Asus ROG AllyvsAlienware x17 R2

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 x17 R2
x17 R2

Quick Stats

The Alienware x17 R2 boasts top-notch performance with a 12th gen CPU and up to a 3080 Ti GPU.
The Alienware x17 R2's build quality is marred by questionable decisions, such as removing the RGB trackpad.
The Alienware x17 R2's lack of a higher resolution display is its most notable and disappointing feature.
The Alienware x17 R2 boasts impressive features including 12th gen CPUs and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics options.
Key Differences

No significant specification differences found between these devices.

Rank
Asus ROG Ally
#393
Alienware x17 R2
Winner
#391
Scores by Category
Rankings
Connectivity
Asus ROG Ally
#268
Alienware x17 R2
#16
Winner
Display
Asus ROG Ally
#481
Winner
Alienware x17 R2
#588
Performance
Asus ROG Ally
#385
Alienware x17 R2
#182
Winner
Build
Asus ROG Ally
#11
Winner
Alienware x17 R2
#429
Features
Asus ROG Ally
#686
Alienware x17 R2
#211
Winner

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

Specifications Comparison
Specification
Asus ASUS ROG Ally
Alienware Alienware x17 R2
up to 16GB
up to 64GB
up to 2000GB SSD
up to 16000GB SSD + up to 8000GB HDD
AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Intel Core i9-12900HK
AMD Radeon 780M
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti (Laptop, 175W)
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 x17 R2

Strengths

The Alienware x17 R2 has a powerful 12th gen CPU that provides amazing performance for both work and play.
It comes with DDR5 memory, which offers improved speed and efficiency.
The option to choose between a 3070 or 3080ti graphics card gives users flexibility in terms of gaming performance.
The laptop's battery life is impressive, lasting around 4 hours and 50 minutes on balanced mode with RGB on at 200 nits of brightness.
The advanced Optimus technology used in the screens ensures that both the 165Hz and 360Hz options have similar battery life.
The USB-C charging feature allows users to charge the laptop using a USB-C power pack, monitor, or dock, which is convenient for working on-the-go.
Dell has redesigned the 330 watt power brick to make it more compact and lighter, making it a nice addition to the laptop package.

Weaknesses

The prices of this year's Alienware laptops are incredibly expensive, with the x17 R2 starting at $3600 for an i9 with 3080ti.
If you're only interested in gaming and don't need the latest CPU, it may be worth looking into last year's model (x17 R1) for a bargain.
Dell has removed the RGB trackpad from this year's model, which is a feature that many customers loved.
The lack of QHD option on the x17 R2 is surprising, especially considering that other competitors offer it in 2022.
The prices are not just high for Alienware but also for most brands due to global supply and demand issues.
The $3600 price tag for an i9 with 3080ti may be a stretch for many budgets, making the x17 R1 a more attractive option.
Overall, while the x17 R2 has some great features, its high price and lack of QHD option make it a less appealing choice for those on a budget.
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 x17 R2

The Alienware x17 R2 is an impressive gaming laptop that builds upon the success of its predecessor. Featuring a powerful 12th-gen CPU and up to a GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU, this machine delivers exceptional performance. However, with a hefty price tag to match, it may not be worth it for casual gamers. For those seeking a high-end laptop for work and play, the x17 R2 is an excellent choice, but others might consider last year's model or other options.

Need help choosing?

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

Read Asus ROG Ally ReviewRead Alienware x17 R2 Review

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