Battle of Handheld Gaming PCs: MSI Claw vs Asus ROG Ally

Are you torn between the all-new MSI Claw and the Asus ROG Ally for your handheld gaming needs? With both manufacturers offering top-tier performance in their respective devices, it can be challenging to decide which one suits you best. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into the specifications, performance benchmarks, gaming capabilities, and battery life of these handheld gaming PCs. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how these devices stack up against each other, helping you make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways:

• The MSI Claw and Asus ROG Ally are powerful handheld gaming PCs designed to deliver high-performance gaming on the go.
• Both devices feature impressive specifications, including Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processors, 7-inch 120Hz IPS displays, and Windows 11 operating systems.
• Performance benchmarks and gaming tests reveal differences in performance between the two devices, with each excelling in certain areas.
• Battery life varies between the MSI Claw and Asus ROG Ally, with the MSI Claw boasting a larger battery capacity.

Specifications Comparison:

Feature	MSI Claw	Asus ROG Ally
Processor	Intel Core Ultra 7155h	AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
CPU Cores/Threads	16/22	8/16
GPU	Intel AR iGPU	Radeon RDNA 3 Graphics
GPU Cores	8 XE cores	12 compute units
Display	7-inch 120Hz IPS	7-inch 120Hz IPS
Memory	16GB LPDDR5 at 6400MHz	16GB LPDDR5 at 6400MHz
Storage	Not specified	Not specified
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4	Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Battery Capacity	53Wh	40Wh
Operating System	Windows 11	Windows 11

Performance Benchmarks:

3DMark Scores:

• MSI Claw:
• Night Raid: 23,958
• Fire Strike: 8,320
• Time Spy: Scores not provided
• Asus ROG Ally:
• Night Raid: 29,800
• Fire Strike: 7,640
• Time Spy: Scores not provided

Gaming Performance:

• Forza Horizon 5 (720p, Low Settings):
• MSI Claw: 20W TDP – 50 FPS, 30W TDP – 60 FPS
• Asus ROG Ally: 20W TDP – 88 FPS, 30W TDP – 97 FPS
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider (720p, Medium Settings):
• MSI Claw: 20W TDP – 38 FPS, 30W TDP – 42 FPS
• Asus ROG Ally: 20W TDP – 59 FPS, 30W TDP – 64 FPS
• Horizon Zero Dawn (720p, Settings Not Specified):
• MSI Claw: Scores not provided
• Asus ROG Ally: Scores not provided
• Red Dead Redemption 2 (720p, Low Settings):
• MSI Claw: 20W TDP – 48 FPS, 30W TDP – 65 FPS
• Asus ROG Ally: 20W TDP – 58 FPS, 30W TDP – 62 FPS
• Cyberpunk 2077 (720p, High Settings):
• MSI Claw: 20W TDP – 27 FPS, 30W TDP – 42 FPS
• Asus ROG Ally: 20W TDP – 58 FPS, 30W TDP – 64 FPS

Battery Life Comparison:

• MSI Claw:
• 20W TDP: Approximately 120 minutes
• 30W TDP: Approximately 90 minutes
• Asus ROG Ally:
• 20W TDP: Approximately 86 minutes
• 30W TDP: Approximately 64 minutes

Analysis and Conclusion:

The MSI Claw and Asus ROG Ally both offer impressive gaming performance in a portable form factor, but they excel in different areas. The MSI Claw, powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7155h processor, delivers solid synthetic benchmark scores and competitive gaming performance. However, it struggles with demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, where the Intel AR iGPU falls short compared to dedicated graphics solutions.

On the other hand, the Asus ROG Ally, equipped with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and Radeon RDNA 3 graphics, demonstrates strong gaming performance across a variety of titles. It outperforms the MSI Claw in many benchmarks and offers smoother gameplay experiences, especially in graphically demanding games like Horizon Zero Dawn and Red Dead Redemption 2.

When it comes to battery life, the MSI Claw holds an advantage with its larger battery capacity, providing longer gaming sessions compared to the Asus ROG Ally. However, both devices suffer from reduced battery life when operating at higher TDP levels, which is to be expected given their powerful hardware configurations.

In conclusion, the choice between the MSI Claw and Asus ROG Ally ultimately depends on your priorities. If you prioritize raw performance and gaming prowess, the Asus ROG Ally may be the better option. However, if battery life and portability are more important to you, the MSI Claw offers a compelling alternative. Consider your gaming needs and preferences carefully before making a decision.

Overall, both devices represent the latest advancements in handheld gaming technology, providing gamers with the opportunity to enjoy high-quality gaming experiences on the go. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, the MSI Claw and Asus ROG Ally offer exciting possibilities for portable gaming enthusiasts everywhere.