ROG Ally X

ASUS ROG Ally X Review and Comparison to the Original ROG Ally

The ASUS ROG Ally X, announced in June 2024 and set for release later in the year, is a formidable upgrade over its predecessor, the original ROG Ally. Priced at $800, ASUS has focused on enhancing performance, battery life, and overall user experience, making the ROG Ally X a compelling option for handheld gaming enthusiasts.

Key Features of the ROG Ally X

1. Display:

- Size: 7 inches

- Resolution: 1080p

- Type: IPS

- Refresh Rate: 120Hz

- Brightness: 500 nits

- Response Time: 7ms

2. Performance:

- CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme

- GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon 780M

- RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X RAM (7500MHz)

- Storage: Configurations ranging from 512GB to 1TB, potentially up to 2TB SSD

- Battery: 80Wh, offering up to 8 hours of usage

3. Design and Build:

- Ports: Two USB Type-C ports (one USB4), UHS-II microSD card reader

- Color: Enhanced physical design with minor ergonomic improvements

Improvements Over the Original ROG Ally

1. Performance:

- CPU and GPU: The ROG Ally X uses a more powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPU and an integrated AMD Radeon 780M GPU, compared to the original's Ryzen Z1/Z1 Extreme.

- RAM: The RAM has been upgraded to 24GB LPDDR5X from the original 16GB LPDDR5, providing a significant boost in performance, particularly for multitasking and demanding games.

2. Storage:

- The ROG Ally X offers up to 1TB and potentially 2TB SSD storage, whereas the original model maxed out at 512GB. This increase in storage capacity caters to gamers with extensive game libraries and those who need more space for media and applications.

3. Battery Life:

- The new 80Wh battery in the ROG Ally X provides up to 8 hours of usage, a substantial improvement over the original's 40Wh battery, which offered around 1.5 hours of heavy gaming and up to 6.8 hours of streaming. This enhancement addresses one of the primary concerns of handheld gamers – battery longevity.

4. Ports and Connectivity:

- The addition of a second USB Type-C port, including one with USB4 compatibility, enhances connectivity and expansion options. The original ROG Ally featured the ROG XG Mobile Interface, which has been replaced in the Ally X for more versatile and standardized connectivity.

5. Design:

- While maintaining the same 7-inch display size and resolution, the ROG Ally X introduces minor ergonomic improvements and an enhanced color scheme. These changes, although subtle, contribute to a more comfortable and visually appealing gaming experience.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Conclusion

The ASUS ROG Ally X represents a significant upgrade over the original ROG Ally, with major improvements in performance, battery life, and storage. The enhanced connectivity options and minor design tweaks further solidify its position as a top-tier handheld gaming device. For gamers looking for a portable yet powerful gaming solution, the ROG Ally X is an excellent choice, building on the strengths of its predecessor while addressing its shortcomings.