ROG Ally X Review: A Refined Gaming Handheld
This review details the ROG Ally X, an improved version of the ASUS ROG Ally gaming laptop. While maintaining the core foundation of the original, the Ally X boasts significant upgrades including increased memory, a perfected design, and crucially, doubled battery life.
Key Improvements:
- Connectivity: Replaces the proprietary port with two USB-C ports, offering substantially more gaming time.
- Hardware: Features 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.
- Design: Aesthetically, the Ally X moves too a black finish, better concealing dirt and creating a more uniform look. Grips are more contoured and Xbox-inspired,with a slightly thicker chassis for improved component distribution and comfort. Larger air inlets and a holographic “REPUBLIC OF GAMERS” stripe further differentiate it.
- Ergonomics: Relocated ports and buttons enhance cooling and ergonomics. Triggers are wider, rear buttons smaller, and sticks/crossheads are more comfortable.
- Security: Includes a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button.
Specifications:
- Display: 7″ FHD (1920×1080) 120Hz IPS LCD with 500 nits brightness, FreeSync Premium, and Gorilla Glass Victus+. While offering good calibration and tactile response, brightness can be a limitation outdoors due to reflections.
- Audio: Powerful and immersive stereo sound with excellent dolby Atmos support for headphones.
- Dimensions: 29.0 x 12.1 x 2.75-5.09 cm
- Weight: 715g
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 3.5mm minijack, 2x USB4, UHS-II microSD. AURA SYNC support.
- Operating System: Windows 11 with an optimized “Xbox experience” for centralized game library management (Xbox/Game Pass/Steam).
Performance:
the Ally X delivers impressive gaming performance.
- Performance Mode (15W): Achieves stable frame rates over 100fps in simpler titles. ‘Portal 2’ exceeds 100fps, ‘Counter-Strike 2’ runs above 60fps, ‘AssassinS Creed Valhalla’ around 40fps (High settings), and ‘diablo IV’ / ‘Forza Horizon 5’ around 40fps (Medium settings).
- Turbo Mode (25W): increases frame rates at the cost of increased noise,heat,and battery drain.
- Silent Mode (10-13W): Suitable for light tasks, significantly impacting frame rates.
- Turbo 30W (Plugged In): Allows for even higher frame rates with potential graphical concessions.
battery Life:
The 80Wh battery, combined with thermal and management improvements, represents a significant upgrade over the original Ally, roughly doubling it’s runtime. Expect:
- 15W, Moderate Brightness: 2-3 hours of demanding gameplay.
- 25W, High Brightness: Shorter playtime.
Software & Setup:
while Windows 11 integration isn’t flawless, the optimized “Xbox experience” is a welcome addition. Initial setup requires attention to stores and drivers. Utilizing Armory Crate SE is highly recommended for unified library management and per-game adjustments (fan control,panel color,RGB,AMD RSR/AFMF). armory Crate also facilitates button mapping and capture/clip management.
