ROG Ally X vs ROG Ally: What’s new with ASUS’ revamped gaming handheld?
It’s been a year since ASUS launched their first ever gaming handheld – the ROG Ally – to compete against the likes of the Steam Deck. Fast forward to today, and ASUS has officially released its second iteration of the handheld, aptly named the ROG Ally X, with improvements in hardware across the board.
Here’s how the latest ROG Ally X compares to last year’s ROG Ally.
ASUS ROG Ally X vs ASUS ROG Ally: Spec comparison
| ROG Ally X (2024) | ROG Ally (2023) | |
| Launch Price | RM4,299 | RM3,299 |
| RAM | 24GB LPDDR5X-7500 (2x 12GB) | 16GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD | 512GB M.2 2230 SSD |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| Battery | 80Wh | 40Wh |
| Weight | 678g | 608g |
| Ports | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 1x USB-C 4.0 1x MicroSD Card reader 1x Audio combo jack | 1x ROG XG Mobile Interface 1x MicroSD Card reader 1x Audio combo jack |
It’s hard not to notice that price difference, isn’t it? At a price of RM4,299, the new ROG Ally X is a pretty damaging RM1,000 leap from yesteryear’s RM3,299.
Nevertheless, this is not a price hike without reason as there are plenty of noticeable upgrades that at least justifies a steeper price. Whether it justifies being that steep is something we’ll see in time.
One thing you’ll probably be happy about is the expanded RAM and storage configuration. The ROG Ally X receives an improved 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM, up from the 16GB of its predecessor. Pairing with this is a larger 1TB SSD, doubled from last year’s 512GB. Additionally, the new M.2 2280 SSD form factor allows for easier storage upgrades compared to the M.2 2230 SSD on the first edition Ally.
When it comes to its processor, ASUS has decided to maintain the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme. Nothing has changed on that end; however, do keep in mind that the console now has 24GB of RAM to work with, which theoretically equates to better performance from the chipset.
Another welcomed upgrade comes in the battery department. The Ally X packs an 80Wh battery, a significant jump from the 40Wh on the Ally. A minor consequence of this is that the Ally X weighs a little more at 678g, but it’s nothing detrimental.
On the aesthetic front, there’s a complete overhaul in colour, with the Ally X sporting a full black chassis. ASUS also promises enhanced ergonomics with deeper, rounded handles for gripping comfort. The buttons and joysticks are now slightly more angled, which makes them easier to press. Moreover, the macro buttons on the back panels are smaller to reduce accidental presses.
Now, for the inner workings of the chassis, ASUS says they have managed to improve airflow by using smaller fans with thinner blades, along with two new tunnels in the fan housing that direct air out towards a third exhaust vent. According to ASUS, the extra vents allow 24% more air to be pushed through, cooling the internal components and touch screen in the process.
Lastly, there’s also a shift in ports, with ASUS doing away with the original XG Mobile port for eGPUs. Instead, it has been replaced by two USB-C ports, one of which is Thunderbolt-compatible for wide interoperability. This essentially means you’ll still be able to connect external GPUs and third-party docks, but with the added flexibility of connecting other peripherals as well.
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