Hello! Welcome to our overview of the GPD Win Max 2021 vs the GPD Win 3, where we take a look at the features and functions of these differing gaming handhelds and help you come to a conclusion on which one is right for you.
Overview
What is the GPD Win 3?
The GPD WIN 3 is the latest handheld gaming pc from GPD – a specialist manufacturer of numerous small-form-factor devices. Intended to capitalize upon the popularity of the [Switch].
Like it’s inspiration, the GPD WIN 3 is essentially a screen flanked on either side by dedicated hardware controls. With the main caveat being that the controls are not detachable and the device itself, while being compatible with USB-C docking stations, does not explicitly see a performance boost from doing so.
For more about the WIN 3 specifically, please check our our GPD WIN 3 review!
What is the GPD Win Max 2021?
The GPD Win Max 2021 is the successor to one of GPD’s more popular gaming laptops, the GPD Win Max.
The WIN MAX’s claim to fame is being the first “mini laptop” that can comfortably play AAA games. Before this point, the technology was not “quite there yet”. The WIN MAX 2021 is essentially a re-treading of an already proven design, but with a more powerful processor.
For more on the Win MAX 2021, please check out our article containing everything YOU need to know about the GPD WIN MAX 2021.
Win Max 2021 vs GPD Win 3 – The Specs
The specifications for the GPD WIN MAX and the GPD WIN 3 are as follows:
We’ve compiled a collection of specs for the GPD Win 3 vs the Steam Deck in the below table. If we’ve missed anything, please feel free to comment!
| Category | GPD Win 3 | GPD WIN MAX 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5 1135G7 (Quad-core, 2.4 -4.2GHz) Intel Core i7 1165G7 (Quad-core, 2.8 -4.7GHz) Intel Core i7 1195G7 (Quad-core, 2.9 – 5.0GHz) | AMD Ryzen 7 4800U (Quad-core, 1.80-4.20GHz) Intel Core i7-1195G7 ( Quad -core, 2.9-5.0GHz) |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics [INTEL ONLY] Radeon 8 Graphics [AMD ONLY] |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR4x (@4266MHz) | 16GB LPDDR4x (@4266MHz) |
| Storage Options | 1TB M.2 NVMe | 1TB M.2 NVMe |
| Storage Expansion | microSD M.2 NVME | microSD M.2 NVMe |
| Screen | Touch-enabled 5.5 Inches 1280x720p (16:9) 268 PPI IPS | Touch-enabled 8 Inches 1280x800p (16:10) 189 PPI IPS |
| Wi-Fi | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (WiFi 5) |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Controls | A B X Y buttons D-pad L & R analog triggers L & R bumpers 2x Assignable grip buttons 2x analog sticks; clickable (L3/R3) Start & Select buttons Xbox Guide button | A B X Y buttons D-pad L & R analog triggers L & R bumpers View & Menu buttons 2x analog sticks; clickable (L3/R3) Start & Select buttons 1x Trackpad |
| Ports | 1x USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 4) 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1x 3.5mm headphone jack | 2x USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 4) [INTEL ONLY] 2x USB-Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2) [AMD ONLY] 2x USB Type-A 1x 3.5mm headphone jack. 1x HDMI |
| Other Features | Fingerprint sensor Built-in rumble Capacitive touch keyboard Controller/Mouse Mode Toggle Switch eGPU Compatible Docking Station Compatible | Backlit chiclet keyboard Controller/Mouse Mode Toggle Switch eGPU Compatible [INTEL ONLY] |
| Battery | ~45Whr; approx. 3-8 hours of gameplay | ~57Whr; approx. 3-8 hours of gameplay. |
| Size | 198mm x 92mm x 27mm | 207m x 145m x 26mm |
| Weight | ~550g | ~790g |
| Price | £869.95 £989.98 | TBA |
Multiple Processors?
Both the WIN MAX 2021 and the GPD WIN 3 come with different options for the processor. The WIN 3 will have you choosing between an i5 and i7 processor, while the WIN MAX has you making a more substantial choice – offering one model with an AMD Ryzen 7 4800U processor, and another with an Intel i7-1195G7 processor.
Intel VS AMD
When you choose between Intel and AMD in the WIN MAX 2021, beyond the performance difference, there is one crucial aspect that you must consider. Thunderbolt 4, or not? With the Intel processor, the USB-C ports on the WIN MAX become Thunderbolt 4 ports. This enables the use of external graphics cards (eGPU).
With an eGPU, the system makes use of Thunderbolt 4’s fast transfer speeds in order to connect a GPU to the WIN MAX as if it were being inserted into a motherboard. This allows you to functionally use the WIN MAX like a fully-fledged desktop gaming PC.
With the AMD processor, these ports simply become regular USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports with no special functions.
Both versions of the GPD WIN 3 feature a Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port, enabling e-gpu compatibility.
Performance
This is immediately evident when you look for the benchmarks for 2020’s “Death Stranding” game. The i7-1195G7 benchmarks at an average of 57 FPS. Meanwhile, the weakest Win 3 model (the i5-1135G7) claims to hit an average of 63 FPS. We are sincerely doubtful that, given the settings, the i5 will outperform the i7 in games.
Assuming similar settings, the GPD WIN MAX 2021 should noticeably more powerful than the GPD WIN 3 – IF you opt for the i7-1195G7 CPU version. Meanwhile, the AMD variant exhibits similar performance to the WIN 3 overall.
Both devices are fully capable of playing AAA games nonetheless. It’s just you’ll likely have to change the settings for the more recent/demanding titles.
With TDP tweaks, you can bring the GPD Win 3 closer to the WIN MAX’s performance. This will come at the cost of battery life and heat efficiency.
Display Output
The GPD WIN MAX 2021 features a dedicated full-sized HDMI port, making it capable of linking up to monitors straight away with nothing required beyond a basic HDMI cable.
Meanwhile, the GPD WIN 3 is also capable of display output. However, a specialized converter cable, or a docking station with HDMI output, is required before you can do this.
Benchmarks?
The Physical Build
While the WIN MAX 2021 is now released as of September 2021. Because it will be re-using the same specs as the existing WIN MAX, we can perform a basic comparison between the two models.
First of all, the biggest difference is in the fundamental design. The GPD WIN MAX is designed to be a hybrid gaming laptop/handheld. Featuring your archetypical clamshell design, the WIN MAX takes up a lot more space than the WIN 3. This of course means that it can fit a slightly more robust cooling system too, with the fans blasting out hot air en-masse under load.
While it can definitely be held in the hand, the overall size and clamshell design means it will be less “balanced” than the WIN 3, making it uncomfortable to hold in certain positions.
Meanwhile, the GPD WIN 3 is designed first and foremost as a gaming handheld. Similar in form factor to the [Switch]. Because the screen is level with the controls, the touch-screen is more accessible, and the device has a more focused centre of gravity, making it easier to hold.
As such, there’s not a lot to directly compare between the two. Suffice to say that the WIN MAX has a lot more ports (without the need for a dock), and a physical chiclet keyboard. So for those looking for more of a rounded experience, the WIN MAX will easily be the better choice.
Meanwhile, for those focused 101% on gaming and would appreciate the portability, the GPD WIN 3 is a considerable option.
Keyboard
While both devices feature a keyboard, the WIN MAX is the only one to feature a physical one. With chiclet-style keys and a slightly larger build than most of GPD’s other offerings, the WIN MAX is surprisingly comfortable.
Conversely, the touch keyboard on the GPD WIN 3 is only really good for quickly inputting credentials when logging into accounts and other simple purposes.
Conclusion
When you factor in every aspect of the devices, it’s obvious that the GPD WIN MAX 2021 is the more powerful option. Given the better cooling and increased size. However, the portability and novelty of the WIN 3 is not to be understated.
Which do you prefer? Let us know in the comments!
Until next time!
