7-Inch or 8-Inch Handheld Gaming PCs? Compared by Specs
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Evaluating a 7-Inch vs 8-Inch handheld gaming PC comes down to display space and internal hardware. Both devices run on the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and feature a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The main difference is the screen size. The ASUS ROG Ally provides a 7-inch panel in a compact frame. The Lenovo Legion Go S offers an 8-inch panel, double the internal storage, and 32GB of memory.
Key differences
| Aspect | ASUS ROG Ally 7" 120Hz Z1 Extreme Handheld | Lenovo Legion Go S 8" 120Hz |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 7 inches | 8 inches |
| Storage Capacity | 512GB | 1TB SSD |
| Memory (RAM) | not listed | 32GB |
| Screen Resolution | not listed | 1920 x 1200 |
| Operating System | not listed | SteamOS |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose ASUS ROG Ally 7" 120Hz Z1 Extreme Handheld if
- You want a compact 7-inch screen with a stated weight of 1.1 pounds.
- You prefer a white handheld chassis.
Choose Lenovo Legion Go S 8" 120Hz if
- You want a larger 8-inch display with 1920 x 1200 resolution.
- You need 1TB of storage and 32GB of RAM.
- You prefer SteamOS preinstalled on the device.
Verdict: Choose the ASUS ROG Ally if you want a lighter device with a 7-inch display for easier handling. Select the Lenovo Legion Go S if you need a larger 8-inch screen, 1TB of storage, and 32GB of RAM. Both models deliver 120Hz refresh rates powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme.
7-Inch Versus 8-Inch Spec Comparison
Screen Size and Viewable Area
Screen size directly shapes how you view games on a handheld. The ASUS ROG Ally features a 7-inch display. This gives you a standard display area for navigating menus and tracking game action. The Lenovo Legion Go S provides an 8-inch screen, giving you more surface area for fine text, interface elements, and game environments. While both displays share a portable design, the Lenovo device offers one additional diagonal inch of viewable glass. If your priority is maximum visual real estate for your games without attaching an external monitor, the Lenovo Legion Go S delivers the larger panel.
Processor and Refresh Rate
Processing hardware and refresh rates dictate frame pacing and game performance. Both handhelds feature the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. The Lenovo Legion Go S lists specific clock speeds from 3.30 GHz up to 5.10 GHz, while the ASUS ROG Ally runs the same core Z1 Extreme chip. In addition, both models feature a 120Hz refresh rate. A 120Hz display refreshes 120 times per second, allowing you to see high-framerate action smoothly. Because the ASUS ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go S utilize the identical AMD processor class and match each other at a 120Hz refresh rate, neither handheld holds a technical hardware advantage here.
Internal Storage Capacity
Onboard storage determines how many game installations you can keep ready to launch. The ASUS ROG Ally includes 512GB of internal storage. This capacity accommodates several mid-sized installations or a few modern large titles. In contrast, the Lenovo Legion Go S comes equipped with a 1TB SSD. With 1TB of solid-state space, the Lenovo handheld doubles the built-in storage of the ASUS model. That extra capacity allows you to maintain a larger game library on the device before you need to manage drive space or delete files. For onboard storage volume, the Lenovo Legion Go S offers a clear advantage over the ASUS ROG Ally.
Chassis Dimensions and Weight
Physical measurements show how easily a handheld fits into bags and hands. The ASUS ROG Ally provides confirmed exterior dimensions: 11 inches long, 4.4 inches wide, and 0.8 inches high. It weighs 1.1 pounds. This slim sub-inch profile and low weight help reduce fatigue during prolonged handheld sessions. The Lenovo Legion Go S data does not list its dimensions or weight, so its exact footprint cannot be verified against the ASUS numbers. If you need verified physical measurements showing a light 1.1-pound weight and a compact 0.8-inch chassis profile, the ASUS ROG Ally gives you concrete, travel-friendly specifications.
System Memory Allocation
Random-access memory affects how smoothly background processes and demanding game textures run. The Lenovo Legion Go S provides 32GB of memory. A 32GB memory configuration gives the system ample buffer to handle memory-heavy modern titles, multitasking utilities, and the integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics pipeline. In comparison, the ASUS ROG Ally product listing does not state its included RAM capacity. Because the ASUS model leaves this specification unlisted, you cannot verify its memory pool from the published data. The Lenovo Legion Go S establishes a verified specification advantage by confirming a robust 32GB memory configuration right out of the box.
Which Handheld PC Fits You
Travelers prioritizing a lightweight handheld
You get a lightweight build at 1.1 pounds with measurements of 4.4 by 11 by 0.8 inches. It runs on the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and has 512GB of internal storage. The 7-inch display features a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering responsive visuals in a compact white chassis.
Players seeking large memory and storage capacity
This handheld provides 32GB of RAM alongside a 1TB SSD. You get an 8-inch screen with a 1920x1200 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It runs SteamOS and uses AMD Radeon 780M graphics powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor reaching up to 5.10 GHz.
Gamers dedicated to the SteamOS software platform
If your priority is the SteamOS operating system, this unit includes it out of the box. You also get an 8-inch 1920x1200 display, 32GB of memory, and 1TB of storage. Hardware features include an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with AMD Radeon 780M graphics.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASUS ROG Ally 7" 120Hz Z1 Extreme Handheld | players seeking high refresh rate visuals | Check price of ASUS ROG Ally 7" 120Hz Z1 Extreme Handheld on Amazon |
| 2 | Lenovo Legion Go S 8" 120Hz | high-performance handheld gaming on large screens | Check price of Lenovo Legion Go S 8" 120Hz on Amazon |
The products compared
ASUS ROG Ally 7" 120Hz Z1 Extreme Handheld
Best for: players seeking high refresh rate visuals
- Screen Size
- 7-Inch (what this guide is about)
- Processor
- AMD Z1 Extreme
- Storage
- 512GB
- Refresh Rate
- 120Hz
- Color
- White
- Dimensions
- 11 × 4.4 × 0.8 inches
View on Amazon: ASUS ROG Ally 7" 120Hz Z1 Extreme Handheld Affiliate link
The ASUS ROG Ally 7 features a 7-inch 120Hz display and an AMD Z1 Extreme processor. It includes 512GB of storage and measures 4.4 x 11 x 0.8 inches. This white handheld weighs 1.1 pounds. You get smooth visuals and solid processing power for gaming. It suits players who want a compact device with a high refresh rate screen.
Pros
- AMD Z1 Extreme processor for strong performance
- 7-inch 120Hz refresh rate display
- 512GB storage capacity
- Compact 0.8-inch thickness
Cons
- 1.1 pounds weight may cause fatigue
- 512GB storage fills quickly with large games
- Renewed condition means used parts
Good fit if
- You want a high refresh rate screen
- You prefer a compact handheld form factor
- You need AMD Z1 Extreme performance
Skip if
- You need maximum storage capacity
- You prefer a brand new device
- You want a lighter handheld
Verdict: ASUS ROG Ally 7 120Hz White delivers solid specs for portable gaming. It fits players who value screen smoothness and processor speed in a compact white chassis.
Lenovo Legion Go S 8" 120Hz
Best for: high-performance handheld gaming on large screens
- Screen Size
- 8-Inch (what this guide is about)
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
- RAM
- 32GB
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- Refresh Rate
- 120Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1200
View on Amazon: Lenovo Legion Go S 8" 120Hz Affiliate link
The Lenovo Legion Go S features an 8-inch WUXGA display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It uses an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor paired with 32GB of RAM and an AMD Radeon 780M GPU. The system runs SteamOS and includes 1TB of SSD storage. This configuration supports high-performance gaming. It suits players who want a larger screen and strong processing power in a handheld form factor.
Pros
- 8-inch WUXGA (1920x1200) screen
- 120Hz refresh rate
- AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor
- 32GB RAM
- 1TB SSD storage
Cons
- Heavier build than 7-inch models
- SteamOS may limit compatibility with non-Steam titles
- Larger size reduces one-handed portability
Good fit if
- You prefer a larger 8-inch display for better visibility
- You want high-end specs like 32GB RAM and 1TB storage
- You play games optimized for SteamOS
Skip if
- You need a compact 7-inch device for pocketability
- You rely on Windows-only software not available on SteamOS
- You prefer lighter handhelds for extended travel
Verdict: Lenovo Legion Go S 8-Inch delivers top-tier specs with its Ryzen Z1 Extreme and 32GB RAM. It is ideal for gamers prioritizing screen size and performance over compact portability.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | ASUS ROG Ally 7" 120Hz Z1 Extreme Handheld | Lenovo Legion Go S 8" 120Hz |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Z1 Extreme | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| RAM | not stated | 32GB |
| Storage | 512GB | 1TB SSD |
| Screen Size | 7 inch | 8" |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Resolution | not stated | 1920x1200 |
| Graphics | not stated | AMD Radeon 780M |
| Operating System | not stated | SteamOS |
| Storage Capacity | 512GB | 1TB |
| Screen Resolution | not stated | 1920 x 1200 |
| Color | White | Nebula Nocturne |
| Graphics Card | not stated | AMD Radeon |
| Memory | not stated | 32GB |
| Dimensions | 11 × 4.4 × 0.8 inches | not stated |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds | not stated |
| Size | 4.4 x 11 x 0.8 inches | not stated |
| Model | ASUS ROG Ally 7 | 8APU1 |
Frequently asked questions
What screen resolution do 8-inch handheld gaming PCs offer?
An 8-inch handheld like the Lenovo Legion Go S provides a 1920 x 1200 screen resolution. This display matches with a 120Hz refresh rate to keep fast action clear. The 7-inch ASUS ROG Ally also runs at 120Hz, but the 8-inch model pairs that refresh speed with a 1920 x 1200 visual output.
Do 7-inch and 8-inch handheld PCs use different processors?
Both form factors can share the exact same processing hardware. For example, the 7-inch ASUS ROG Ally and the 8-inch Lenovo Legion Go S both run on the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. You receive equivalent CPU computing capabilities regardless of whether you choose the smaller 7-inch or larger 8-inch display format.
How much memory do 8-inch handheld gaming PCs include?
Larger 8-inch models can offer high memory capacities, such as the 32GB found in the Lenovo Legion Go S. This handheld pairs that 32GB memory pool with an AMD Radeon graphics card and the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. Higher memory capacities assist with handling data-heavy games and system multitasking.
Which operating systems run on 8-inch handheld gaming PCs?
Operating systems vary by model, and the 8-inch Lenovo Legion Go S runs on SteamOS. This dedicated gaming interface pairs with an AMD Radeon graphics processor and 1TB of built-in storage. It allows you to navigate your library directly on the 1920 x 1200 resolution panel without running standard desktop software.
How does internal storage compare between 7-inch and 8-inch models?
Internal storage limits depend on the exact model specifications. The 7-inch ASUS ROG Ally features 512GB of internal storage for your installed games. In contrast, the 8-inch Lenovo Legion Go S includes a 1TB storage drive, which provides double the onboard drive space for holding modern game files.
What color options exist for 7-inch and 8-inch handhelds?
Color choices depend on the specific handheld manufacturer. The 7-inch ASUS ROG Ally comes in a White finish across its 1.1-pound chassis. If you choose the 8-inch Lenovo Legion Go S, the device features a darker Nebula Nocturne exterior casing alongside its 1920 x 1200 display.