ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Full Review – Handheld Windows Portable Gaming PC
ASUS ROG Ally Z1 is a revolutionary gaming PC handheld that brings the full power of Windows gaming right into the palm of your hand. Designed for gamers who want high performance and portability, the Z1 combines an AMD Ryzen Z1 processor with RDNA 3 graphics, a 7-inch 120Hz display, and a comfortable ergonomic design. While it's the standard version of the ROG Ally series, it's capable of running a wide range of modern games in high quality, making it a porta gaming solution
The design and build quality of the ASUS [PRODUCT1] maintains premium construction. This device uses a magnesium-aluminum chassis with a matte white finish that feels sturdy yet lightweight, weighing only [WEIGHT1]. The ergonomic grip and precisely placed buttons make long gaming sessions comfortable, reducing hand fatigue. The layout of the analog sticks, buttons, triggers, and D-pad reflects ASUS's years of experience in gaming hardware design. The controls feel intuitive and natural when playing [GENRE1], [GENRE2], and [GENRE3]. ASUS has also added RGB elements around the analog sticks and the [BRAND1] logo, providing a gamer aesthetic touch without being excessive. The cooling system is one of the strengths of the [PRODUCT1]. Equipped with dual fans and heat pipes,
Screen and Audio
The 7-inch Full HD ROG Ally Z1 screen is very impressive for a handheld device. With a resolution of 1920x1080 and a refresh rate of 120Hz, this screen displays sharp visuals, smooth animations, and high touchscreen responsiveness. The screen supports FreeSync Premium, eliminating tearing and ensuring smooth gameplay at various frame rates.
Color reproduction is excellent with full sRGB coverage, suitable not only for gaming but also for watching content or light creative work. The brightness reaches 500 nits, so it remains clear even in bright environments.
The audio is also equally interesting. The Z1 is equipped with dual front speakers with Dolby Atmos support, producing clear and immersive sound. The audio generated has enough depth to feel the position of enemies in FPS games or a cinematic experience in story-based games. When using headphones, the gaming experience becomes even more immersive, comparable to a full-size gaming laptop.
Performance and Hardware
The heart of the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 is the AMD Ryzen Z1 processor, with six cores and twelve threads, and integrated RDNA 3 graphics. While it's less powerful than the Z1 Extreme, this chip is strong enough to run most modern games at medium to high settings.
Games like Genshin Impact, Forza Horizon 5, Valorant, and Resident Evil 4 Remake run smoothly with a stable frame rate and minimal stuttering. Esports games like CS2 and Fortnite can achieve high frame rates of over 100 FPS at 1080p resolution. The combination of 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD ensures fast loading and smooth multitasking, with expansion options available via the microSD slot.
Running full Windows 11 allows access to the entire PC library, from Steam and the Epic Games Store to Xbox Game Pass. Users can also install productivity software, emulators, or streaming applications, making the Z1 more versatile than just a gaming device.
Battery and Charging
The ROG Ally Z1 uses a 40Wh battery, providing approximately 2–3 hours of heavy gaming in Performance mode, and up to 6–7 hours for light tasks or Silent mode. The device supports USB-C PD fast charging, charging up to 50% in about 30 minutes. This fast-charging feature is important for portable gaming, where convenience is highly valued.
The USB-C port also supports DisplayPort output, enabling connection to external monitors or docks for a desktop gaming experience. This flexibility makes the Z1 suitable for both handheld gaming and long gaming sessions at home.
Software and Interface
ASUS adds Armory Crate SE on top of Windows 11, a suite that allows users to adjust performance profiles, monitor system statistics, and quickly launch games. This interface is touchscreen-friendly and easy to navigate, providing quick access to Silent, Performance, and Turbo modes. This integration makes the Windows experience more intuitive for handhelds, bringing it closer to a console experience.
Gaming Experience
In reality, the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 offers a solid and enjoyable gaming experience. Although it can't run all AAA games at ultra settings, games still run smoothly at medium to high settings, competing with other handheld PCs in its class. Games like Elden Ring or Cyberpunk 2077 run well at 720p or 1080p, demonstrating the device's capabilities despite its small size.
The main advantage of the Z1 is its flexibility. Gamers can easily switch between PC gaming, cloud gaming, and emulation. The ROG Ally Z1 supports controller mapping, keyboard-mouse input via Bluetooth, and external GPU connections, expanding gaming possibilities and usage.
Connectivity and Expansion
Connectivity is also a strength of the ROG Ally Z1. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 support ensure stable connections for online gaming and peripherals. The USB-C port provides charging, data transfer, and DisplayPort output. microSD support allows for additional storage, while compatibility with the ROG XG Mobile eGPU delivers desktop-class graphics performance, transforming the handheld into a complete gaming rig when docked.
Values and Conclusion
The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 sets a new standard for handheld PC gaming. It offers a true PC gaming experience with a balanced combination of performance, portability, and price. The Z1 Extreme version offers more performance, but the standard version is sufficient for the majority of gamers, with better battery efficiency and lower cost.
The compact design, robust build quality, and full Windows 11 experience make this device suitable not only for gamers but also for content creators, streamers, and anyone who needs a portable PC solution. This device is adaptable for various uses while remaining comfortable to hold.
The ROG Ally Z1 isn't just a handheld—it's a mini gaming PC that brings the desktop experience to your fingertips. ASUS has successfully delivered a device that is powerful, portable, and versatile, making it an ideal choice for gamers who want gaming freedom without compromise.
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