Breaking Down the Specs: Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme vs Lenovo Legion Go – Which One Should You Buy?

The world of handheld gaming has exploded in recent years, with the release of powerful devices like the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme and the Lenovo Legion Go. Both offer a compelling blend of performance, portability, and features, making them tempting choices for gamers on the go. But which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the key aspects of each device to help you make an informed decision.

Performance: A Battle of Power

Both the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme and the Lenovo Legion Go boast impressive hardware, capable of delivering smooth and visually stunning gameplay. The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme packs a punch with its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and Radeon 780M graphics, delivering top-tier performance for demanding AAA titles. The Legion Go, on the other hand, utilizes a more powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and Radeon 780M graphics, promising even smoother gameplay and higher frame rates.
While the Legion Go’s hardware might seem superior at first glance, the real-world performance differences are subtle. Both devices can comfortably run the latest games at high settings, with minimal frame drops. However, the Legion Go’s additional processing power might offer a slight edge in demanding situations, such as high-resolution gaming or running multiple applications simultaneously.

Display: A Feast for the Eyes

Both the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme and the Legion Go feature vibrant and responsive displays that enhance the gaming experience. The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme boasts a 7-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1280) display with a refresh rate of 120Hz, offering smooth visuals and crisp details. The Legion Go takes it a step further with an 8-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) display with a 144Hz refresh rate, delivering even sharper visuals and a more immersive experience.
The Legion Go’s larger screen size and higher resolution provide a more cinematic feel, especially when playing games with expansive landscapes or detailed environments. However, the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme’s display is still excellent, offering a great balance between size, resolution, and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize a larger screen or a slightly more compact device.

Design and Ergonomics: Comfort and Control

When it comes to design and ergonomics, both the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme and the Legion Go prioritize comfort and control. The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme features a sleek and modern design with a comfortable grip, making it easy to hold for extended gaming sessions. Its buttons and joysticks are well-placed and responsive, offering a satisfying tactile feedback.
The Legion Go adopts a more traditional controller design, reminiscent of a console controller. It features a detachable gamepad with a familiar layout, providing a more familiar and comfortable grip for console gamers. The Legion Go also includes a built-in kickstand, allowing for hands-free gameplay.

Battery Life: Powering Your Gaming Sessions

Battery life is a crucial factor for handheld gaming devices, and both the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme and the Legion Go deliver respectable performance in this regard. The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme offers a battery life of up to 8 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough for a few gaming sessions. The Legion Go, on the other hand, boasts a slightly longer battery life of up to 10 hours, providing even more freedom to game on the go.
However, it’s important to note that battery life can vary depending on the game being played and the settings used. High-demanding games or settings will naturally drain the battery faster.

Software and Features: The Ultimate Gaming Experience

Both the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme and the Legion Go offer a robust software experience, designed to enhance the gaming experience. The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme runs on Windows 11, providing access to a vast library of PC games and the ability to customize settings to your liking. It also includes the ROG Armoury Crate software, which allows for performance tuning and system monitoring.
The Legion Go runs on a custom version of Windows 11, optimized for gaming and offering a streamlined user interface. It also includes the Lenovo Legion Smart Assistant, which provides access to various features like game optimization and performance monitoring.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Handheld Gaming PC

The choice between the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme and the Lenovo Legion Go ultimately boils down to personal preferences and priorities.
Choose the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme if:

• You prioritize a compact and portable design.
• You prefer a more traditional handheld gaming experience.
• You want a device with a proven track record of performance.

Choose the Lenovo Legion Go if:

• You crave the best possible performance and visuals.
• You appreciate a larger screen for a more immersive experience.
• You’re comfortable with a more console-like controller design.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: What about the price?
A: The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is priced slightly lower than the Legion Go, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, both devices are premium offerings, so expect a significant investment.
Q: Can I play games from different platforms?
A: Both devices support a wide range of gaming platforms, including Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox Game Pass.
Q: What are the advantages of a handheld gaming PC over a console?
A: Handheld gaming PCs offer greater flexibility, allowing you to play a wider range of games and customize settings to your liking. They also provide access to PC-exclusive titles.
Q: What about other handheld gaming devices?
A: While the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme and Legion Go are currently leading the pack, other contenders like the Steam Deck and the AYA Neo are also worth considering.
Q: What’s the future of handheld gaming?
A: The future of handheld gaming is bright, with advancements in technology and growing demand for portable gaming experiences. We can expect even more powerful and innovative devices to emerge in the coming years.
The Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme and the Lenovo Legion Go represent the pinnacle of handheld gaming, offering an incredible blend of performance, portability, and features. Whether you choose the sleek and compact ROG Ally Z1 Extreme or the powerful and immersive Legion Go, you’re guaranteed a top-notch gaming experience on the go.