What To Know
- The ROG Ally Z1 boasts a vibrant 7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 500-nit peak brightness.
- The ROG Ally Z1 features a more traditional handheld console design, with a dedicated control pad on the left and buttons on the right.
- The Steam Deck, on the other hand, has a more modern and minimalist design, with the control pad and buttons integrated into the overall design.
The world of handheld gaming has exploded in recent years, with the Steam Deck leading the charge. But now, ASUS has thrown its hat into the ring with the ROG Ally Z1, a powerful contender with its own unique strengths. So, which one should you choose? This comprehensive comparison of the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 vs Steam Deck will help you decide.
Performance and Hardware: A Close Race
Both the ROG Ally Z1 and Steam Deck are powered by custom AMD processors, but they differ in their specifications. The ROG Ally Z1 utilizes the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, a powerful chip designed specifically for handheld gaming. This chip boasts eight Zen 4 cores and 16 threads, clocked at up to 4.5 GHz, paired with an AMD Radeon 780M GPU with 12 RDNA 3 compute units.
On the other hand, the Steam Deck comes in three configurations, each with a different AMD processor. The base model features the AMD Van Gogh APU, which includes a Zen 2 CPU with four cores and eight threads, clocked at up to 3.5 GHz, and an AMD Radeon Vega GPU with eight compute units. The mid-range model upgrades to a more powerful Zen 2 CPU with eight cores and 16 threads, clocked at up to 3.5 GHz, and a Radeon Vega GPU with 16 compute units. The top-tier Steam Deck boasts the most powerful AMD Van Gogh APU, featuring eight cores and 16 threads, clocked at up to 3.5 GHz, and a Radeon Vega GPU with 16 compute units.
In terms of raw performance, the ROG Ally Z1 takes the lead. Its Z1 Extreme processor, with its higher clock speeds and more powerful GPU, delivers significantly better frame rates in demanding games. However, the Steam Deck’s more efficient Zen 2 architecture and lower power consumption allow it to offer longer battery life.
Display and Design: Two Different Approaches
The ROG Ally Z1 boasts a vibrant 7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 500-nit peak brightness. This combination provides a smooth and immersive gaming experience with crisp visuals and excellent responsiveness. The display also features a wide color gamut, delivering accurate and vibrant colors.
The Steam Deck features a 7-inch LCD display with a 1280 x 800 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. While its resolution is lower than the ROG Ally Z1, it still offers a decent viewing experience. However, the Steam Deck’s display lacks the vibrancy and responsiveness of the ROG Ally Z1.
Design-wise, both devices offer a comfortable and ergonomic grip. The ROG Ally Z1 features a more traditional handheld console design, with a dedicated control pad on the left and buttons on the right. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, has a more modern and minimalist design, with the control pad and buttons integrated into the overall design.
Software and Ecosystem: A Battle of Convenience
The ROG Ally Z1 runs on Windows 11, offering access to a vast library of PC games through Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and other platforms. This provides immense flexibility and choice for gamers. However, the Windows 11 experience on the ROG Ally Z1 can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers to PC gaming.
The Steam Deck, as its name suggests, is deeply integrated with Steam. It runs on a custom Linux-based operating system, offering a streamlined experience specifically tailored for Steam games. While the Steam Deck’s software is more user-friendly, its compatibility with other platforms is limited. You can access games from other platforms like Epic Games Store and GOG through Proton, a compatibility layer that translates Windows games for Linux. However, Proton’s compatibility is not as robust as Windows, and some games may experience issues.
Battery Life and Portability: A Trade-Off
The ROG Ally Z1’s powerful hardware comes at the cost of battery life. It offers around 2-4 hours of playtime on a single charge, depending on the game and settings. This is significantly less than the Steam Deck, which can provide up to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge.
In terms of portability, both devices are relatively compact and lightweight. The ROG Ally Z1 is slightly smaller and lighter than the Steam Deck, making it easier to carry around. However, the Steam Deck’s larger size and weight might be more comfortable for prolonged gaming sessions.
Price and Value: A Matter of Priorities
The ROG Ally Z1 is priced at $699 for the base model, which includes 512GB of storage. The Steam Deck‘s price varies depending on the configuration and storage capacity. The base model with 64GB of storage costs $399, the mid-range model with 256GB of storage costs $529, and the top-tier model with 512GB of storage costs $649.
The ROG Ally Z1 offers premium hardware and a more powerful gaming experience at a higher price. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, provides a more affordable option with excellent battery life, but with a less powerful hardware and limited software compatibility.
The Verdict: Which Handheld Gaming PC Reigns Supreme?
Choosing between the ROG Ally Z1 and Steam Deck ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities.
The ROG Ally Z1 is the best choice for:
- Gamers who prioritize performance and want to play the latest and most demanding PC games.
- Users who are comfortable with the Windows environment and want access to a vast library of games from multiple platforms.
- Those willing to pay a premium for a powerful and versatile handheld gaming experience.
The Steam Deck is the best choice for:
- Gamers who value affordability and long battery life.
- Users who prefer a streamlined and user-friendly experience, specifically tailored for Steam games.
- Those who are comfortable with Linux and are willing to explore the world of open-source gaming.
The Future of Handheld Gaming: A Bright Horizon
Both the ROG Ally Z1 and Steam Deck represent a significant step forward in handheld gaming. They offer powerful hardware, immersive displays, and a wealth of gaming options, making them compelling alternatives to traditional consoles. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more powerful and innovative handheld gaming devices in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use a mouse and keyboard with the ROG Ally Z1 and Steam Deck?
A1: Yes, both devices support external peripherals like mice and keyboards. You can connect them via USB-C or Bluetooth.
Q2: Which device has better controller ergonomics?
A2: Both devices offer comfortable controllers. The ROG Ally Z1’s dedicated control pad and buttons may feel more familiar to console gamers, while the Steam Deck’s integrated controls might appeal to those who prefer a more minimalist design.
Q3: Can I play VR games on the ROG Ally Z1 and Steam Deck?
A3: While both devices offer powerful hardware, they are not designed for VR gaming. VR headsets require a significant amount of processing power and are typically connected to desktop PCs.
Q4: Are there any differences in the storage options available for both devices?
A4: The ROG Ally Z1 comes with 512GB of storage, while the Steam Deck offers various storage options: 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Both devices support external storage expansion through microSD cards.
Q5: Can I customize the software on both devices?
A5: The ROG Ally Z1 runs on Windows 11, allowing for extensive customization options. The Steam Deck‘s software is less customizable, but you can install and manage games through the Steam interface.
