Quick notes
- In the realm of handheld gaming, the SteamDeck OLED and the ASUS ROG Ally stand as two formidable contenders, each offering a unique blend of features and capabilities.
- With the former boasting an immersive OLED display and the latter showcasing a sleek design and powerful internals, the choice between these two gaming powerhouses can be a daunting task.
- In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the SteamDeck OLED and the ASUS ROG Ally, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific gaming needs and preferences.
In the realm of handheld gaming, the SteamDeck OLED and the ASUS ROG Ally stand as two formidable contenders, each offering a unique blend of features and capabilities. With the former boasting an immersive OLED display and the latter showcasing a sleek design and powerful internals, the choice between these two gaming powerhouses can be a daunting task. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the SteamDeck OLED and the ASUS ROG Ally, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific gaming needs and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
The SteamDeck OLED exudes a sturdy and ergonomic design, featuring a comfortable grip and intuitive button layout. Its larger size provides ample space for extended gaming sessions, while its matte finish ensures a secure hold. The ASUS ROG Ally, on the other hand, adopts a more compact and lightweight approach, making it easier to carry around. Its sleek aluminum chassis and vibrant RGB lighting give it a premium and eye-catching aesthetic.
Display
The SteamDeck OLED stands out with its stunning 7-inch OLED display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. This high-quality panel delivers immersive visuals, enhancing the gaming experience with sharp details and lifelike textures. The ASUS ROG Ally, in contrast, features a 6-inch IPS LCD display with a slightly lower resolution. While it provides decent color accuracy and viewing angles, it lacks the punch and vibrancy of the SteamDeck OLED’s display.
Performance
Under the hood, the SteamDeck OLED houses an AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, providing solid performance for a wide range of games. It can handle most titles at medium to high settings, ensuring smooth gameplay and enjoyable experiences. The ASUS ROG Ally, however, boasts a more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 1200 SoC, which delivers exceptional performance for demanding games and applications. It can push graphics to higher settings and maintain stable frame rates, even in graphically intensive titles.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial consideration for handheld gaming. The SteamDeck OLED features a large 40Wh battery, providing up to 8 hours of gameplay on average. This allows you to enjoy extended gaming sessions without the need for frequent charging. The ASUS ROG Ally, on the other hand, incorporates a smaller 5800mAh battery, which offers a more modest battery life of around 5-6 hours. While it may suffice for shorter gaming sessions, it might not be ideal for marathon gaming experiences.
Features
The SteamDeck OLED comes equipped with a built-in microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to store a large library of games and media. It also features a gyroscope and accelerometer, enabling motion controls for certain games. The ASUS ROG Ally, however, lacks a microSD card slot, limiting its storage capacity. However, it compensates with a dedicated cooling fan, which helps maintain optimal performance during extended gaming sessions.
Software
The SteamDeck OLED runs on SteamOS, a custom operating system based on Linux. It provides access to the vast Steam library, including thousands of games compatible with the handheld format. The ASUS ROG Ally, on the other hand, utilizes Android 11 as its operating system. While it offers a wider range of apps and games from the Google Play Store, it has limited compatibility with Steam games.
Price and Availability
The SteamDeck OLED is priced at $399 for the base model, while the ASUS ROG Ally is priced at $499. Both devices are available for purchase through their respective websites and select retailers.
Verdict
The SteamDeck OLED and the ASUS ROG Ally are both exceptional handheld gaming devices, each catering to different preferences and requirements. For those seeking an immersive display, solid performance, and long battery life, the SteamDeck OLED is an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize portability, powerful performance, and a dedicated cooling solution, the ASUS ROG Ally is the way to go. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual gaming needs and budget.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which device has a higher resolution display?
A: The SteamDeck OLED has a higher resolution display (1280 x 800) compared to the ASUS ROG Ally (1280 x 720).
Q: Does the ASUS ROG Ally support expandable storage?
A: No, the ASUS ROG Ally does not have a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
Q: Which device offers better battery life?
A: The SteamDeck OLED has a larger battery and provides longer battery life (up to 8 hours) compared to the ASUS ROG Ally (around 5-6 hours).
Q: Can the SteamDeck OLED play all Steam games?
A: While the SteamDeck OLED supports a wide range of Steam games, not all games are compatible due to hardware limitations and technical requirements.
Q: Which device is more portable?
A: The ASUS ROG Ally is more compact and lightweight than the SteamDeck OLED, making it easier to carry around.