Today, we are writing this ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR Review. We will look into this monitor featuring a sharp 15-inch full LCD HD IPS display. It sports the Eye Care technology to protect your eyes during hours of use.
The product has lots of notable elements and features. So, to discover more about it, read our ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR Review to know what it offers.
ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR Packaging
ASUS packs the MB166CR in a standard brown cardboard box that is durable enough to protect the monitor. Aside from the monitor, the package contains the following items:
- 360° kickstand
- USB-C cable
- Quick start guide
- Warranty Card
Note that the product inclusions vary by region. Some items may or may not be in the package when you purchase the MB166CR in your country.
ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR Review – Design and Functionality
After checking the box for our ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR Review, we immediately observed its design. We realised ASUS created it as a portable secondary monitor to support laptop and computer users.
With its expansive 15.6-inch display, the monitor still keeps its mobility. This aspect is all thanks to its slim, sleek design and lightweight construction, making it effortless to carry around.
The display is surrounded by a slim bezel, with the power button in one corner. Its controls for different light modes are conveniently near.
Its simplicity and refined design make it stand out. With a weight of just under 1kg, it does not add extra burden to the user. Plus, it fits smoothly into your laptop pocket.
This monitor, weighing only 0.78 kg, is crafted from lightweight plastic, ensuring portability. Its 6.01 x 22.56 x 1.18cm dimensions make it effortless to slip into a briefcase. However, this model lacks a solid stand.
The ZenScreen MB166CR features a noticeable screen border, particularly at the bottom. On the left are two functional buttons for adjusting brightness and accessing the OSD menu for colour mode settings.
The right edge of the MB166CR does not have features. However, the left edge houses the USB-C screen output and connection port. Its signal frequency ranges from 24 – 83 kHz/60 Hz, which is suitable for image export.
This monitor draws power directly from a laptop, consuming only 5.24W, so it will not drain your battery. To use the MB166CR, you need to plug it into a computer with a USB-C DisplayPort output.
On the rear of the MB166CR, the ASUS logo aligns with the stand connection point. This part of the monitor allows you to mount it on a tripod. It also made things more convenient when we tested the product for this ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR Review.
The MB166CR includes a foldable metal stand that rotates 360°. It allows users to customise the screen orientation while maintaining its sleek and lightweight design.
The monitor supports landscape and portrait modes, allowing you to view images and files from different angles. You can also wall-mount the MB166CR to save desk space.
This portable monitor features a lightweight matte black case, adding to its sleek appearance. However, it tends to attract sweat stains and fingerprints, diminishing its allure. We suggest regular cleaning to maintain its appeal.
Key Features of the ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR
Sleek, Premium, Portable Design
This product in our ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR Review is perfect for life on the road. The display has a lightweight and slim profile, allowing it to fit in a travel bag. This design readies you for productivity no matter when and where you are.
A Single Cable for All Your Needs
The MB166CR uses one USB-C connection for power and video transmissions from the host device. It reduces the number of cables you need to achieve a neat workspace.
Versatile Design
The MB166CR has a detachable kickstand, which you can conveniently screw into the rear tripod socket. It makes tilting in portrait or landscape orientations easier. The 360° kickstand design lets you place the MB166CR on a tabletop mount.
Extend Your Workspace with the ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR
This FHD (1920×1080) IPS panel offers 178° viewing angles and spectacular visuals with superb colour and contrast. It shows high-quality images even when viewing from off-centre positions.
ASUS Blue Light Filter
The exclusive Ultra-Low Blue Light technology ensures safety from the potentially harmful blue light. It has four filter settings that you can easily access on the on-screen display menu via the hotkey.
ASUS Flicker-free Technology
The MB166CR uses ASUS Flicker-free technology with TÜV Rheinland certification. It reduces flicker to minimise eye strain and provide comfortable viewing experiences. This technology also prevents other ailments associated with extended viewing hours.
This technology offered better viewing experiences when we tested the product for this ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR Review.
Specifications
Display
- Panel Size (inch): 15.6
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Display Viewing Area: 344.16 x 193.59mm (Horizontal x Vertical)
- Viewing Angle (CR≧10, H/V): 178°/ 178°
- Display Surface: Non-Glare
- Backlight Type: LED
- Panel Type: IPS
- Pixel Pitch: 0.179mm
- Resolution: 1920×1080
- Brightness (Typ.): 250cd/㎡
- Contrast Ratio (Typ.): 800:1
- Display Colours: 262K
- Maximum Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 5ms (GTG)
- Flicker-free: Yes
Video Features
- Trace Free Technology: Yes
- SPLENDID Technology: Yes
- Colour Temperature Selection: Yes (four modes)
- GamePlus: Yes
- QuickFit: Yes (Photo/Alignment Grid)
- HDCP: Yes
- DisplayWidget: Yes, DisplayWidget Center
- Low Blue Light: Yes
- I/O Ports (DP Alt Mode): 1x USB-C
- USB-C Digital Signal Frequency: 24-83KHZ (H) / 60Hz(V)
Power
- Power Consumption: 5.24 W
- Consumption on Power Saving Mode: less than 0.5W
- Power Off Mode: less than 0.3W
- Voltage: 100-240V, 50/60Hz
Mechanical Design and Miscellaneous
- 1/4-inch Tripod Socket: Yes
- Estimated Dimensions: 36.01 x 22.56 x 1.18 cm (W x H x D, without stand)
- Net Weight: 0.78kg (without stand)
- Certifications: TÜV Flicker-free, TÜV Low Blue Light
Hands-on with the ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR
We tested the monitor to share its performance in this ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR Review. Its display immediately impressed us since it had an average brightness level and modest colour reproduction. Although it appeared slightly washed out, its contrast and direct view were satisfactory.
We noticed its colour differences when we paired the MB166CR with our computer. It was slightly inaccurate and dull when displaying reds and yellows. Blues were more accurate than the warm colours but were lacklustre.
Also, the monitor was less sharp and lacked detail, making clouds less sharp and shadows less defined. Fortunately, the colour settings were adjustable via the on-screen display menu. After calibrating the settings via the on-screen display, we noticed some improvements in its colour reproduction.
This monitor also integrates ASUS Eye Care technology, Flicker-free, and Low Blue Light features. We noticed some reflections on the screen. Thanks to these features, viewing the MB166CR was more relaxing.
The MB166CR offers excellent clarity with adequate sharpness on most images. However, it is not a superior monitor when reproducing colour and detail. Its colours are slightly dull, so it is unsuitable for photo or video editing where colour accuracy is crucial.
Despite its flaws, this monitor will be handy if you are a writer or audio editor. It is also suitable for line work or rough cuts since colour will not be an issue in these tasks.
Aside from the colour and details it displayed, we analysed the movements and transitions on the MB166CR. Although it lacked accuracy in colour, we appreciate its minimal input lag and seamless transition between screens.
Thanks to its 60Hz refresh rate, this monitor performed well for basic tasks. It was adequate as a secondary screen for extending our workspace when editing documents, Excel sheets, and more.
We also used it as an extended monitor to view maps when gaming, and it worked perfectly. The MB166CR improved our gaming experiences when we used it for various functions like this.
When watching movies and viewing slideshows, we had no issues with the movement and transitions on this monitor. Everything was smooth and seamless, and the expansive screen offered better experiences. It also makes things more convenient when working on laptops with compact screens.
Aside from working as an extended monitor, we also liked using it for reading since it has a portrait mode. Displaying reading materials with a portrait orientation allowed us to sit and relax while reading.
The MB166CR is a suitable secondary monitor for users who need an additional display for work and various tasks. However, you will need to calibrate it for accurate colour representation.
ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR Review Summary
The MB166CR is a portable, straightforward, and affordable secondary monitor. It is a budget-friendly way to expand your display or extend your workspace. We love its slim, lightweight design that makes it portable and its simple connectivity that does not require many cables.
Although it lacks colour accuracy and brightness, this monitor offers a crisp and clear display. Despite that, it delivered smooth and seamless movements when we used the product for this ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR Review.
This monitor is ideal for users who perform tasks that do not require 100% colour accuracy. These include writing, editing documents, audio editing, and other functions like creating early drafts for graphics work.
If you want a portable,budget-friendly secondary monitor that will boost your productivity, we highly recommend the MB166CR. It is the perfect product for freelancers who work on-the-go and require expansive workspaces.
Visit the official product page of ASUS for more information about the ZenScreen MB166CR.
