Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally: design & features
(Image credit: Asus)
The original Asus ROG Ally is considerably smaller and lighter than the Steam Deck and other PC gaming handhelds, with its distinctive honeycomb white case giving it a unique appeal. Numerous gamers will likely feel inclined to purchase it due to its lighter weight and visually appealing design.
Both devices encompass dual analog sticks, a 7-inch screen, with controls at the front and back. Additionally, both units are equipped with ventilation systems on the top to manage the substantial heat produced by their internals.
The arrangement of their buttons and grips is also notably similar in feel, size, and quality. The Steam Deck is marginally lighter and smaller now, especially with an OLED variant that enhances the display quality even further.
Regarding design, I would tentatively declare the ROG Ally as the victor due to its lighter and more aesthetically pleasing construction. However, if you prefer a straightforward and functional design, the Steam Deck might be more suitable for you.
Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally: specs
(Image credit:Future)
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Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally specifications
Header Cell – Column 0 Steam Deck
Asus ROG Ally
Dimensions 298mm x 177mm x 49mm (W x H x D)
280 x 111 x 32.4 mm (W x H x D)
Massa 669g
608g
Display resolution Up to 1280 x 800px OLED (16:10 aspect ratio)
FHD (1920 x 1080)
Processor AMD Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32)
Up to AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Graphics AMD 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0-1.6GHz (up to 1.6 Tflops FP32)
AMD Radeon Graphics
Memory 16GB LPDDR5X (7500Mhz)
16GB LPDDR5
Storage capacity Up to 1TB M.2 2242 SSD
512GB M.2 2230 SSD
Luminance 400 nits typical
500 nits
Refresh rate Up to 60Hz (LCD) / Up to 90Hz (OLED)
120Hz
Touchscreen capability Yes
Yes
Connectivity options Up to Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.0
Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2
Sound Stereo speakers, dual microphone array, 3.5mm stereo headphone jack
Stereo speakers, 2W x2, built-in array microphone
Battery specifications 40 Whr (LCD), 50Whr (OLED)
65 Whr
Operating Software SteamOS 3.0
Windows 11
USB Type USB Type-C for charging
USB Type-C for charging
Battery endurance 2 to 8 hours of gameplay
approximately 3 hours of gameplay
Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally: performance
(Image credit: Future)
The clear distinction between the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally lies in their specifications, as the latter is a significantly more formidable device thanks to its advanced CPU. Consequently, titles appear much sharper and perform better on the ROG Ally.
Although the ROG Ally lacks the robust gaming capability of its upgraded variant, the ROG Ally X, it remains quite impressive in its own manner. It is proficient at running DirectX 11 smoothly and even DirectX 12 on occasion (though the latter may crash following a reboot). I verified this with the game Ghostrunner , which operated almost entirely without stuttering.
Surprisingly, even the earlier Steam Deck version can execute demanding titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 , though you’ll need to lower the graphics settings. Furthermore, the OLED model manages the game even more effectively, averaging around 26fps on Medium and Low settings.
However, the Steam Deck boasts a superior operating system, whereas the Armory Crate interface on the Ally is, frankly, quite poor (not to mention how inadequately Windows 11 performs on a gaming handheld). On the other hand, Steam’s operating system is specifically tailored for the device, promoting quicker startup times and more user-friendly navigation.
In terms of performance, the Steam Deck emerges victorious here. While gaming capabilities are generally better on the ROG Ally, the Steam Deck provides greater consistency and possesses a significantly enhanced operating system.
Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Ally: conclusion So, which is the superior PC gaming handheld? Surprisingly, both devices are essentially on par at this stage.
The Steam Deck continues to be regarded by many as the premier PC gaming handheld, and rightfully so, as it strikes an optimal balance between portability, cost, and performance. It is a well-proportioned device that enables you to enjoy the latest PC games on the move with an intuitive interface and reliable battery life for its specifications. If this is your first foray into PC gaming handhelds, the Steam Deck is undoubtedly your best option.
Meanwhile, the Asus ROG Ally offers exceptional value in its own respect, thanks to its significantly lower entry price that competes with the Steam Deck, its lightweight, stunning, and highly portable design, alongside its impressive specifications and gaming performance. Either way, you truly cannot go awry with either handheld.
Have you recently acquired a Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally? Consider exploring our compilation of the best Steam games and best PC games to enrich your collection on either device.
