ROG Ally vs ROG Ally X – Which is the Best of the Best?

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Initially, the Asus ROG Ally stood out as the top-tier gaming handheld; however, that title was contested when the ROG Ally X emerged. This advanced version of Asus’ Windows 11 gaming handheld made its debut in July 2024, providing gamers with ample time – over six months – to thoroughly understand and appreciate the device.

I’m delighted to be the owner of not just one, but two ROG Ally devices: the ROG Ally and the ROG Ally X. Since both have been in my possession, I’ve been pondering over their differences, aiming to provide a definitive comparison. The question arises: Is the ROG Ally X worth the substantial price premium compared to the ROG Ally, or would it be wiser to stick with the original and save a good chunk of change?

Let’s find it – it’s time for ROG Ally v ROG Ally X – the battle between the best.

Is The ROG Ally X Worth It?

You can find the ROG Ally priced between roughly $450 and $600, with the price varying based on your location. On the other hand, the ROG Ally X comes at a higher cost of up to $800, representing a substantial difference in price.

But is the extra power under the hood of the Asus ROG Ally X worth the jump?

I transitioned directly from one Ally model to another, Ally X, and the contrast was evident, whether indoors or outdoors. Inside, the ROG Ally X comes with an upgrade of 8 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD as standard, far surpassing the 512 GB SSD of the original Ally. The key attraction of the Ally X is its battery – while the initial Ally has a 40Wh power source, the Ally X flaunts an impressive 80Wh battery.

Strangely enough, despite the upgraded components and enhanced features, the Ally X doesn’t seem to be significantly larger; it’s a mere 65 grams heavier compared to the original Ally, unveiled back in 2023. As a gamer, I find it surprising how the designers have managed to pack so much power without adding bulk to the device.

In both devices, they share the same screen and speakers; however, the Ally X offers an additional USB-C port and has repositioned the micro SD card slot to address an overheating issue that persists in the original Ally. This added port allows you to connect a USB-C headset to the device for use while it is charging, which provides an extra convenience.

Additionally, Asus mentioned that the Ally X features an enhanced internal cooling system, equipped with fans boasting a higher number of blades.

At a glance, the ROG Ally X appears noticeably distinct. Instead of the usual rectangular shape, it now boasts rounded edges. Unlike its predecessor, which was white, this model comes in black as its standard color. The ‘extra’ buttons at the rear have been made smaller, and the thumbsticks feel more robust and responsive to touch.

However, considering the price hike, is it justified to opt for the alternative, or would you rather choose the ROG Ally? After a thorough comparison between these two portable gaming devices, let me share my findings with you.

Does The ROG Ally Still Hold Up?

Previously, the ROG Ally served as my top-tier portable device, and it was reliable indeed. Nevertheless, I encountered several minor problems with it.

  • On the ‘turbo’ mode (25W or 30W plugged in), the heat generated by the ROG Ally would be extreme after too long
  • Also on turbo, the battery life was laughably short, with a AAA game killing the battery in around 30 minutes
  • I was never a fan of the stark white colour for a handheld, as it’s bound to get dirty or discoloured

For short trips on planes and public transport, it worked great, but I couldn’t wholeheartedly recommend it for other uses. This gadget runs on Windows 11, similar to the Ally X, but unlike my experience with multitasking and web browsing on larger devices, the operating system doesn’t seem to adapt well to this handheld device.

Once I switched to the ROG Ally X, the benefits were plain as day.

For instance, I played Diablo 4 with off-charge and turbo settings, managing to extract approximately an hour and a half from the battery before it ran out. This duration surpassed my expectations, but I also observed improved performance due to the high-performance RAM in the Ally X.

The face controls, casing, directional pad, and even the shoulder buttons (which have a ‘mouse-click’ feel on the Ally X) are all top-notch in terms of appearance and tactile feedback. Overall, the device has a sleek black-on-black design that I find quite appealing. Additionally, the speakers located at the front deliver sound that is remarkably powerful. Even with the volume set to ’20’, it’s more than sufficient for my needs.

I have no gripes with the Ally X – yet.

Is the Ally X a good investment considering its cost? In my opinion, yes, but at $800, it’s quite expensive, especially for a gaming device, more so since it has a comparatively short battery life and an interface that may not be ideal for gaming purposes.

1. I notice that it’s progressed beyond the Ally, which was my aim. Ideally, I would have preferred an enhanced screen or a different RGB setup on this device, but I’ll make do with what I’ve got. Still, I appreciate the 7-inch IPS display operating at 120Hz.

2. The advancement over the Ally is apparent, and that was my goal. If only it had a better screen or more vibrant RGB, but I’ll settle for what I’ve received, I guess. However, the 7-inch IPS display running at 120Hz remains a decent feature.

Although the Asus ROG Ally is still available for purchase, I feel that spending money on it might not be a wise choice if you’re looking for the latest, top-tier model currently offered in the market. However, the final decision is always yours to make.

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2025-01-17 21:48