Key points
- The Valve Steam Deck features a 7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 and a 60Hz refresh rate.
- If you demand the best possible performance, a larger display, and a more versatile control scheme, the ASUS ROG Ally is worth considering despite its higher price.
- The ASUS ROG Ally has a larger battery and can last up to 10 hours of gaming, while the Valve Steam Deck can last up to 8 hours.
In the realm of portable gaming, two titans clash: the Valve Steam Deck and the ASUS ROG Ally. Both devices promise an immersive and portable gaming experience, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key differences between the Valve Steam Deck vs ASUS ROG Ally, examining their features, performance, battery life, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
The Valve Steam Deck sports a compact and ergonomic design with a 7-inch touchscreen. Its matte black finish and curved edges provide a comfortable grip for extended gaming sessions. The ASUS ROG Ally, on the other hand, boasts a sleek and stylish design with a 15.6-inch display. Its aluminum chassis and RGB lighting give it a premium and eye-catching aesthetic.
Display
The Valve Steam Deck features a 7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 and a 60Hz refresh rate. While it offers decent brightness and color accuracy, its small size may limit immersion in certain games. The ASUS ROG Ally, in contrast, boasts a larger 15.6-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 and a 165Hz refresh rate. Its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high refresh rate deliver an exceptional gaming experience.
Performance
Under the hood, the Valve Steam Deck packs an AMD APU with four Zen 2 cores and eight RDNA 2 compute units. This provides solid performance for most games at medium to high settings. The ASUS ROG Ally, however, boasts a more powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 discrete graphics card. This enables it to handle even the most demanding games at high to ultra settings, offering a smoother and more immersive experience.
Controls
The Valve Steam Deck features a unique control layout with dual analog sticks, a D-pad, four face buttons, and two touchpads. The touchpads are designed to mimic the functionality of mouse input, making it suitable for games that require precision aiming. The ASUS ROG Ally, on the other hand, offers a more traditional control scheme with a full-size keyboard and mouse. This provides a more familiar and comfortable experience for PC gamers.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for portable gaming. The Valve Steam Deck boasts a 40Wh battery that provides up to 8 hours of gameplay on average. The ASUS ROG Ally, however, has a larger 90Wh battery that can last up to 10 hours of gaming. However, it’s important to note that battery life can vary depending on game settings and usage patterns.
Software
The Valve Steam Deck runs on SteamOS, a custom Linux-based operating system designed specifically for gaming. It offers access to a vast library of Steam games and supports proton, a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux. The ASUS ROG Ally, on the other hand, runs on Windows 11, giving users access to the full range of PC games and software.
Price
The Valve Steam Deck is available in three configurations starting at $399. The ASUS ROG Ally is significantly more expensive, with prices starting at $1,299. The higher price of the ROG Ally reflects its more powerful hardware and premium features.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Valve Steam Deck and the ASUS ROG Ally ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize portability, affordability, and a solid gaming experience, the Valve Steam Deck is an excellent option. If you demand the best possible performance, a larger display, and a more versatile control scheme, the ASUS ROG Ally is worth considering despite its higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which device has better graphics performance?
A: The ASUS ROG Ally has a more powerful graphics card, providing better graphics performance than the Valve Steam Deck.
Q: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: The ASUS ROG Ally has a larger battery and can last up to 10 hours of gaming, while the Valve Steam Deck can last up to 8 hours.
Q: Which device is more portable?
A: The Valve Steam Deck is more portable due to its smaller size and weight.
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The ASUS ROG Ally has a larger and higher-quality OLED display with a higher refresh rate.
Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The Valve Steam Deck is significantly more affordable than the ASUS ROG Ally.