Asus ROG Ally X vs MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Asus ROG Ally X | MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 10,500 | 28,000 | -62.5% |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | Apple M5 Max | — |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | Integrated 40-Core GPU | — |
| Display | 7.0" 1920x1080 | 16.2" 3456x2234 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 6 | 20 | -70.0% |
| Weight (kg) | 0.68 | 2.14 | -68.2% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 24GB / 1024GB | 36GB / 1024GB | — |
| Max configuration | 24GB / 1024GB | 128GB / 4096GB | — |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | macOS | — |
| Price (USD) | $800 | $3,599–$4,999 | -77.8% |
- MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is about 63% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) lasts longer on battery (20h vs 6h).
- Asus ROG Ally X is the more portable at 0.68 kg.
Verdict: ROG Ally X or MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)?
Asus ROG Ally X advantages
- Portability (+68%)
- Affordability (+78%)
MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) advantages
- Multi-core performance (+63%)
- Battery life (+70%)
- Base memory (+33%)
- Screen size (+57%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Asus ROG Ally X if you carry it around all day.
- Choose the MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
- Choose the Asus ROG Ally X if you want the best value.
Value for money
Asus ROG Ally X delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Asus ROG Ally X vs MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max): which should you choose?
Asus ROG Ally X — Asus mainstream laptop (2024) with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme and AMD Radeon Graphics, 24GB RAM, a 7-inch 1920x1080 display, 0.68 kg and about 6 h battery; from $799.99.
MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) — Apple ultrabook/creator laptop (2026) with the Apple M5 Max and Integrated 40-Core GPU, 36GB RAM, a 16.2-inch 3456x2234 display, 2.14 kg and about 20 h battery; from $3,599.
Asus ROG Ally X vs MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max): MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is the faster laptop. MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is about 63% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) lasts longer on battery (20h vs 6h). Asus ROG Ally X is the more portable at 0.68 kg.
Performance
The MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is the faster machine in Geekbench 6 multi-core (28,000 vs 10,500), pairing the Apple M5 Max with Integrated 40-Core GPU. That gap matters most for video editing, compiling, 3D and gaming; for browsing and office work both feel quick. Note these serve different roles — a mainstream versus a ultrabook/creator machine — so raw speed is only part of the story.
Portability and battery
The Asus ROG Ally X is easier to carry at 0.68 kg (vs 2.14 kg), and the MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) lasts longer unplugged (about 20 h vs 6 h). For commuters and travellers these often matter more day-to-day than peak performance.
Configuration and value
Base configurations are 24 GB / 1024 GB and 36 GB / 1024 GB, with higher-spec variants available. RAM, storage and display upgrades change both price and experience — compare like-for-like configurations and check current street pricing before buying.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the laptop comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Asus ROG Ally X better than the MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is about 63% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) lasts longer on battery (20h vs 6h).
What is the main difference between the Asus ROG Ally X and the MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)?
MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is about 63% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) lasts longer on battery (20h vs 6h). Asus ROG Ally X is the more portable at 0.68 kg.
Which is better value?
Asus ROG Ally X delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Asus ROG Ally X if you carry it around all day. Choose the MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
Methodology
Laptops are compared on Geekbench 6 multi-core scores, processor and graphics hardware, display size and resolution, rated battery life, weight, RAM and storage across launch configurations, and list pricing (USD). Where a model spans several generations, the newest generation is shown. Battery figures are manufacturer or reviewer ratings under mixed use — sustained performance also depends on cooling, which benchmarks only partly capture.