What To Know
- The Steam Deck boasts a custom AMD APU with a Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, while the ROG Handheld features an AMD Ryzen 5 5600U CPU and Radeon RX Vega 6 GPU.
- The Steam Deck has a larger 7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1280×800, while the ROG Handheld’s OLED screen measures 6 inches with a resolution of 1280×720.
- The Steam Deck has a larger 40Wh battery, while the ROG Handheld has a smaller 20Wh battery.
The battle for handheld gaming supremacy rages on as two giants clash: the ASUS ROG Handheld and the Valve Steam Deck. Both devices promise to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience on the go, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect of these gaming powerhouses, from performance to battery life and everything in between.
Performance
CPU and GPU: The Steam Deck boasts a custom AMD APU with a Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, while the ROG Handheld features an AMD Ryzen 5 5600U CPU and Radeon RX Vega 6 GPU. On paper, the Steam Deck has a slight edge in terms of raw power. However, the ROG Handheld’s more efficient cooling system allows it to maintain higher clock speeds for longer periods, resulting in a comparable performance in most games.
Display
Size and Resolution: The Steam Deck has a larger 7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1280×800, while the ROG Handheld’s OLED screen measures 6 inches with a resolution of 1280×720. The Steam Deck’s larger display provides a more immersive experience, but the ROG Handheld’s OLED panel offers superior contrast and color accuracy.
Refresh Rate: Both devices support a 60Hz refresh rate, which is sufficient for most games. However, the ROG Handheld’s OLED display has a faster response time, resulting in smoother gameplay.
Controls
Buttons and Analog Sticks: Both devices feature a full complement of buttons, analog sticks, and triggers. The ROG Handheld has slightly larger analog sticks and a more ergonomic grip, which may provide an advantage for prolonged gaming sessions.
Touchpads: The Steam Deck has two large, clickable touchpads, while the ROG Handheld has smaller, non-clickable ones. The Steam Deck’s touchpads offer more versatility and can be used for mouse emulation or as extra buttons.
Battery Life
Capacity: The Steam Deck has a larger 40Wh battery, while the ROG Handheld has a smaller 20Wh battery. However, the ROG Handheld’s more power-efficient components and display allow it to achieve comparable battery life in most games.
Charging: Both devices use USB-C for charging, but the ROG Handheld supports faster charging, allowing it to be fully charged in under 2 hours.
Software
Operating System: The Steam Deck runs on SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system designed specifically for gaming. The ROG Handheld runs on Windows 11, which provides more flexibility and compatibility with non-Steam games.
Game Library: The Steam Deck has access to the vast Steam library, while the ROG Handheld can play any game available on Windows. However, some games may require additional tweaks or compatibility layers to run smoothly on the ROG Handheld.
Price and Availability
The Steam Deck is available in three models, priced at $399, $529, and $649. The ROG Handheld is currently only available in one model, priced at $399. The Steam Deck is more widely available, while the ROG Handheld has limited availability and may be difficult to find.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Verdict
The ASUS ROG Handheld and the Valve Steam Deck are both exceptional portable gaming devices that offer unique advantages. The Steam Deck’s larger display, more versatile controls, and wider game library make it the ideal choice for hardcore gamers who demand the best possible experience. However, the ROG Handheld’s superior battery life, more compact form factor, and lower price make it a compelling option for those who prioritize portability and value.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which device is more powerful?
A: The Steam Deck has a slight edge in terms of raw power.
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The Steam Deck has a larger display, but the ROG Handheld‘s OLED panel offers superior contrast and color accuracy.
Q: Which device has better battery life?
A: Both devices have comparable battery life in most games.
Q: Which device has more versatile controls?
A: The Steam Deck has larger touchpads that offer more versatility.
Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The ROG Handheld is available at a lower price than the Steam Deck.
Q: Which device is easier to find?
A: The Steam Deck is more widely available than the ROG Handheld.
Q: Which device runs more games?
A: The ROG Handheld can play any game available on Windows, while the Steam Deck is limited to the Steam library.
Q: Which device is better for emulation?
A: The Steam Deck has better support for emulation due to its more powerful hardware and SteamOS.
Q: Which device is more durable?
A: Both devices are built with durable materials, but the ROG Handheld‘s smaller size and weight may make it more susceptible to damage.
Q: Which device has better customer support?
A: Both ASUS and Valve offer dedicated customer support for their respective devices.
