TAIHE Gemini vs. ASUS ZenScreen GO MB16AP: Which should you buy?

These two portable displays have their share of perks and downsides, and the final decision will likely come down to whether or not you want touch functionality or a 4K display option. Let's take a closer look at what sets this hardware apart.

Portable display showdown tech specs

Design and features

These two portable displays are both slim and lightweight, though the ZenScreen GO without the protective origami cover is slightly lighter. It's not going to take up quite as much room in a backpack, but it also doesn't have a built-in kickstand — which closely resembles that of the Surface Pro — like the Gemini has. To prop up the ZenScreen, you can add the origami cover that weighs about a pound, or you can use an included non-digital pen for landscape or portrait orientation. The Gemini, with its kickstand, can also be used in both orientations, and at least in landscape mode, it should prove to be sturdier. You also have more freedom when it comes to the angle you'd like to use with the Gemini.

The ZenScreen does have a slightly higher build quality, though the Gemini isn't far behind. The latter display is a bit rougher in some areas, including the kickstand, which is a bit abrasive on the edges, but both still seem to be able to put up with a life on the move. While the ZenScreen keeps it simple with a couple of menu buttons and a single USB-C port (it ships with a USB-A adapter), the Gemini has a full range of menu buttons on the right side, as well as more than a few ports. The FHD and 4K versions differ, but you'll get a 3.5 mm audio jack, USB-C port, and, depending on the resolution, full HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, Mini HDMI, and Micro-USB.

The addition of a 3.5 mm audio jack is a welcome addition on the Gemini since you'll likely find yourself using it in public, but it also includes built-in speakers that are not that bad. They get loud without distorting, and though they're sort of hollow, they're better than no speakers, which is what the ZenScreen has to offer.

Particularly impressive due to the lighter weight of the ZenScreen is a much larger battery. It comes in at 7800mAh, which is enough to get about four hours of life before it starts running off of whatever device you have plugged in. The Gemini, on the other hand, has a smaller 5000mAh battery, and the FHD model can be expected to get just more than three hours.

If you're going for style points, the ASUS ZenScreen GO is no doubt going to win out. It's a sleeker option that comes with the folding cover included, and it just looks more like something you'd find in a professional setting. The Gemini's aluminum chassis isn't exactly off-putting, but it appears to be more functional than stylish.

Touch or non-touch display?

The display is what really matters here, and if you're interested in having the additional touch function, you really only have one choice in the FHD Gemini model. The 4K model, which costs about $339, doesn't have a touch feature, but that's probably for the best due to the battery size. It nevertheless offers an awesome picture with 100 percent AdobeRGB color reproduction that's no doubt better suited for mobile design and editing work.

While both screens can be used with either a laptop, tablet, console, or phone — especially useful with something like Samsung's DeX — only the additional touch function on the Gemini allows you to use it as an enormous display for mobile games like PUBG Mobile. Connected with USB-C, you can handle the Gemini like you would a tablet, giving you more options than are available with the non-touch ZenScreen.

The FHD Gemini has a matte finish on it despite being touch-enabled, which helps cut down on glare. The ZenScreen, despite not being touch, has a glossy finish that can be an annoyance when working in a well-lit room. It does hit about 220 nits brightness, which is right about what the Gemini is capable of as well despite claims that it is capable of 300 nits. To cut down on eye strain, the ZenScreen has low blue light and is rated as zero-flicker.

When it comes right down to it, the extra touch functionality and the 4K option available with the Gemini make it easier for more people to get exactly what they want. The ZenScreen's display isn't exactly a slouch, but the glossy finish makes it tough to work in sunlight and there's no touch option available.

The TAIHE Gemini is the better pick for most people

Thanks to a lower starting price for the FHD touch model and a nevertheless competitive 4K price, the TAIHE Gemini is likely the best option for most people. It has a built-in kickstand, has a wider port selection and built-in speakers, and the matte finish makes it easier to work in well-lit spaces. It might not have as good of battery life and it might not be quite as sleek as the ZenScreen, but that's a tradeoff many will no doubt live with.

Go with ZenScreen GO MB16AP for a more svelte option

The ASUS ZenScreen GO MB16AP doesn't offer a touch or 4K option, but it does have a much more refined design that will likely fit in better in a professional setting. Unfortunately, it lacks a built-in kickstand, but it does come with an origami cover that props it up, and it does have a larger battery for longer runtime before needing a charge.