- The ROG Ally X has more power and a higher-resolution display, but it consumes more energy.
- La Steam Deck OLED offers better battery life and OLED technology at a more affordable price.
- Windows 11 on the ROG Ally X allows for more compatibility with games and launchers.
- The choice depends on whether you prefer performance and versatility or autonomy and price.
If you're looking for a powerful portable gaming console, you've probably come across Valve's Steam Deck OLED and ASUS's ROG Ally X. Both are very attractive options for gamers, but which is the better choice? In this in-depth review, we'll tell you all about the differences in terms of hardware , performance, battery life, operating system, and more.
Before deciding between one or the other, it's important to know their key features and how they perform in practice. Join us in this comprehensive comparison to discover which of these two handheld consoles best suits your needs.
Performance and hardware
One of the most important aspects when choosing a handheld console is its performance. In this area, the ROG Ally X has a clear advantage in raw power thanks to its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor , while the Steam Deck OLED retains the same custom AMD Zen 2 processor as the standard version.
- ROG Ally X: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage up to 1TB.
- Steam Deck OLED: AMD Zen 2 processor, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 1TB of storage.
In tests with demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 , the ROG Ally X achieved up to 61 FPS on Arch Linux , while the Steam Deck OLED averaged 44.66 FPS under SteamOS. However, the ROG Ally X has significantly higher power consumption , which impacts its battery life.
Screen and visual quality
The screen is another determining factor in the gaming experience, and here both consoles adopt different technologies:
- ROG Ally X: 7-inch IPS display with 1920×1080 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.
- Steam Deck OLED: 7.4-inch OLED display with 1280×800 resolution and 90Hz refresh rate.
While the Steam Deck's OLED technology provides more vibrant colors and deeper blacks, the ROG Ally X offers higher resolution and a higher refresh rate , making it ideal for games that demand fluidity.
Energy consumption and autonomy
One of the ROG Ally X's weaknesses is its high power consumption. While the Steam Deck OLED is quite efficient with an average consumption of 10.76W in Cyberpunk 2077 , the ROG Ally X can draw up to 30W , significantly reducing its battery life.
If you're looking for a portable console with longer battery life, the Steam Deck OLED is the most balanced option.
Operating system and game compatibility
Here we find a fundamental difference between both consoles:
- Steam Deck OLED: Uses SteamOS, a Linux-based system optimized for Steam games, although it can install Windows manually.
- ROG Ally X: Comes with Windows 11 factory, allowing you to install any game or launcher without restrictions.
While SteamOS is optimized for a smooth and simple experience, Windows 11 on the ROG Ally X allows complete freedom to install games from different platforms such as Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store , and more.
Price and value for money
The economic factor is also important:
- ROG Ally X: 899 €.
- Steam Deck OLED: 569 €.
The ROG Ally X is considerably more expensive, though it justifies its price with better hardware. However, if you're looking for a more affordable option with excellent value for money , the Steam Deck OLED remains a great alternative.
The choice between the ROG Ally X and the Steam Deck OLED depends on what you value most in a portable console. If you prioritize power, Windows compatibility, and a higher refresh rate , the ROG Ally X is the better option. On the other hand, if you're looking for a balance between performance, battery life, and price , the Steam Deck OLED remains a hard-to-beat alternative.
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