The world of gaming is constantly evolving but the debates never cease—Which is better, PC or console? In our review of Asus ROG Ally Z1, we find it to be a top contender, combining the benefits of both formats into one convenient form. The Asus ROG Ally Z1 gaming monitor detail further puts emphasis on how it can be beneficial to have a device that can do it all. The device is priced at $599, with its Z1 Extreme version out at a higher price of $699. With Valve’s Steam Deck already making a splash in the market, it is time for an Asus ROG Ally Z1 review and analysis of what it brings to the playing field.
Review of Asus ROG Ally Z1 Features
In terms of specs, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 appears to be a scaled-down version of the Z1 Extreme and while the display and other features remain the same, the main difference is showcased in the processor and internal components. Let’s look at a review of Asus ROG Ally Z1.
Internal Specs
The Asus ROG Ally Z1 analysis indicates that the device CPU sports an AMD Ryzen Z1 processor with the Zen4 architecture built on a 4nm process. It has a 6-core/12-thread setup with maximum clock speeds of up to 4.90 GHz, with a 22MB cache. The GPU of the device includes AMD Radeon Graphics. The detailed specs mention AMD Radeon DNA 3 with 4 CUs, clocking at up to 2.5GHz and delivering 2.8 Teraflops of power.
Technologies like FidelityFX Super Resolution and Radeon Super Resolution are designed to boost the visual experience. The device has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) range of 9W to 30W and supports the Asus ROG Ally Z1’s three modes: 10W Silent Mode, 15W Performance Mode, and 25W Turbo Mode’s 25W (30W when connected to AC power).
The Z1 Extreme has an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Processor and features 8 cores/16 threads, with a total cache of 24 MB. It can boost its clock speed up to 5.10 GHz for high-performance tasks. The GPU also features better specs with the AMD RDNA 3 architecture but 12 CUs that can reach speeds of up to 2.7 GHz. This GPU is capable of delivering up to 8.6 Teraflops of graphics processing power. This internal component in the Asus ROG Ally Z1 review is where the device falls short of the Z1 Extreme.
Memory and Storage
The LPDDR5 RAM technology has 16GB onboard memory, operating at a speed of 6400 MT/s. The memory is configured in a dual-channel setup. The storage of the Asus ROG Ally Z1 is marked at 512 GB with lightning-fast PCIe Gen 4 storage.
Display
Of course, the Asus Rog Ally Z1 analysis remains incomplete without a review of the display features. Designed like an Xbox controller with a screen, the gaming device features a 7-inch 120 Hz display screen with Full HD 1080p resolution, a 16:9 aspect ratio, and an IPS-level glossy display. It has an sRGB coverage of 100 percent and Adobe RGB color space coverage of 75 percent. The 7m response time is pretty impressive and results in minimal levels of ghosting while gaming. The device features a 10-point multi-touch screen but reviews indicate that it is not as responsive. The 500 nits brightness is also a useful addition, ensuring visibility and clarity. The Corning Gorilla Glass DXC coating is designed to minimize interference from surface reflections while also providing 40 percent higher toughness for the screen. Finally, the AMD FreeSync Premium technology promises a “fluid, tear-free gameplay experience at peak performance.”
Other Specs of the Asus ROG Ally Z1
The device’s Zero Gravity Thermal System is specially designed to keep the device cool regardless of the external and internal gaming conditions and its dual front-firing Smart Amp speakers with Dolby Atmos are constructed for high volumes without distorting the sound. With customizable macro back buttons and dead zone adjustments on the joystick, the reviews of Asus ROG Ally Z1 confirm its smooth functionality as a handheld gaming device. The Armoury Crate SE works as a single platform consolidator of all the games on the device and provides a one-stop experience for all possible customization and monitoring needs.
The Asus ROG Ally Z1 Gaming Monitor Setup
The dual purpose of the Asus ROG Ally Z1 allows the device to be used as a handheld gaming console, but it can also be connected to a monitor and PC accessories to create an entirely new gaming setup on a big screen. The device can function as a PC by itself due to its Windows 11 OS, with built-in features like Microsoft 365 available on the small device. With its own internal CPU processors working full-time, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 gaming monitor can be customized through whatever accessories are available to you. For those who want to connect a mouse or watch their games play out on a larger screen, this setup works out perfectly. This docked setting is ideal for those with a more multi-purpose approach to the device.
Asus ROG Ally Z1 Review: Is ROG Ally Worth It?
Our Asus ROG Ally Z1 review shows that while the physical design of the device aggressively conveys its purpose as a gaming tool with its white bulky frame, holographic stripe, and colorful RGB lights, its functionality allows it to be so much more. When compared to its sibling the Z1 Extreme model, the $100 price gap does not justify the significant fall in performance, with the Z1 being a much better investment overall. The Steam Deck also looms as a worthwhile competitor. While it was previously a much cheaper investment at $400, its 64GB memory put it at a severe disadvantage. With the recent slash in price for the Steam Summer Sale, the 512GB can now be purchased at $519.
If the review of Asus ROG Ally Z1 serves us right, it appears to fall somewhere in between the Z1 Extreme and Steam Deck, with the former being a quality investment but at quite high a price, and the latter being a better investment of your money, if at a slight compromise to the gaming experience.