ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH Portable Monitor — Revolutionising On-the-Go Productivity
If you're a multitasker like me, you'll resonate with the struggle of maintaining productivity while travelling. Without access to my trusty desktop monitor setup, it feels as though I've left an integral part of my workflow behind. At home, my LG Ultrawide 29WQ600-W 29″ monitor is my productivity powerhouse, providing an expansive workspace that allows me to manage multiple tasks seamlessly. From editing projects to juggling emails, having that much screen real estate isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity.
When travelling, however, my options are limited. I switch between two portable monitors depending on my needs to bridge the gap for my home setup's lack. The ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR 15.6″ Portable Monitor is my lightweight companion for basic tasks, while the ASUS ProArt PA169CDV 16″ Pen Display Monitor is indispensable for colour-sensitive work like photo editing or design. Both are fantastic tools in their own right, but neither can replicate the immersive experience of my 29-inch ultrawide monitor at home. However, they offer a substantial improvement over the cramped 14-inch display on my laptop.
When I resigned to portable monitor limitations, I stumbled upon the ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH. The moment I saw it, my heart started thumping with excitement. This device seemed to be the solution I didn't know I needed — a foldable portable monitor. Yes, you read that right — a monitor that folds.
- Innovative Foldable Design: Compact, portable, and easy to carry.
- Stunning OLED Display: Vibrant colours and sharp 2560 x 1920 resolution.
- Wide Colour Gamut: 100% DCI-P3 for accurate, rich colours.
- High Contrast: VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification ensures deep blacks.
- Versatile Connectivity: USB-C, mini HDMI, and headphone jack included.
- Large Screen: 17.3-inch display ideal for multitasking and creativity.
- Stable Kickstand: Supports both landscape and portrait orientations.
- Seamless Viewing: Advanced hinge design minimises visible creases.
- Lightweight Build: Weighs only 1.17kg, perfect for travel.
- Professional Appearance: Sleek and modern design.
- High Price: Expensive, limiting accessibility for many users.
- No Touchscreen: Lacks interactive touch capabilities.
- Moderate Brightness: 350 nits may struggle in outdoor bright conditions.
- Glossy Screen: Prone to reflections in certain lighting.
- Power-Intensive: OLED display consumes significant energy.
- Limited Anti-Glare: Could improve usability in outdoor settings.
- Durability Concern: Long-term hinge reliability remains untested.
● Dimensions Folded (W x H x D) : 18.41 x 28.68 x 1.94 cm
● Weight: 1.17 kg (2.58 lbs)
● Panel Size (inch) : 17.3
● Aspect Ratio : 4:3
● Display Viewing Area (H x V) : 351.51(H) × 263.64(V)
● Display Surface : Glare
● Panel Type : OLED
e● Viewing Angle (CR≧10, H/V) : 160°/ 160°
● Pixel Pitch : 0.137mm
● Resolution : 2560×1920
● Color Space (DCI-P3) : 100%
● Brightness (HDR, Peak) : 500 cd/㎡
● Brightness (Typ.) : 350cd/㎡
● Contrast Ratio (Typ.) : 1,000,000:1
● Display Colors : 1073.7M (10 bit)
● Response Time : 0.2ms(GTG)
● Refresh Rate (Max) : 60Hz
● HDR (High Dynamic Range) Support : HDR 500 True Black
● HDCP : Yes
● Flicker-free : Yes
● Low Blue Light : Yes
● USB-C x 2 (DP Alt Mode)
● Mini HDMI x 1
● Earphone Jack : Yes
● 1/4u0022 Tripod Socket : Yes
● Power Consumption : ≦12W
The Limitations of Traditional Portable Monitors and the Promise of Foldable Innovation
The Challenges of Traditional Portable Monitors
Portable monitors are a lifeline for professionals like me who rely on dual screens to stay productive while travelling. However, they're far from perfect. Larger monitors, such as 17- or 18-inch models, provide the workspace I crave, but their bulk and weight make them impractical for frequent travel. Trying to fit one into a laptop bag or carry it alongside other gear is a hassle I'd rather avoid. On the other hand, while portable, smaller monitors compromise usability, offering limited screen real estate that can feel restrictive for multitasking. It often felt like there was no perfect solution — until now.
Why Foldable Technology Changes the Game
Foldable screens have been slowly gaining traction in consumer tech, from smartphones to laptops. While I've always been sceptical due to concerns about durability and practicality, the concept of a foldable portable monitor emerged. Unlike foldable gadgets that attempt to replace existing devices, a foldable monitor enhances and complements my workflow. The ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH is a perfect example of this innovation in action.
A Practical and Powerful Solution
The ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH delivers the expansive workspace I need without the compromises of traditional portable monitors. Its vibrant 17.3-inch OLED display and clever folding design that reduces its size to a compact 12.5 inches make it practical, portable, and powerful. The ZenScreen Fold solves a genuine problem for professionals like me who depend on extended screens to maintain productivity on the go but don't want the hassle of bulky gear. It is portable, practical, and powerful, all without breaking my back or bag.
The ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH has redefined my expectations for portable monitors. It's practical and innovative and addresses the key pain points of traditional options. This device is a revelation for anyone seeking a balance between size and portability. It's more than just a monitor — it's a productivity enabler.
Unboxing and First Impressions: A Premium Experience
After days of deliberation, I finally decided to take the plunge and invest in the ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH. At SGD$3,700, it's a significant purchase, and I spent a lot of time justifying it to myself. Would it genuinely enhance my productivity? Would the convenience it offers outweigh the steep price tag? Eventually, the prospect of carrying a large, vibrant display during my upcoming two-week work trip to Seoul convinced me that it was worth a try.
Due to my tight schedule, I didn't have the luxury of unboxing it at leisure or filming a proper video before heading off. That said, I captured some clips of the monitor in action during my trip, and I'll share those insights below. Let me say this upfront: while the ASUS ZenScreen Fold is a significant investment, it feels worth every penny to someone who values productivity and colour accuracy as much as I do.
What's in the Box?
The unboxing experience itself was delightful. ASUS has put thought into the presentation, and everything feels meticulously crafted. The monitor is neatly packaged and accompanied by essential accessories, which include:
- Zenscreen Bag: A stylish and functional fabric travel case that protects the monitor during transit.
- L-shaped USB-C Cable: Ideal for neat cable management and easy connection to laptops or other devices.
- Mini HDMI to HDMI Cable: Provides compatibility with a wide range of devices, including gaming consoles.
- Microfibre Cloth: Useful for keeping the screen clean and smudge-free.
- Power Adapter: Essential for powering the monitor.
- Monitor Care Guide: A handy reference for monitor handling and care.
- Quick Start Guide: A handy reference for quick and easy setup.
- User Manual: Clear and concise instructions, though the setup is intuitive and straightforward.
Build Quality Meets Functionality
The ZenScreen Fold's design is a perfect marriage of form and function. From the moment I held the ZenScreen Fold, its premium build quality was evident. At 1.17kg (2.6 pounds), it's lightweight enough to carry around comfortably but substantial enough to feel robust. The 9.7mm thickness, when unfolded, gives it a sleek, tablet-like profile.
One of the most striking aspects is the foldable design, reinforced by ASUS's “waterdrop-style” hinge. Foldable screens often spark concerns about fragility, but this hinge felt solid, with smooth folding mechanics and no awkward creaking or resistance. ASUS has paid close attention to durability, addressing one of the main concerns people (myself included) have about foldable screens.
First Impressions in Use
I first set up the monitor in my apartment in Seoul. Seeing the 17.3-inch OLED panel unfold was incredibly satisfying as someone who thrives on dual screens. Its compact folded size (12.5 inches) makes it easy to carry, but when opened, it transforms into a spacious, vibrant display that feels like having a full workstation on the go.
Setting it up was a breeze. The kickstand integrated into the monitor provided excellent stability whether I used it in portrait or landscape mode. Combined with the thoughtful cable design, the monitor seamlessly fits into my workflow, allowing me to manage presentations, video calls, and editing tasks effortlessly.
Display Excellence: OLED Brilliance on the Go
The ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH's display quality is breathtaking, setting a new gold standard for portable monitors. Its 17.3-inch foldable OLED panel immediately captivated me with its QHD+ resolution of 2560 x 1920 pixels, rendering visuals with extraordinary clarity and precision. Whether working on intricate design projects or reviewing high-resolution photographs, every detail is vibrant and lifelike. It's as though ASUS has crafted a display that doesn't just show my work but enhances it, breathing life into otherwise static visuals.
What sets this display apart is not just its resolution but its colour accuracy and contrast. The 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut ensures colours are rich, vibrant, and true to life, making it perfect for photo editing and video production tasks. Combined with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification, it offers exceptional contrast, delivering inky blacks and remarkable depth even in dimly lit environments. The 350-nit brightness ensures visibility across a range of lighting conditions, and its 185 PPI pixel density guarantees crisp, sharp details in every frame, whether I'm editing, gaming, or watching a film.
Unlike many foldable devices, the ZenScreen Fold handles the crease issue brilliantly. The advanced waterdrop-style hinge makes the crease virtually invisible when fully unfolded, offering an uninterrupted viewing experience. This design detail further elevates the display, making it feel premium and polished.
- Vivid Colours: The 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut ensures vibrant and accurate colours, making it ideal for photo editing, video production, and gaming.
- Deep Contrast: With VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification, you can expect exceptional contrast and inky blacks, even in low-light conditions.
- High Pixel Density: A pixel density of 185 PPI ensures sharp and detailed visuals, whether working on spreadsheets or enjoying media content.
The display of the ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH is a masterpiece, raising the bar for portable monitors. Its vivid colours, deep contrast, and sharp resolution make it a joy to use, while the seamless hinge design eliminates distractions. It's a tool that doesn't just meet the needs of professionals — it elevates their experience. For me, it's an elevation of my creative and productive workflow. It's simply a joy to use
Design and Portability: Compact Powerhouse
The ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH's design is a true blend of innovation and practicality, catering perfectly to creative professionals like me who are often on the move. When I set it up, it was evident that ASUS prioritised functionality and portability. The ability to fold into a compact 12.5-inch size is a game-changer, making it effortless to slip into a standard laptop bag or backpack without compromising on-screen real estate when unfolding.
One of the standout features is the built-in kickstand, which provides stable support and allows me to switch effortlessly between landscape and portrait orientations. This versatility is invaluable for different tasks, whether reviewing designs in portrait mode or working on a spreadsheet in landscape. A 1/4″ tripod socket at the back enhances the monitor's adaptability. By mounting it on the ASUS ZenScreen Stand MTS02D or any standard tripod, I can raise the display to a comfortable height, an ideal setup for prolonged viewing sessions.
What truly impressed me was how ergonomic the design feels. Extending the screen upwards rather than sideways creates a more natural and comfortable posture, reducing strain on my neck and eyes during long hours of use. This thoughtful design makes it an excellent tool for professionals prioritising comfort without sacrificing productivity.
The ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH balances portability and functionality with its compact foldable design, versatile kickstand, and ergonomic mounting options. For me, it's more than just a monitor—it's an essential companion that enhances my workflow while ensuring comfort and convenience on the go. It's a design that truly understands and adapts to the needs of its users.
Connectivity Options and Controls: Seamlessly Versatile
Connectivity Options
The ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH excels in connectivity, offering versatility that perfectly complements its innovative design. With two USB-C ports supporting DisplayPort Alt Mode and charging, it seamlessly adapts to various devices. I've connected it to my laptop for an extended desktop experience, linked it to my tablet for a portable setup, and even paired it with my smartphone for quick edits — all without a hitch. It includes a mini HDMI port, which broadens its compatibility, making it ideal for gaming consoles and cameras. The 3.5mm headphone jack is a thoughtful touch, enabling private listening while working or watching media.
User-Friendly Controls
Navigating the monitor's settings is equally straightforward. The power and OSD (on-screen display) navigation buttons are intuitive, making adjustments a breeze. Whether fine-tuning brightness, tweaking contrast, or selecting a colour profile, I could customise the display quickly to suit my needs. The controls feel well thought out, avoiding unnecessary complexity while ensuring professional-grade functionality is easily accessible.
Real-World Use: Productivity Unleashed
During my two-week overseas work trip, the ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH became an indispensable tool for managing my workload on the go. Its practicality and performance shone through in every situation, whether I was working in a cramped studio apartment or grabbing a quick bite in a bustling café. The 17.3-inch OLED screen, foldable into a compact and portable form, transformed even the most chaotic environments into productive workspaces.
Work Productivity
The 17.3-inch OLED ZenScreen Fold seamlessly replicated my home office setup, allowing me to open multiple windows side-by-side, a feature that significantly boosted my work productivity. Tasks like editing spreadsheets, attending video conferences, and drafting reports became effortless, even in less-than-ideal work environments. Its bright, colour-accurate display eliminated the usual strain of working on small, suboptimal screens. It felt like I had packed my productivity powerhouse into my bag, ready to deploy whenever needed.
Creative Projects
As someone who dabbles in creative work, I found the 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification invaluable. These features made the ZenScreen Fold a perfect companion for photo editing in Adobe Photoshop and video grading in CapCut. The precision it offered in colour reproduction and contrast gave me confidence in my edits, even while working away from my calibrated home monitor. This portable monitor meant I didn't have to compromise on quality while working remotely.
Media and Gaming
The ZenScreen Fold wasn't just a workhorse—it excelled in leisure, too. I connected it to my mobile phone via USB-C during long flights for immersive movie-watching and used it with my Nintendo Switch for gaming breaks. Its vivid OLED display made every moment pop, with vibrant colours and deep blacks that elevated the experience. Its compact form made it effortless to set up, from a small desk to a makeshift gaming station, no matter where I was.
Editor's Final Thoughts: The Value Proposition of the ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH
At SGD$3,700, the price is substantial and understandably a point of hesitation for many. However, the investment is justified for professionals like content creators, designers, and multitaskers who demand superior colour accuracy, versatile functionality, and portability. Its 2560 x 1920 OLED resolution and 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut elevate it from just a tool to a transformative solution for productivity on the go.
Who Should Buy the ASUS ZenScreen Fold?
If you're a frequent traveller, a creative professional, or someone who thrives on multitasking, this monitor is a no-brainer. The ZenScreen Fold‘s foldable design and ability to deliver a 17.3-inch display in a compact form factor make it ideal for anyone needing a larger screen without compromising portability. Its versatility—whether used for video editing, content creation, or simply extending your laptop screen—makes it an indispensable asset.
However, if your needs are less demanding or you're not ready to commit to the high price, more affordable options like the ASUS ProArt PA169CDV could be a better fit. This alternative provides robust functionality at almost half the cost, though it may lack the transformative features of the ZenScreen Fold.
A Personal Perspective
For me, the ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH is more than a tool — it solves an age-old problem of balancing productivity and portability. Despite its steep price, it has proven itself indispensable, seamlessly integrating into my workflow and travel routine. Its unmatched functionality, superior visuals, and compact design have revolutionised how I work on the go.
If you're ready to invest in a device that enhances your mobile productivity while showcasing the pinnacle of innovation, the ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH is the monitor to choose from. It's not just about having a screen — it's about transforming how and where you can work.
