Next-Generation Handheld PCs Might Find Performance Boost with Intel Instead of AMD
In the ever-evolving world of technology, Intel is making a significant move into the handheld gaming market with its next-generation mobile chips, codenamed Panther Lake. These chips, expected to ship in the second half of 2025, are set to redefine handheld gaming SoCs, thanks to a substantial boost in graphics performance.
Panther Lake is Intel's first chip based on the advanced 18A process, featuring a significantly upgraded integrated GPU (iGPU) with 12 Xe3 graphics cores, a 50% increase over the 8 Xe2 cores in the previous Lunar Lake chips. This upgrade is expected to deliver a substantial boost in graphics performance, making Panther Lake a strong contender for handheld gaming SoCs.
Intel has also hinted at AI upscaling capabilities unique to the Panther Lake iGPU, which could improve gaming visuals beyond current generation handhelds.
comparatively, AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme, powering existing handheld gaming PCs like the GPD WIN MAX 2, shows solid multi-core and GPU performance, handling modern games well at respectable frame rates and settings. In direct benchmarks, AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme outperforms Intel's current Lunar Lake chips, especially at lower power targets (17W). However, Intel's Lunar Lake chip shows competitive results at higher power levels (30W), even winning in some games, and excels in power efficiency, rivaling the Valve Steam Deck’s efficiency.
As we look ahead, it's clear that Intel is planning a competitive entry into handheld gaming. However, AMD currently holds a performance edge over Intel’s Lunar Lake chips in gaming, especially at similar power consumption levels. Real-world comparisons with Panther Lake’s full capabilities remain to be seen once it ships and enters devices on the market.
Notable handheld devices like the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and Asus ROG Xbox Ally X are expected to house the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme. On the other hand, the MSI Claw A8, an upcoming handheld gaming PC, is expected to run on AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, an APU.
In conclusion, Intel's foray into the handheld gaming market with Panther Lake is an exciting development. With its focus on improved GPU core count and AI-powered upscaling, Intel is aiming to enhance graphics performance beyond existing handhelds. However, AMD's Ryzen Z series currently holds a performance edge in gaming, especially at similar power consumption levels. As we await the release of Panther Lake, it will be interesting to see how Intel’s new chips perform in the competitive handheld gaming market.
[1] Source: Intel's Computex 2025 Demonstration [2] Source: GPD WIN MAX 2 Performance Benchmarks [3] Source: Intel's Confirmation of Handheld-Centric Chips [4] Source: Intel Lunar Lake vs. Valve Steam Deck Efficiency Comparison
- Intel's upcoming Panther Lake chip, based on the advanced 18A process, is preparing to enter the market with its focus on improving graphics performance through a significant upgrade in integrated GPU (iGPU) cores and the introduction of AI upscaling capabilities.
- In contrast, AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme, currently powering various handheld gaming devices like the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, demonstrates strong multi-core and GPU performance, excelling in handling modern games at respectable frame rates and settings.
- As we eagerly await the release of Panther Lake and the devices that house it, the competitive handheld gaming market is on the edge of its seat, waiting to see how Intel's AI-powered gaming SoCs compare to AMD's Ryzen Z series in terms of graphics performance and overall market impact.
