Rog Ally RC71L_1 White Gaming Handheld Review: Powerful Performance in a Pocket-Sized Package

Introduction

The ASUS ROG Ally RC71L_1 is a powerful gaming handheld that aims to redefine portable gaming. With its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, vibrant 7-inch display, and impressive specifications, it promises a high-performance experience on the go. After spending several weeks putting the RC71L_1 through its paces, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review.

Features and Design

The ROG Ally RC71L_1 boasts a sleek, compact design. The white color is stylish and feels surprisingly robust. The 7-inch 120Hz touchscreen is bright and responsive, making gaming a pleasure. The speakers, while small, deliver surprisingly good sound quality with Dolby Atmos support. The placement of the buttons feels intuitive, making extended gaming sessions comfortable. The inclusion of a fingerprint scanner adds a layer of security.

The device’s ergonomics are excellent; it feels comfortable to hold for extended periods. The button placement is well thought out, and the thumbsticks are responsive and accurate.

Performance

Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, the ROG Ally RC71L_1 handles modern games remarkably well. I tested it with a variety of titles, ranging from AAA blockbusters to indie gems, and was consistently impressed by its performance. Even demanding games ran smoothly at high settings, although some minor frame rate dips were occasionally noticeable during particularly intense scenes. The 16GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking and quick load times. The 512GB SSD provides ample storage space for your game library.

The 120Hz refresh rate of the display makes a significant difference, providing smoother gameplay and a more responsive feel. The 1080p resolution is sharp and vibrant, bringing games to life.

Battery life is a key consideration for a portable device. Under moderate gaming intensity, I consistently achieved around 2-3 hours of playtime. This is reasonable for a high-performance device, but power users might need to carry a charger.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Powerful performance, stunning display, comfortable ergonomics, good sound quality, fast storage.
  • Cons: Relatively short battery life compared to some competitors, occasional minor frame rate drops in demanding games.

Final Verdict

The ASUS ROG Ally RC71L_1 is an excellent gaming handheld that successfully delivers on its promise of high-performance portable gaming. While the battery life could be improved, the overall performance, stunning display, and comfortable design make it a compelling option for gamers who want to play their favorite titles on the go. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a powerful and portable gaming experience.

Specification Value
Processor Speed 2.4 GHz
RAM Size 16 GB
Internal Memory 512 GB
Screen Size 7 in
Display Resolution 1920×1080
Refresh Rates 120Hz
Colour Name White
Display Type IPS
Display Resolution Type Full HD
Connection Type Wireless
Storage Type SSD
Operating System Version Windows 11 Home
Operating System Windows
Usage Type Gaming
Model Series ASUS ROG
Processor Version Number/Generation Not Applicable
Number of Cores Quad Core
RAM Type DDR5
External Graphics Processor Graphics
Model Number RC71L_1
Model Name RC71L_1
Processor Version AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme