Steam Deck vs Asus ROG Handheld: Which is the Ultimate Gaming Beast?
What To Know
- The ASUS ROG Handheld sports a 7-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1280×800 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz.
- While it is not as powerful as the ROG Handheld, it is still capable of providing a solid gaming experience at medium to high settings.
- The ROG Handheld provides superior performance and a stunning OLED display, while the Steam Deck boasts a wider game library and a more open software ecosystem.
The world of handheld gaming is heating up with the recent release of two powerhouse devices: the ASUS ROG Handheld and the Steam Deck. Both devices promise to deliver console-quality gaming experiences on the go, but which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the ASUS ROG Handheld against the Steam Deck, examining their features, performance, design, and more, to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The ASUS ROG Handheld boasts a rugged, angular design with a distinctive ROG logo on the back. Its aluminum alloy chassis provides durability, while the ergonomic grips ensure a comfortable hold during extended gaming sessions. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, features a more rounded and sleek design with a black and white color scheme. Its plastic body is lightweight and portable, but it may not be as durable as the ROG Handheld.
Display
The ASUS ROG Handheld sports a 7-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1280×800 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. This display offers vivid colors, deep blacks, and smooth gameplay. The Steam Deck has a slightly larger 7-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1280×800 pixels and a refresh rate of 60Hz. While its colors are not as vibrant as the OLED panel, it provides a wider viewing angle.
Performance
Under the hood, the ASUS ROG Handheld is powered by the latest AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor with 16GB of RAM and an AMD Radeon 680M GPU. This hardware combination delivers exceptional performance, allowing you to play demanding games at high settings with smooth frame rates. The Steam Deck, meanwhile, features a custom AMD APU with 8 Zen 2 cores and 8 RDNA 2 compute units, along with 16GB of RAM. While it is not as powerful as the ROG Handheld, it is still capable of providing a solid gaming experience at medium to high settings.
Storage and Expandability
The ASUS ROG Handheld comes with a built-in 512GB NVMe SSD, which provides ample storage for your game library. It also has a microSDXC card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to add up to 2TB of additional space. The Steam Deck offers two storage options: a 64GB eMMC drive and a 256GB or 512GB NVMe SSD. Both models have a microSDXC card slot for expandable storage.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for handheld devices. The ASUS ROG Handheld boasts a 6971mAh battery that promises up to 4 hours of gameplay at high performance settings. The Steam Deck has a slightly larger 40Wh battery that offers up to 8 hours of playtime at lower settings. However, both devices support fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish their batteries.
Software and Features
The ASUS ROG Handheld runs on a custom version of Android 12 with the ROG UI overlay. This provides a user-friendly interface and access to the Google Play Store for a wide range of apps and games. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, runs on SteamOS, a custom Linux-based operating system designed specifically for gaming. SteamOS provides access to the vast Steam library and supports a wide range of compatibility options.
Price and Availability
The ASUS ROG Handheld is priced at $399 for the 512GB model, while the Steam Deck is available in three configurations: $399 for the 64GB model, $529 for the 256GB model, and $649 for the 512GB model. Both devices are currently available for purchase.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the ASUS ROG Handheld and the Steam Deck ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize raw performance, durability, and a vibrant OLED display, the ROG Handheld is the better option. However, if you value a wider game library, longer battery life, and a more open software ecosystem, the Steam Deck is the way to go.
The Verdict: ASUS ROG Handheld or Steam Deck?
Both the ASUS ROG Handheld and the Steam Deck are excellent handheld gaming devices that offer unique advantages. The ROG Handheld provides superior performance and a stunning OLED display, while the Steam Deck boasts a wider game library and a more open software ecosystem. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual preferences and what you value most in a handheld gaming experience.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which device has better performance?
A: The ASUS ROG Handheld has superior performance due to its more powerful hardware.
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The ASUS ROG Handheld has a more vibrant OLED display with a higher refresh rate.
Q: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: The Steam Deck has a longer battery life due to its larger battery capacity and lower power consumption.
Q: Which device has a larger game library?
A: The Steam Deck has a larger game library due to its compatibility with Steam.
Q: Which device is more portable?
A: The Steam Deck is more portable due to its lighter weight and smaller size.
Q: Which device is more expensive?
A: The ASUS ROG Handheld is more expensive than the Steam Deck.
Q: Which device has a more user-friendly interface?
A: Both devices have user-friendly interfaces, but the ROG Handheld‘s Android-based interface may be more familiar to some users.
Q: Which device has better customer support?
A: Both ASUS and Valve offer excellent customer support for their respective devices.
Q: Which device is better for emulation?
A: The Steam Deck is better for emulation due to its more powerful hardware and open software ecosystem.
Q: Which device is better for streaming games?
A: Both devices support game streaming, but the Steam Deck may have an advantage due to its compatibility with a wider range of streaming services.
