A year after its launch, Valve’s Steam Deck receives a system upgrade, igniting the debate about the Steam Deck OLED vs ROG Ally comparison in a handheld gaming showdown. As the popularity of handheld gaming PCs continues to rise, both the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally stand out as powerful contenders.
In this detailed comparison, we’ll explore various criteria to help you decide which device suits your gaming needs best.
Steam Deck OLED vs ROG Ally: Specs
Let’s kick things off by comparing the key specifications of the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally:
| Feature | Steam Deck OLED | ROG Ally |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 7.4-inch HDR OLED (1280 x 800) | 7-inch IPS (1920 x 1080) |
| Price | $549 (512GB model) | $599 (512GB model) |
| Processor | 6 nm AMD APU | AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Extreme Processor (8 cores, 16 threads) |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5 RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 RAM |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe 3.0 2230 NVMe SSD | 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD (2230) |
| Battery | 50Whr | 40Whr |
| Weight | 640 grams | 608 grams |
With numbers out of the way, you can take a more detailed look at each aspect of both of the amazing handheld consoles.
Display
Moving on to the display, the Steam Deck OLED boasts a 7.4-inch HDR OLED screen with a resolution of 1280 x 800. In contrast, the ROG Ally features a slightly smaller 7-inch IPS display but with a higher resolution of 1920 x 1080. The ROG Ally’s higher resolution promises sharper graphics and text, and its 120Hz refresh rate gives it an edge in delivering a smoother gaming experience, especially in demanding games.
Hardware and performance
Under the hood, the Steam Deck OLED is powered by a 6 nm AMD APU, offering improved and efficient performance. On the other hand, the ROG Ally packs an AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Extreme Processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, providing better raw processing power. The choice between the two may depend on whether you prioritize the flexibility of SteamOS on the Steam Deck or the closer-to-desktop experience offered by the ROG Ally’s WindowsOS.
Battery life
The Steam Deck OLED takes the lead in battery life with its 50Whr battery compared to the ROG Ally’s 40Whr. This larger capacity ensures extended gaming sessions without frequent recharging, catering to gamers on the go.
Other features
Both devices include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a microSD card slot. The Steam Deck OLED distinguishes itself with trackpads and back buttons featuring haptic feedback, offering additional control options. In contrast, the ROG Ally incorporates Hall Effect analog triggers, enhancing gameplay in specific genres.
Price
In terms of pricing, the Steam Deck OLED starts at $549 for the 512GB model, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to the ROG Ally, which starts at $599 for the same storage capacity.
Ultimately, the choice between the Steam Deck OLED vs ROG Ally depends on your priorities. The ROG Ally excels in GPU power and display quality, catering to gamers seeking top-notch visuals and performance. Meanwhile, the Steam Deck OLED prioritizes longer battery life and a more affordable price point, making it a compelling option for those valuing portability and budget-friendliness. Both devices offer excellent options for gamers on the go, providing a versatile and immersive gaming experience.
With all this knowledge at hand, choose wisely between the Steam Deck OLED vs ROG Ally comparison and enjoy gaming wherever you are!
Meanwhile, if you wish to check out the introduction of the newest Steam Deck even further, make sure to check out our article on how Steam Deck OLED was revealed by Valve.
