The battle between gaming consoles continues to intensify, and two highly sought-after contenders in the market are the Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally. In this article, we will delve into a detailed comparison of these two devices, examining their design, specifications, operating systems, battery life, and pricing.
Asus Rog Ally: Read Detailed Review
Specifications
| Steam Deck | Asus ROG Ally | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Valve | Asus |
| Dimensions | 298 x 117 x 49mm | 280 x 113 x 39mm |
| OS | Steam OS 3 | Windows 11 |
| Interface | User-friendly | Armory Crate SC |
| APU | AMD Van Gogh | Ryzen Zen 1 Extreme |
| CPU | 4 cores, 8 threads | 8 cores, 16 threads |
| GPU | RDNA2 IGP with 8 CEUs | RDNA 3i GPU with 12 CU |
| RAM | 16GB LP DDR5 | 16GB LP DDR5 |
| Display | 7-inch IPS, 60Hz | 7-inch IPS, 120Hz |
| Pixels | 1280×800 | 1920×1080 |
| Battery | 40 watt-hour | 40 watt-hour |
| Weight | 669 grams | 608 grams |
| Speakers | 2x front-facing | 2x front-facing, Dolby Atmos certification |
| USB ports | 1x USB-C with DisplayPort | 1x USB-C with DisplayPort |
| WiFi | WiFi 5 | WiFi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Fingerprint unlock | No | Yes |
Design and Portability
Both the Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally exhibit similar body designs, with slight differences in weight. The Steam Deck weighs 669 grams, while the Asus ROG Ally comes in slightly lighter at 608 grams. Although both consoles are portable, they may not fit into your pocket unless you possess a remarkably spacious one. Nevertheless, their compact sizes make them convenient to carry around for gaming on the go.
When it comes to design, the most notable difference lies in the symmetrical touchpads found on the Steam Deck. These touchpads offer enhanced playability and precise control. In comparison, the Asus ROG Ally features non-symmetrical joysticks, with the right one positioned slightly lower and the left one slightly higher. While the joysticks and buttons on both consoles resemble those of the Xbox, some users may prefer the Steam Deck’s touchpad functionality and the Asus ROG Ally’s unique joystick placement.
Display and Audio
Both rivals opt for a 7-inch diagonal screen size, but they differ significantly in display characteristics. The Steam Deck boasts an HD resolution with a 16:10 aspect ratio, providing 400 nits of brightness and a 60Hz refresh rate. These specifications are decent for the console’s intended purpose. On the other hand, the Asus ROG Ally triumphs with a Full HD 1920 by 1080 screen, a 16:9 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate, and 500 nits of brightness. These features undoubtedly deliver a visually stunning gaming experience. However, it’s worth noting that the higher specifications on the Asus ROG Ally might impact game performance and battery life.
In terms of audio, both consoles offer stereo front speakers. However, the Asus ROG Ally stands out by providing virtual surround sound 5.1.2 and Dolby Atmos, enhancing the overall immersive gaming experience.
Performance and Operating System
When it comes to processing power, the Steam Deck utilizes an AMD Ryzen 2 processor with RDNA2 graphics. In contrast, the Asus ROG Ally offers two options: the AMD Ryzen Z1 and the Z1 Xtreme with C4 architecture and RDNA3 graphics. Both consoles feature 16GB LP DDR5 RAM. However, in terms of theoretical performance, the Asus ROG Ally outshines the Steam Deck with its impressive 8.6 teraflops in the Xtreme model, compared to the Steam Deck’s 1.6 teraflops. These specifications indicate a significant advantage for the Asus ROG Ally in synthetic tests and demanding gaming scenarios.
On the operating system front, the Steam Deck operates on SteamOS, which is a Linux-based system specifically designed for gaming and optimized for the Steam service. The interface provides a familiar experience for Steam users and offers compatibility with various services, albeit with occasional limitations and bugs. In contrast, the Asus ROG Ally runs on Windows 11, functioning more like a miniature laptop. This choice enables greater compatibility with streaming platforms, Xbox integration, and the ability to install Windows programs, making it a versatile gaming and productivity tool.
Gaming Performance
| Game | Settings | ROG Ally (FPS) | Steam Deck (FPS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dirt 3 | 720p, Medium | 152 (avg), 105 (min) | 128 (avg), 96 (min) |
| Forza Horizon 5 | 720p, Low | 79 (avg) | 58 (avg) |
| Horizon Zero Dawn | 720p, FSR Perf | 83 (avg) | 65 (avg) |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 720p, FSR Perf | 69 (avg), 13 (min) | 67 (avg), 29 (min) |
Note: All tests were conducted at a 15-watt TDP, representing the Steam Deck’s maximum power limit. The ROG Ally has higher wattage capabilities and may achieve better performance when configured to a higher TDP.
Battery Life and Pricing
Battery performance is a crucial factor for portable gaming consoles. The Steam Deck consumes between 5 and 15 watts, while the Asus ROG Ally ranges between 7 and 30 watts in Turbo mode. Although the latter delivers a superior gaming experience, the battery drains significantly faster,
resulting in an hour of gameplay. In normal mode, both consoles offer nearly 2 hours of gameplay for AAA titles. However, when limiting the resolution and frame rate, the Steam Deck manages to provide slightly longer battery life than the Asus ROG Ally. Furthermore, if you utilize the consoles for other purposes, such as video playback or productivity tasks, both devices can last up to 5 to 6 hours respectively.
Pricing
When it comes to pricing, there are several factors to consider. The Steam Deck offers a more affordable option in its basic configuration. However, if you require more storage, the price rises to 649 dollars for the 512GB model. On the other hand, the Asus ROG Ally starts at a similar price point of 699 dollars for the Z1 configuration, and for an additional 20 dollars, you can obtain the Z1 Xtreme model. Both versions of the Asus console provide 512GB of storage. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that both consoles support expandable storage through Micro SD cards, with the Steam Deck utilizing a standard or HS1 format and the Asus ROG Ally supporting UHS2.
| $ | |
| ASUS ROG Ally 512GB Model | $699 |
| Steam Deck 64GB Model | $399 |
| Steam Deck 256GB Model | $529 |
| Steam Deck 512GB Model | $649 |
Differences
Operating System: The ROG Ally runs Windows 11, while the Steam Deck runs Steam OS, which is a version of Linux.
Trackpads: The Steam Deck has trackpads, whereas the ROG Ally does not.
Display: The ROG Ally features a 16:9 aspect ratio 1080p display, while the Steam Deck has a 16:10 aspect ratio 800p panel, despite having the same screen size.
Size: The ROG Ally is slightly smaller than the Steam Deck.
Refresh Rate: The ROG Ally has a refresh rate of 120Hz, whereas the Steam Deck has a refresh rate of 60Hz.
Price: The base model of the Steam Deck is priced at $399, while the ROG Ally starts at $599.
APU (Accelerated Processing Unit): All models of the Steam Deck have the same APU.
Variants: The ROG Ally is available in two different variants, but no specific details are mentioned in the reference article.
Weight: The ROG Ally weighs 608 grams, while the Steam Deck weighs 669 grams.
Lighting: The ROG Ally features RGB lighting, whereas the Steam Deck does not. Additionally, the ROG Ally is available in white, while the Steam Deck only comes in black.
Battery Life: At a 15-watt TDP, both devices offer similar battery life, with the Steam Deck providing around 103 minutes and the ROG Ally offering approximately 96 minutes. However, the Steam Deck can potentially achieve better battery life by lowering the TDP for less demanding games.
Charging: The ROG Ally comes with a 65-watt PD quick charger, enabling faster charging times. It takes about 1.4 hours to fully charge the Ally, while the Steam Deck’s 45-watt charger requires around 3.3 hours.
Conclusion!
In summary, the Steam Deck offers a positive and user-friendly interface, with notable features such as configurable rear buttons, symmetrical touchpads, and durable joysticks. On the other hand, the Asus ROG Ally excels in terms of performance, boasting a superior screen, compatibility with a wide range of games, and the versatility of the Windows 11 operating system.
Ultimately, the choice between the Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally depends on individual preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a seamless gaming experience, precise controls, and a budget-friendly option, the Steam Deck may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you seek top-notch performance, immersive visuals, and extensive compatibility, the Asus ROG Ally emerges as a formidable contender. The ball is now in your court to decide which console best suits your gaming needs.
Pros and Cons
| Asus ROG Ally | Valve Steam Deck | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Higher FPS in tested games at 15-watt TDP | Slightly lower FPS in tested games at 15-watt TDP |
| Display | 120 Hz IPS display | 60 Hz IPS display |
| Battery Life | Slightly shorter battery life | Slightly longer battery life |
| Power Management | Less efficient power management system | Efficient power management system |
| Operating System | Windows 11 | SteamOS 3 |
| User Interface | Armory Crate SC, built-in game launcher | Big Picture Mode (SteamOS) |
| Emulation Capability | Second to none with the Z1 Extreme processor | Good emulation capability |
| Weight | Lighter at 608 grams | Heavier at 669 grams |
| Upgradability | Upgradable storage | Upgradable storage |
| Availability | Launched in June 2023 | Available for over a year |
