ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme & ROG Ally Z1 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme rather than the ROG Ally Z1.
Why Do I Recommend The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme?
- The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme has a powerful 8-core/16-thread AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU for faster processing, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in demanding games, compared to the 6-core/12-thread Ryzen Z1.
- ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme features a 12-core RDNA 3 GPU that delivers significantly higher graphical output and enables stable 1080p gaming at medium to high settings, compared to the 4-core RDNA 3 GPU in the Z1.
- It supports up to 8.29 TFLOPS of compute power that enhances visual fidelity, frame rates, and real-time effects in modern AAA games, while the Z1 maxes out at 2.56 TFLOPS.
- The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme includes a higher 16MB L3 cache that improves data access speed and game load times under heavy system workloads, in contrast to the 12MB L3 cache in the Z1.
- ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme comes with a higher boost clock of up to 5.1 GHz that enables faster single-thread performance for better responsiveness in CPU-intensive tasks, compared to the Z1’s 4.9 GHz.
- It features more efficient Turbo Mode scaling for higher performance gains at 25W–30W TDP, resulting in a better balance between speed and battery draw, unlike the less scalable Z1.
- The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme has stronger performance headroom that extends the device’s future compatibility with upcoming PC games, compared to the limited capabilities of the Z1.
Maybe the ROG Ally Z1 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
.
Side By Side Comparison
Feature | ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme | ROG Ally Z1 |
APU Model | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | AMD Ryzen Z1 |
CPU Cores/Threads | 8 cores / 16 threads | 6 cores / 12 threads |
CPU Base Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.2 GHz |
CPU Boost Clock | Up to 5.1 GHz | Up to 4.9 GHz |
GPU Architecture | AMD RDNA 3 | AMD RDNA 3 |
GPU Compute Units (CUs) | 12 CUs | 4 CUs |
GPU Frequency | Up to 2.7 GHz | Up to 2.5 GHz |
GPU Performance (TFLOPS) | Up to 8.29 TFLOPS | Up to 2.56 TFLOPS |
L2 Cache | 8 MB | 6 MB |
L3 Cache | 16 MB | 12 MB |
Thermal Design Power (TDP) | Configurable 9W–30W | Configurable 9W–30W |
Performance in AAA Games | Higher performance | Lower performance |
Available SKU Options | Only 512 GB SSD version | 256 GB and 512 GB SSD options |
Performance Mode Efficiency | Better scaling in Turbo and Performance modes | Weaker scaling in Turbo and Performance modes |
Price | Check Ally Z1 Extreme Price | Check Ally Z1 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Display Technology: Both models feature a 7-inch Full HD 120Hz IPS display with FreeSync Premium, providing fluid visuals with adaptive refresh rate and good outdoor readability thanks to 500 nits brightness.
- Build & Controls: The physical design, including ergonomic grip, RGB lighting around joysticks, and Xbox-style layout with hall effect triggers, is identical on both models—ensuring the same tactile experience.
- Memory & Storage Interface: Each unit comes with 16GB LPDDR5 RAM soldered onto the board and uses a high-speed M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4 SSD slot, ensuring consistent memory bandwidth and upgradeable storage.
- Battery & Cooling: Both feature a 40Wh battery and dual-fan cooling with anti-gravity heat pipes, offering consistent thermals and battery life across models under typical conditions.
- Software Features: Armoury Crate SE is included in both, letting users customize fan curves, TDP limits, RGB, and performance profiles with identical system management tools.
- Ports & Expansion: Each has a ROG XG Mobile external GPU port, a USB-C port with DP and charging, a UHS-II microSD card reader, and 3.5mm combo jack—making them equal in expansion and accessory support.
- Connectivity: Equipped with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, both models allow fast wireless communication and low-latency device pairing.
- Operating System: Both run Windows 11 Home out of the box, allowing full desktop PC gaming and productivity applications right from the handheld device.
Common Features
Feature | ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme | ROG Ally Z1 |
Design & Build | Same chassis, buttons, RGB, and layout | Same chassis, buttons, RGB, and layout |
Display | 7″ FHD 1080p IPS, 120Hz, FreeSync | 7″ FHD 1080p IPS, 120Hz, FreeSync |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 6400 MHz | 16GB LPDDR5 6400 MHz |
Storage Type | M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD | M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD |
Battery Capacity | 40Wh lithium-ion | 40Wh lithium-ion |
Cooling System | Dual fan with anti-gravity heat pipes | Dual fan with anti-gravity heat pipes |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
I/O Ports | USB-C, ROG XG Mobile, UHS-II microSD | USB-C, ROG XG Mobile, UHS-II microSD |
Audio System | Dual front-facing speakers, Dolby Atmos | Dual front-facing speakers, Dolby Atmos |
Fingerprint Sensor | Integrated in power button | Integrated in power button |
Software Support | Armoury Crate SE, Custom TDP/Fan Modes | Armoury Crate SE, Custom TDP/Fan Modes |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
Form Factor | Same dimensions and weight | Same dimensions and weight |
Resolution Upscaling | AMD Radeon Super Resolution | AMD Radeon Super Resolution |
Controls | Hall effect triggers, ABXY, D-pad, joysticks | Hall effect triggers, ABXY, D-pad, joysticks |
Price | Check Ally Z1 Extreme Price | Check Ally Z1 Price |
FAQ
Do both models have the same display? Is the RAM configuration the same in both models? Can you upgrade the storage on both models? Do both models support the ROG XG Mobile external GPU? Is the cooling system the same in both units? Are there differences in build quality or design between the two? How does battery life compare between the two models? What operating system do both models run? Do they support AMD Radeon Super Resolution (RSR)? Do both have a fingerprint reader? Are there differences in weight or dimensions between the two? What type of audio system is included in both models? Do both have the same connectivity options? Which model is better for AAA gaming? |