In the United States, the more budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally model, the Z1, has made its debut, albeit with a minor caveat: it’s indeed cheaper, but the price difference isn’t substantial. This slight variation in cost raises a pertinent question: is it worthwhile to save $100 upfront and forego the peak performance showcased by the Z1 Extreme on paper?
To provide context, the distinction between these two models is merely a hundred dollars, and we hope the price difference will remain similarly reasonable when it arrives in Spain. However, there are indications that the new model may significantly reduce performance during gaming, a critical aspect to consider when evaluating their overall capabilities. Moreover, there are benchmark results circulating that may not cast the Z1’s elder sibling in the best light.
Asus ROG Ally Z1 vs. Z1 Xtreme
The Asus ROG Ally Z1, much like its more powerful counterpart, faces limitations when it comes to reducing the TDP (Thermal Design Power) to extend battery life. This is where the competition becomes intriguingly balanced.
If you’re aware of this paradox, you might find it interesting that, in the case of the Asus ROG Ally Z1, the power reduction paradoxically translates to an advantage when the machine operates at a TDP of 10 or 15W, the minimum standard settings. As shown in the image below from a test conducted by YouTube user ETA Prime, benchmark results reveal that, in both single-core and multi-core performance, the Z1 model outperforms the Z1 Extreme.
In essence, if you plan to use the laptop in portable mode, with a focus on maximizing battery life, the more affordable model could potentially outshine the Z1 Extreme under specific conditions. At least, that’s what these tests seem to imply.
What Happens at a Higher TDP?
Even when you opt for a TDP of 25W, the situation doesn’t change significantly. With Geekbench 6 results, both new Z1 models deliver somewhat perplexing figures—they offer better performance in both single-core and multi-core tests, seemingly outpacing the Z1 Extreme. This outcome may not align with the theoretical power the Asus ROG Ally Z1, which arrived in June, should possess.
With these results in mind, the question arises: would you opt for the €699 price tag of the Z1 model or take the safer route and go for the €799 Z1 Extreme? On paper, the recently launched model in the United States—without a confirmed release date in Spain—is more efficient and appears to perform marginally better, but it may not necessarily surpass the figures achieved by the top-tier model easily. Is this a matter of firmware, optimization, or something else? Time will tell.
Many users will likely appreciate the opportunity to acquire one of these new ASUS ROG Ally laptops at a slightly lower price point. It’s a cost that could potentially become even more attractive during the Black Friday sales, especially considering that, despite the buzz surrounding the ASUS laptop, sales haven’t reached the company’s desired levels.