it only needs a single USB connector cable to be fully compatible with almost any laptop. With a super slim 8mm profile, and weighing just 0.71 kg, ZenScreen MB16ACE is also the lightest 15.6 inch companion display monitor. This monitor is featured with a hybrid-signal solution that supports power and video transmission, and enables compatibility with any laptop with a USB Type-C or Type A port. The reversible, any-way-up USB-C design enables quick, hassle-free connection to any device. This monitor is featured with Display Widget software, the ZenScreen MB16ACE can automatically sense its orientation and switch the monitor between landscape and portrait modes. In this monitor, the Landscape mode is ideal for presentations and Excel sheets, while Portrait mode gives you a perfect view of items such as codes, documents, books or mobile websites. The new ZenScreen MB16ACE monitor features with a Full HD panel that delivers stunning 1920 x 1080 resolution visuals with outstanding color reproduction. Here uses IPS technology to give more flexibility when extending screen, to get superb color and contrast, even from extreme viewing positions. In this monitor, the foldable smart case protects ZenScreen MB16ACE from dust and scratches with lighter weight. The case can be folded into a stand to prop the monitor up in either portrait or landscape orientation. The ZenScreen is designed in a smart pen hole in the bottom right hand corner, where you can insert a pen to prop the screen up when not using the smart case. To protect your eyes, here used ASUS Eye Care technology, that offers four blue-light filter settings that are easily accessed through the onscreen display menu via the hotkey. The exclusive ZenScreen MB16ACE monitor features with TÃœV Rhein land-certified ASUS Flicker-free technology to reduce flicker for a comfortable viewing experience. This Flicker-free technology helps minimize instances of eyestrain and other damaging ailments, especially when you spend long, countless hours in front of a display watching favorite videos.
ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACE Monitor Review
The Asus MB16ACE sports a sleek aesthetic that makes it look like a slightly larger professional tablet at a glance. The charcoal gray exterior is a nice touch that will easily match most laptop colors, including the crazy ones like burgundy or pink. The monitor isn’t bezel-free, but the flushed borders on the display are thin and not distracting at all.
One of the things that will worry many users is how light the Asus MB16ACE feels at just 1.6 pounds. Thankfully, its not as fragile as it looks thanks to a chassis that has just the right amount of structural strength to keep the unit together. There is also no manufacturing or cosmetic defects on the sample, and we are expecting every retail unit to follow suit.
The bottom strip that’s also finished in charcoal gray holds three buttons which give you access to the OSD and switch the Asus MB16ACE on or off. We still prefer joysticks, but the menus in this model are concise even if it already includes the essential controls. Each of the buttons is tactile and responsive, so there should be no miss-presses or any similar issues while in use.
The Asus MB16ACE still uses the protective cover/stand combination which is lightweight and sufficient for the task. This part uses a magnet that attaches to the upper back of the monitor and is usable in both portrait and landscape mode. Take note that you need to download a driver to ensure that the screen follows the orientation or position you prefer.
You can also use a pen to prop up the Asus MB16ACE, so the cover isn’t completely essential for day to day use. You can insert it in the hole at the corner of the monitor, and it will stand stable in both portrait and landscape positions. We know its hard to entrust a display to a simple pen, but trust us when we say that it works nicely.
The Asus MB16ACE connectivity layout consists of a USB-C slot and nothing more, so HDMI-only devices are out of the immediate equation. The slot supports DP Alt Mode, plus the monitor uses it to draw power from your laptop. Connecting this product to your MacBook or XPS 13 will deplete its charge faster, so make sure you have the charger or a powerpack in tow for work marathons.
However, the Asus MB16ACE is still usable for non-USB Type-C laptops thanks to the USB-C to USB-A adapter that’s already included in the package. You can use this display with any USB 3.0 slot, provided that you download the necessary DisplayLink driver for compatibility.
Performance
The Asus MB16ACE sports a 15.5-inch IPS panel with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and a 5ms response time. The backlight is rated to be stronger this time at 250 cd/m2, while contrast is still limited to 800:1. These specs aren’t high-end for gaming or editing, but the product emphasizes more on convenience rather than a specific use.
The pixel density of the Asus MB16ACE’s screen sits at a little over 142PPI, so it will look sharper than your regular 24-inch Full HD monitor at home or the office. The desktop space on the display doesn’t increase from the typical, but small objects like text and some images will look sharper and more detailed. We don’t think you will need scaling for this monitor, especially if you are used to laptops that have the same size and resolution.
The Asus MB16ACE showed improved color performance compared to its predecessor, starting with a slight increase in sRGB gamut coverage to 69%. The monitor can look duller than other full sRGB monitors, but at least you get superb accuracy the DeltaE average staying at 1.2. Color temperature is slightly warmer than the 6500K standard, but it doesn’t discolor images to an annoying degree.
The Asus MB16ACE also produces strong contrast performance, reaching as much as 1200:1 in tests. This portable device has the best black luminance performance to date, but some dark scenes can still look grayish at times. The latter is a known weakness of IPS panels, but this particular variant is better in that regard.
One thing the Asus MB16ACE missed from its spec sheet is its brightness maximum which failed to hit 250 cd/m2. The recorded output maxed out at 220 cd/m2 which isn’t bad and is still bright enough for daily use. We recommend staying at 50% and above to keep the screen as vibrant as possible, since setting the backlight too low can make the screen look washed out.
The IPS panel on the Asus MB16ACE did not show any leaking or uniformity issues that were readily noticeable. The screen looked even apart from a few drops in contrast near the corners which were only detected by a colorimeter. Of course, you still need to consider manufacturing tolerances, especially for IPS-based products.
The Asus MB16ACE showed decent pixel response times for a 60Hz monitor, but blurs are still visible if you play fast-paced games. The monitor doesn’t have overdrive options like ELMB or anything similar, so you have to live with this limitation. However, the MG16ACE was not meant for gaming, so missing this aspect is reasonable.
The Asus MB16ACE doesn’t have adaptive sync capabilities so G-Sync compatibility and FreeSync are out. Again, the monitor wasn’t meant for gaming, so we don’t have any complaints regarding its lack of a VRR solution. We were not able to measure the input lag of the monitor, but it felt closer to a 10ms 60Hz display like the BenQ GW2480 we tested earlier.
