MSI’s AMD Claw A8 handheld is outperforming its Intel Lunar Lake counterpart, according to recent gaming benchmarks. The Claw A8, featuring the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, exhibits better performance per watt and superior 1% lows compared to the Claw 8 AI+ with Intel’s Lunar Lake.
The Ryzen Z2 lineup, based on Zen 5 architecture, is gaining attention for its impressive benchmark results. The Claw A8 handheld, powered by the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, stands out next to the Claw 8 AI+, which uses Intel’s Lunar Lake Ultra 7 258V chip. While both devices share similar specs, the differences in performance are worth noting.
The Ryzen Z2 Extreme boasts 8 cores and 16 threads with clock speeds up to 5.0 GHz, supported by a robust iGPU akin to the Radeon 890M. This combination has led to frame rate improvements of up to 20% in certain games, like AC Shadows, with better overall performance, particularly in terms of smoother gameplay and improved 1% lows.
Price-wise, both handhelds are competitively set around $900-$1000, making the AMD-based Claw A8 an attractive choice for gamers seeking enhanced performance. It also offers a broader TDP range, reaching 35W, which adds to its appeal.
While Intel’s Lunar Lake provides consistent performance, its lack of versatile options compared to AMD’s diverse lineup might be a deciding factor for potential buyers. With its latest APUs and Strix Point chips, AMD continues to cater to a wider range of budgets and preferences.
