Asus ROG Ally vs Asus ROG Ally X: design & features
(Image credit: Future)
The original Asus ROG Ally is much smaller and lighter than other PC gaming handhelds, and its unique white honeycomb chassis stands out against the competition, making it a tempting option for gamers looking for something different.
Both the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X feature dual analog sticks, a 7-inch FHD screen, the same refresh rate and response time, and buttons in the front and back of the system. Both also have ventilation holes along the top to allow for heat dissipation, though the ROG Ally X has the better one cooling setup.
The button layout and grips of the two handhelds are also nearly identical, though the ROG Ally X is more ergonomic with a customizable updated analog stick design. It also has better specs, including more RAM and storage space, a slightly bigger battery (though nothing to write home about), and two new USB Type-C ports that replace the original’s XG Mobile port. Meanwhile, the original version is smaller and lighter, with a far more interesting chassis and color than the updated version.
In terms of design, both tie in my opinion. The ROG Ally is straight-up better looking, more portable, and easier to game with over a longer period due to the weight. But the ROG Ally X is built to be more comfortable for longer sessions, with more USB Type-C ports and a better vent.
Asus ROG Ally vs Asus ROG Ally X: specs
(Image credit: Future)
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Asus ROG Ally vs Asus ROG Ally X specs
Header Cell – Column 0 Asus ROG Ally
Asus ROG Ally X
Size 280 x 111 x 32.4 mm (W x D x H)
280 x 111 x 36.9 mm (W x H x D)
Weight 608g
678g
Resolution FHD (1920 x 1080)
FHD (1920 x 1080)
CPU Up to AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Up to AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
GPU AMD Radeon Graphics
AMD Radeon Graphics
RAM 16GB LPDDR5
24GB LPDDR5X
Storage 512GB M.2 2230 SSD
1TB M.2 2280 SSD
Brightness 500 nits
500 nits
Refresh rate 120Hz
120Hz
Touch enable Yes
Yes
Connectivity Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2
Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2
Audio Stereo speakers, 2W x2, built-in array microphone
Stereo speakers, 2W x2, built-in array microphone
Power 40 Whr
80 Whr
Operating system Windows 11
Windows 11
USB connector USB Type-C for charging
USB Type-C for charging
Battery life approximately 3 hours of gameplay
approximately 3 hours of gameplay
Asus ROG Ally vs Asus ROG Ally X: performance
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There isn’t too much different between the Asus ROG Ally and Asus ROG Ally X in terms of performance if you’ve got an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme model. That said, the base model for the ROG Ally uses the less capable Ryzen Z1 SoC, so its performance will be slightly slower than the ROG Ally X.
Even though this means that the base ROG Ally isn’t capable of the power gaming of its updated version, it’s still quite impressive in its own right. It’ll play most modern PC titles, including DirectX 12 games with ray tracing. I tested the ROG Ally out with Ghostrunner and it ran almost completely stutter-free.
I tested both the ROG Allys with Forza Horizon 5 and ray tracing enabled and even on High settings, the Z1 Extreme chip in the two handhelds can get more than 50 FPS on average. Using Turbo Mode, however, definitely impacts battery life, so it’s best to use that setting with the unit plugged in for the most mileage.
Performance-wise, the ROG Ally X gets the win here. Gaming performance, UI, and the operating system are all simply better.
Asus ROG Ally vs Asus ROG Ally X: verdict In the end, the two systems actually tie, in my opinion, with the choice being pure personal preference as to what you value more in a portable system.
The Asus ROG Ally is a great value in its own right due to its much lower price of entry that rivals the Steam Deck, it’s lightweight, gorgeous, and highly portable design, and it has excellent specs.
Meanwhile, the ROG Ally X is a pure-performance machine that has better specs than before and more ergonomic, those that comes at a much steeper price point.
Recently purchased a Asus ROG Ally or Asus ROG Ally X? Consider checking out our list of the best Steam games and best PC games to get your collection going on either device.
