What To Know
- The ROG Ally is available at a starting price of $1,099, while the Steam Deck starts at $399.
- However, the Steam Deck remains a compelling option for those seeking a more affordable and versatile device that supports ray tracing and a wider range of games.
- The Steam Deck has a slight edge in emulation performance due to its more powerful CPU and support for a wider range of emulators.
In the realm of handheld gaming, two powerhouses stand out: the ASUS ROG Ally and the Valve Steam Deck. Both devices promise immersive gaming experiences, but which one reigns supreme in terms of performance? This comprehensive analysis delves into the nitty-gritty of their hardware, graphics capabilities, and overall gaming performance to determine the ultimate victor.
Hardware Comparison:
The ROG Ally boasts a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 processor, an octa-core CPU with a maximum clock speed of 3.0GHz. It also features an Adreno GPU with a clock speed of 820MHz. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, runs on an AMD Zen 2 CPU with 4 cores and 8 threads, clocked at 2.4-3.5GHz. Its GPU is an AMD RDNA 2 with 8 compute units, operating at a clock speed of 1.0-1.6GHz.
Graphics Capabilities:
The ROG Ally’s Adreno GPU offers a graphical advantage over the Steam Deck’s RDNA 2 GPU. It features a higher clock speed and more shading units, resulting in smoother and more detailed visuals. However, the Steam Deck’s RDNA 2 architecture supports ray tracing, a groundbreaking technology that enhances lighting and shadows for more realistic graphics.
Gaming Performance:
In real-world gaming scenarios, the ROG Ally delivers impressive performance. It can handle demanding games like Asphalt 9 and Call of Duty: Mobile at high settings with consistent frame rates. The Steam Deck, while capable of running these games, may experience occasional frame drops or require lower graphics settings.
Portability and Comfort:
The ROG Ally is a compact and lightweight device, weighing only 500 grams. Its ergonomic design provides a comfortable grip for extended gaming sessions. The Steam Deck, however, is larger and heavier, weighing 669 grams. Its bulky form factor can be less comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Battery Life:
Battery life is crucial for handheld gaming. The ROG Ally features a 6,000mAh battery that provides up to 10 hours of gameplay. The Steam Deck’s battery capacity is 40Wh, offering a similar runtime of around 8-10 hours.
Price and Availability:
The ROG Ally is available at a starting price of $1,099, while the Steam Deck starts at $399. The price difference is significant, making the Steam Deck a more budget-friendly option.
Summary: The Ultimate Winner
Based on the comprehensive analysis above, the ROG Ally emerges as the clear winner in terms of performance. Its superior hardware, graphics capabilities, and smoother gaming experience make it the ideal choice for demanding gamers who prioritize the best possible handheld gaming experience. However, the Steam Deck remains a compelling option for those seeking a more affordable and versatile device that supports ray tracing and a wider range of games.
What You Need to Know
Q1: Which device has a better display?
A: Both the ROG Ally and the Steam Deck feature 7-inch OLED displays with a resolution of 1280×800.
Q2: Can I play PC games on the ROG Ally?
A: Yes, the ROG Ally supports cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass and NVIDIA GeForce Now, allowing you to stream PC games.
Q3: Does the Steam Deck have a built-in fan?
A: Yes, the Steam Deck features an active cooling system with a fan to prevent overheating during extended gaming sessions.
Q4: Can I upgrade the storage on the ROG Ally?
A: No, the ROG Ally does not have expandable storage.
Q5: Which device is better for emulation?
A: The Steam Deck has a slight edge in emulation performance due to its more powerful CPU and support for a wider range of emulators.
