Asus ROG AllyvsAlienware x15 R1

We compare these two popular phones to help you decide which one fits your needs and budget better.

Asus
ASUS ROG Ally
ROG Ally

Quick Stats

The ASUS ROG Ally delivers impressive performance, outshining the Steam Deck with seamless emulation and smooth gaming experience overall.
The ASUS ROG Ally's build feels cheap with sharp edges and distracting huge bezels overall.
The ASUS ROG Ally's display offers a sharp and detailed image with vibrant colors and smooth gameplay performance.
The ASUS ROG Ally has a more powerful chipset and higher resolution screen for demanding games.
Alienware
Alienware x15 R1
x15 R1

Quick Stats

The Alienware x15 R1 delivers impressive gaming and content creation performance, seamlessly handling demanding tasks.
The Alienware x15 R1's outstanding build quality is its most notable feature and major selling point overall.
The standout feature of the Alienware x15 R1 is its stunning 360Hz display with vibrant colors and crisp visuals always.
The Alienware x15 R1 boasts impressive features including up to 12 hours battery life and 360Hz display capabilities.
Key Differences

No significant specification differences found between these devices.

Rank
Asus ROG Ally
#393
Alienware x15 R1
Winner
#389
Scores by Category
Rankings
Connectivity
Asus ROG Ally
#268
Alienware x15 R1
#13
Winner
Display
Asus ROG Ally
#481
Winner
Alienware x15 R1
#584
Performance
Asus ROG Ally
#385
Alienware x15 R1
#180
Winner
Build
Asus ROG Ally
#11
Winner
Alienware x15 R1
#418
Features
Asus ROG Ally
#686
Alienware x15 R1
#205
Winner

Note: Lower rank number indicates a better position in category.

Specifications Comparison
Specification
Asus ASUS ROG Ally
Alienware Alienware x15 R1
up to 16GB
up to 32GB
up to 2000GB SSD
up to 4000GB SSD
AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Intel Core i7-12700H
AMD Radeon 780M
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti (Laptop)
1x 2230 PCIe NVMe 4.0 x4 See photo
N/A

Note: Highlighted specifications show differences between the two devices.

Pros and Cons

Asus ROG Ally

Strengths

The RG Li has a more powerful chipset than the Steam Deck, allowing me to enjoy some demanding AAA games on it.
By tweaking some image scaling settings, it becomes capable of playing those games on an external monitor with a nice image just like a regular PC.
It handles emulation easily, including emulating PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Switch games.
The screen has higher resolution and frame rate than the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, and it's also unique because unlike other handhelds, it has a variable refresh rate which I think is essential for such a device.
The image on the RG Li doesn't look as blurry compared to Lenovo Legion Go using the same resolution, and it's sharp and detailed with nice colors.
It runs Windows smoothly, and the armor crate application provides a great console experience.

Weaknesses

There is a design flaw in the micro SD card slot which may burn your SD card, despite being a well-known issue on other forums and YouTube videos.
The ergonomics and controls are not as comfortable to hold in hands as the Steam Deck, and it doesn't have touchpads which could be useful for navigating Windows or playing games that were not designed for a controller.
Battery life is poor compared to the Steam Deck, with playing some AAAA games at full power lasting just about an hour.
The software has counter bugs and crashes here and there, sometimes the external monitor doesn't work, and getting games running can be frustrating.
There are two versions of the ASUS ROG Ally with different chipsets (Z1 and Z1 Extreme), which may confuse some people when buying second-hand or new.
Asus has an awful return policy, which is a well-known issue that can make purchasing the console a risk.

Alienware x15 R1

Strengths

It has a great performance for its size, with a 15-inch display that still packs an insane punch.
The computer doesn't get too warm or uncomfortable to touch during gaming sessions.
Video editing is super simple and fun on the machine, making it easy to cut down footage.
The laptop's cooling system keeps temperatures in check, even during intense gaming sessions.
It has a beautiful 360Hz screen that shines with excellent color accuracy.

Weaknesses

Battlefield 2042 struggled to run at ultra settings, only managing around 50 fps.
Optimization issues with Battlefield 2042 seem to be a major problem for the laptop.
Temperatures around the sides of the keys get slightly warmer during gaming sessions.
The laptop's fans can be quite loud and rev up noticeably during intense gaming or video editing.
Lowering settings in Battlefield 2042 only yields higher performance, which might not be ideal.
Read Full Reviews

Asus ROG Ally

In this review, I'll be sharing my thoughts on the Asus ROG Ally, a handheld PC console that promises a seamless gaming experience. With its powerful chipset, variable refresh rate display, and Windows operating system, it's positioned as a strong contender against other handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch. However, I've also encountered several issues with this device, including design flaws, ergonomics concerns, and software problems that may deter potential buyers.

Alienware x15 R1

The Alienware x15 R1 has made a compelling case for itself as a top-notch gaming laptop, defying traditional notions of size vs. performance. This 15-inch powerhouse packs an impressive punch, boasting sleek design and impressive specs that make it a formidable contender in the world of gaming laptops. I put this machine to the test with intense gaming sessions, video editing, and everyday tasks, and was pleasantly surprised by its capabilities.

Need help choosing?

Read our detailed reviews to understand which device is better for your specific needs and budget.

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