ASUS ROG Ally Z1 vs Z1 Extreme – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureASUS ROG Ally Z1 ExtremeROG Ally Z1
APU ModelAMD Ryzen Z1 ExtremeAMD Ryzen Z1
CPU Cores/Threads8 cores / 16 threads6 cores / 12 threads
CPU Base Clock3.3 GHz3.2 GHz
CPU Boost ClockUp to 5.1 GHzUp to 4.9 GHz
GPU ArchitectureAMD RDNA 3AMD RDNA 3
GPU Compute Units (CUs)12 CUs4 CUs
GPU FrequencyUp to 2.7 GHzUp to 2.5 GHz
GPU Performance (TFLOPS)Up to 8.29 TFLOPSUp to 2.56 TFLOPS
L2 Cache8 MB6 MB
L3 Cache16 MB12 MB
Thermal Design Power (TDP)Configurable 9W–30WConfigurable 9W–30W
Performance in AAA GamesHigher performanceLower performance
Available SKU OptionsOnly 512 GB SSD version256 GB and 512 GB SSD options
Performance Mode EfficiencyBetter scaling in Turbo and Performance modesWeaker scaling in Turbo and Performance modes
PriceCheck Ally Z1 Extreme PriceCheck 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

FeatureASUS ROG Ally Z1 ExtremeROG Ally Z1
Design & BuildSame chassis, buttons, RGB, and layoutSame chassis, buttons, RGB, and layout
Display7″ FHD 1080p IPS, 120Hz, FreeSync7″ FHD 1080p IPS, 120Hz, FreeSync
RAM16GB LPDDR5 6400 MHz16GB LPDDR5 6400 MHz
Storage TypeM.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSDM.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD
Battery Capacity40Wh lithium-ion40Wh lithium-ion
Cooling SystemDual fan with anti-gravity heat pipesDual fan with anti-gravity heat pipes
Operating SystemWindows 11 HomeWindows 11 Home
I/O PortsUSB-C, ROG XG Mobile, UHS-II microSDUSB-C, ROG XG Mobile, UHS-II microSD
Audio SystemDual front-facing speakers, Dolby AtmosDual front-facing speakers, Dolby Atmos
Fingerprint SensorIntegrated in power buttonIntegrated in power button
Software SupportArmoury Crate SE, Custom TDP/Fan ModesArmoury Crate SE, Custom TDP/Fan Modes
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Form FactorSame dimensions and weightSame dimensions and weight
Resolution UpscalingAMD Radeon Super ResolutionAMD Radeon Super Resolution
ControlsHall effect triggers, ABXY, D-pad, joysticksHall effect triggers, ABXY, D-pad, joysticks
Price Check Ally Z1 Extreme Price Check Ally Z1 Price

FAQ

Do both models have the same display?
Yes, both the Z1 and Z1 Extreme use a 7-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, and support for FreeSync Premium.

Is the RAM configuration the same in both models?
Yes, both devices come with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM clocked at 6400 MHz, soldered to the motherboard with no option for expansion.

Can you upgrade the storage on both models?
Yes, both use an M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD, which can be replaced or upgraded by the user if needed.

Do both models support the ROG XG Mobile external GPU?
Yes, both the Z1 and Z1 Extreme support the ROG XG Mobile interface, allowing users to connect an external GPU for desktop-class performance.

Is the cooling system the same in both units?
Yes, both models feature a dual-fan cooling system with anti-gravity heat pipes and dust filters, providing consistent thermal performance across both variants.

Are there differences in build quality or design between the two?
No, both models have identical builds, including the same chassis design, weight, button layout, RGB joystick lighting, and ergonomics.

How does battery life compare between the two models?
Battery life is roughly the same under casual use, but under gaming load, the Z1 Extreme may drain slightly faster due to its higher performance potential.

What operating system do both models run?
Both the ROG Ally Z1 and Z1 Extreme run Windows 11 Home, enabling access to full desktop applications and a wide range of PC games.

Do they support AMD Radeon Super Resolution (RSR)?
Yes, both models support RSR, allowing for upscaling of lower-resolution games to improve performance without sacrificing too much image quality.

Do both have a fingerprint reader?
Yes, both models integrate a fingerprint sensor into the power button for secure and convenient login.

Are there differences in weight or dimensions between the two?
No, both weigh approximately 608 grams and have the same dimensions, making them equally portable and ergonomic.

What type of audio system is included in both models?
Both feature dual front-facing stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, delivering immersive audio for gaming and media consumption.

Do both have the same connectivity options?
Yes, both come with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast wireless performance and compatibility with modern accessories.

Which model is better for AAA gaming?
The Z1 Extreme is the better choice for AAA gaming due to its superior APU and GPU capabilities, allowing higher settings and more stable frame rates compared to the standard Z1.

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