The Asus ROG Ally, priced at a modest $600, has recently hit the market with promises of high performance and gaming capabilities. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that this budget option may not be worth the investment. Here are a few reasons why you probably shouldn’t buy it.
First and foremost, as an entry-level gaming laptop, the Asus ROG Ally is not equipped with the latest and most powerful hardware. While it may be sufficient for casual gamers or those with minimal requirements, serious gamers will quickly find themselves frustrated by its limitations. The laptop features an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, which are certainly capable components, but fall short when compared to more powerful alternatives that provide a seamless and immersive gaming experience.
In terms of design, the Asus ROG Ally fails to impress. The laptop lacks the sleek and premium aesthetics associated with the higher-end Republic of Gamers (ROG) series. The exterior is constructed with a basic plastic build, giving it a rather cheap and generic look. Although aesthetics should not be the sole consideration when purchasing a gaming laptop, the lackluster design may be disappointing for those seeking a visually appealing device.
Moreover, the display quality of the Asus ROG Ally leaves much to be desired. It features a Full HD display with a standard refresh rate of 60Hz. While this might be sufficient for general tasks and non-competitive gaming, the absence of a higher refresh rate means that the laptop falls short when it comes to smooth and tear-free gameplay. Many other budget gaming laptops on the market offer 120Hz or even 144Hz displays, which greatly enhance the gaming experience and provide a significant advantage in fast-paced games.
Battery life is another weak point of the Asus ROG Ally. With a modest 48Wh battery, it struggles to last more than a few hours under normal usage conditions. While it is expected that gaming laptops consume more power, the limited battery life of this device is especially noticeable. It is not suited for those who require long hours of productivity or entertainment without a power outlet in reach.
Lastly, the storage capacity on the Asus ROG Ally is less than ideal. It comes with a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD) as standard, which may quickly fill up if you have a sizeable game library or if you intend to use the laptop for more demanding tasks such as video editing. While it is possible to upgrade the storage, this adds an extra cost to an already budget-conscious purchase.
Overall, the Asus ROG Ally may be tempting due to its affordable price tag, but it is clear that compromises have been made in various areas to keep the price down. Its limited performance, lackluster design, average display, short battery life, and limited storage capacity all point towards a device that is not suitable for serious gamers or those seeking a premium experience. It would be more worthwhile to save up a little more for a laptop that offers better performance and features, ensuring a more enjoyable and future-proof gaming experience in the long run.
