What To Know
- Both the ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck OLED feature vibrant and immersive displays, but the OLED technology employed by the Steam Deck OLED takes the visual experience to a whole new level.
- The choice between the ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck OLED extends to the operating system, offering distinct advantages and disadvantages.
- Both the ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck OLED offer ample storage options for your gaming library, but they differ in their expandability capabilities.
The world of handheld gaming has entered a new era of excitement with the arrival of two formidable contenders: the ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck OLED. Both devices offer impressive performance, portability, and a wealth of gaming options, leaving gamers wondering which one reigns supreme. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key features, strengths, and weaknesses of each handheld to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Hardware: A Tale of Two Processors
The ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck OLED both boast powerful hardware capable of delivering smooth and immersive gaming experiences. However, they employ different processors, resulting in subtle differences in performance.
ASUS ROG Ally: Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, the Ally boasts a powerful 8-core, 16-thread processor with a clock speed of up to 4.0 GHz. This processor is specially designed for gaming and delivers exceptional performance, particularly in demanding titles.
Steam Deck OLED: The Steam Deck OLED utilizes the AMD Zen 2 processor, which is also an 8-core, 16-thread CPU. While it is not as powerful as the Z1 Extreme, it still provides ample performance for most games.
In terms of graphics, both devices utilize AMD Radeon graphics, but the Ally features the Radeon 780M, offering a significant advantage in graphical fidelity and frame rates. The Steam Deck OLED relies on the Radeon 660M, which is still capable of delivering solid performance but might struggle with the latest and most demanding games.
Display: A Visual Feast with OLED Technology
Both the ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck OLED feature vibrant and immersive displays, but the OLED technology employed by the Steam Deck OLED takes the visual experience to a whole new level.
ASUS ROG Ally: The Ally boasts a 7-inch, 1080p LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth and responsive gameplay. However, the LCD technology limits the contrast ratio and black levels compared to OLED.
Steam Deck OLED: The Steam Deck OLED features a 7-inch, 1280×800 resolution display with a 60Hz refresh rate. While the resolution is slightly lower than the Ally, the OLED technology offers exceptional contrast, deep blacks, and vibrant colors, resulting in a more immersive visual experience.
Operating System: A Choice Between Flexibility and Familiarity
The choice between the ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck OLED extends to the operating system, offering distinct advantages and disadvantages.
ASUS ROG Ally: The Ally runs on Windows 11, providing access to a vast library of PC games and applications. The familiar Windows interface offers a seamless transition for PC gamers. However, the Windows ecosystem can be more demanding on resources, potentially impacting battery life.
Steam Deck OLED: The Steam Deck OLED runs on SteamOS 3.0, a Linux-based operating system specifically designed for gaming. The SteamOS interface is user-friendly and optimized for handheld gaming, offering a streamlined experience. However, the limited app availability compared to Windows might be a drawback for some users.
Storage and Expandability: Options for Your Gaming Library
Both the ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck OLED offer ample storage options for your gaming library, but they differ in their expandability capabilities.
ASUS ROG Ally: The Ally comes with 512GB of NVMe SSD storage, offering ample space for a vast game library. Additionally, it features a microSD card slot for further expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity as needed.
Steam Deck OLED: The Steam Deck OLED is available in different storage configurations, ranging from 64GB to 512GB. The storage options are expandable via a microSD card slot, providing flexibility for users with diverse gaming needs.
Battery Life: Powering Your Gaming Sessions
Both handhelds prioritize portability, and battery life plays a crucial role in their overall appeal.
ASUS ROG Ally: The Ally boasts a battery life of up to 4-8 hours, depending on the game and settings. While this is a respectable figure, it might not be sufficient for extended gaming sessions.
Steam Deck OLED: The Steam Deck OLED offers a battery life of up to 8 hours, providing longer gaming sessions. The OLED display contributes to a slightly lower battery life compared to LCD, but the overall performance remains impressive.
Price and Value: Finding the Right Balance
The ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck OLED are both high-end handheld gaming devices, but their pricing reflects their features and capabilities.
ASUS ROG Ally: The Ally is priced at $699, making it a more expensive option compared to the Steam Deck OLED. However, the powerful hardware and Windows operating system justify the price tag for some gamers.
Steam Deck OLED: The Steam Deck OLED is priced at $399 for the 64GB model, $529 for the 256GB model, and $649 for the 512GB model. The lower price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.
The Verdict: Which Handheld Reigns Supreme?
Choosing between the ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck OLED ultimately comes down to personal preferences and priorities. Here’s a breakdown of their strengths and weaknesses:
ASUS ROG Ally:
Strengths:
- Powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor
- High-resolution 1080p LCD display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Windows 11 operating system for wide game and app compatibility
- Ample storage with microSD card expansion
Weaknesses:
- Higher price point
- Battery life could be better
- LCD display lacks the contrast and color depth of OLED
Steam Deck OLED:
Strengths:
- Vibrant and immersive OLED display
- Excellent battery life
- User-friendly SteamOS 3.0 operating system
- More affordable price point
Weaknesses:
- Less powerful processor compared to the Ally
- Lower resolution display
- Limited app availability compared to Windows
Final Verdict:
If you prioritize raw performance, a high-resolution display, and access to the vast Windows ecosystem, the ASUS ROG Ally is the better choice. However, if you value a vibrant OLED display, excellent battery life, and a more affordable price point, the Steam Deck OLED is the clear winner.
The Future of Handheld Gaming: A Bright Horizon
The arrival of the ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck OLED has revitalized the handheld gaming market, showcasing the potential for high-performance and versatile devices. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative and powerful handhelds to emerge, offering gamers an unparalleled level of immersion and portability.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which handheld is better for playing demanding games?
A: The ASUS ROG Ally offers superior performance thanks to its powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and Radeon 780M graphics. It can handle demanding games with ease, delivering smooth frame rates and high visual fidelity.
Q: Which handheld has a better battery life?
A: The Steam Deck OLED boasts a longer battery life of up to 8 hours, making it ideal for extended gaming sessions. The Ally’s battery life is decent, ranging from 4 to 8 hours, but it falls short of the Steam Deck OLED.
Q: Which handheld is more affordable?
A: The Steam Deck OLED is significantly more affordable than the ASUS ROG Ally, with starting prices ranging from $399 to $649. The Ally’s premium price tag reflects its powerful hardware and Windows operating system.
Q: Which handheld is better for casual gamers?
A: Both devices are excellent for casual gamers, offering a wide range of games and a user-friendly experience. However, the Steam Deck OLED‘s streamlined SteamOS interface and longer battery life might be more appealing for casual gamers.
Q: Which handheld is better for emulation?
A: Both handhelds are capable of emulating older consoles, but the ASUS ROG Ally’s Windows operating system offers more flexibility and compatibility with various emulators. However, the Steam Deck OLED‘s performance is still impressive for emulation.
