With significant upgrades over the original ROG Ally, the newest handheld gaming gadget from ASUS is called the ROG Ally X. It was a difficult act to follow when ASUS joined the mobile gaming market immediately after the hugely successful Steam Deck. But the ASUS ROG Ally showed players that there are other options for gaming on the road than the Steam Deck, and the Ally’s reception was evidence of that.
Design and Build Quality
When comparing the ASUS ROG Ally X vs. Steam Deck OLED, design and build quality are crucial factors that can significantly impact the user experience.
Aesthetic Appeal
The ASUS ROG Ally X boasts a sleek, futuristic design with sharp lines and RGB lighting that appeals to gamers who love a bit of flair. In contrast, the Steam Deck OLED opts for a more understated, utilitarian look, focusing on functionality over flashy aesthetics.
Durability and Materials Used
The ASUS ROG Ally X is constructed with high-quality materials, including a robust metal frame that ensures durability. The Steam Deck OLED, while also well-built, uses a combination of plastic and metal, making it slightly lighter but equally sturdy.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Ergonomics play a vital role in handheld gaming devices. The ASUS ROG Ally X features contoured grips and strategically placed buttons for extended gaming sessions without discomfort. The Steam Deck OLED, on the other hand, has a more traditional layout with a focus on balance and ease of use, making it comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes.
| Feature | ASUS ROG Ally X | Steam Deck OLED |
| Design | Sleek, futuristic with RGB lighting | Understated, utilitarian |
| Materials | Metal frame | Plastic and metal combination |
| Weight | Heavier due to metal construction | Lighter |
| Ergonomics | Contoured grips, strategic button placement | Traditional layout, balanced design |
| Durability | High durability with robust materials | Sturdy with a mix of materials |
Display Quality
When comparing the ASUS ROG Ally X vs. Steam Deck OLED, display quality is a key factor.
Screen Size and Resolution
The ASUS ROG Ally X has a 7-inch, 1920×1080 LCD display, while the Steam Deck OLED features a 7.2-inch, 1920×1080 OLED display. The OLED technology in the Steam Deck offers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours.
OLED vs. LCD
The Steam Deck OLED’s display provides superior contrast and colour accuracy compared to the ASUS ROG Ally X’s LCD.
Brightness and Refresh Rate
The Steam Deck OLEDhttps://amzn.to/4dEIJGj excels in brightness and colour accuracy. The ASUS ROG Ally X offers a higher 120Hz refresh rate, ideal for smooth gameplay.
| Feature | ASUS ROG Ally X | Steam Deck OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 7 inches | 7.2 inches |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 pixels | 1920×1080 pixels |
| Display Technology | LCD | OLED |
| Brightness | Good | Excellent |
| Colour Accuracy | Good | Excellent |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
In summary, the ASUS ROG Ally X vs. Steam Deck OLED comparison shows that while both devices offer excellent visuals, the Steam Deck OLED’s display technology provides better colour vibrancy and contrast, whereas the ASUS ROG Ally X’s higher refresh rate is better for smooth gameplay.
Performance and Hardware
When comparing the ASUS ROG Ally X vs. Steam Deck OLED, performance and hardware are critical aspects that determine the overall gaming experience. The ASUS ROG Ally X is powered by the latest AMD Ryzen 9 processor paired with an
GPU: AMD Radeon™ Graphics (AMD RDNA™ 3, 12 CUs, up to 2.7 GHz, up to 8.6 Teraflops), ensuring top-tier performance capable of handling the most demanding games. It offers up to 24GB of DDR5 RAM and up to 1TB NVMe SSD storage, providing fast load times and smooth multitasking. Additionally, its advanced cooling system with multiple heat pipes and fans ensures optimal thermal performance during extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Steam Deck OLED features a custom 6nm AMD APU with a GPU: 8RDNA 2CUs, 1.6GHz which provides excellent performance for its size but falls slightly short compared to the ASUS ROG Ally X. The Steam Deck OLED uses a single fan and heat sink for cooling, which is adequate but may not be as efficient under heavy loads. Overall, the ASUS ROG Ally X offers superior processing power, more RAM, and better cooling, making it a powerhouse for gaming, while the Steam Deck OLED is more suited for those who prioritize portability and efficiency.
Battery Life and Charging
When comparing the Asus ROG Ally X vs Steam Deck OLED, battery life and charging capabilities are crucial factors to consider. Firstly, the Asus ROG Ally X boasts a significantly larger battery, which translates to longer gaming sessions. Specifically, the ROG Ally X can last up to 2 hours and 14 minutes on a single charge while running demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077(Battery capacity :80WHrs, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion). This is a notable improvement over the Steam Deck OLED, which manages around 1 hour and 25 minutes under similar conditions.
Moreover, the ROG Ally X’s larger battery does come with a trade-off. It typically requires a longer recharge time compared to the Steam Deck OLED. However, this extended battery life can be a game-changer for those who prefer longer, uninterrupted gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Steam Deck OLED features a 50Wh battery, which provides about two hours of continuous gaming. While this might seem less impressive compared to the ROG Ally X, the Steam Deck OLED compensates with a faster recharge time, allowing gamers to get back into action more quickly.
In conclusion, the choice between the Asus ROG Ally X vs Steam Deck OLED largely depends on your gaming habits. If you prioritize longer battery life and don’t mind waiting a bit longer for a full charge, the ROG Ally X is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you prefer quicker recharge times and are okay with slightly shorter gaming sessions, the Steam Deck OLED might be more suitable. Ultimately, both devices offer unique advantages, making them strong contenders in the handheld gaming market.
Software and User Interface: ROG Ally X vs. Steam Deck OLED
Operating Systems
- ROG Ally X: Runs on Windows 11, offering a familiar interface and access to a vast library of games and applications.
- Steam Deck OLED: Utilizes SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system specifically designed for gaming, providing a streamlined and optimized experience.
User Interface
- ROG Ally X: Features a traditional Windows interface, allowing for easy navigation and customization.
- Steam Deck OLED: Boasts a clean and intuitive interface, focusing on gaming and minimizing distractions.
Gaming Experience
- ROG Ally X: Offers a more versatile gaming experience, allowing users to play games from various platforms and sources.
- Steam Deck OLED: Provides a seamless gaming experience, with the Steam Store integrated directly into the interface for easy game discovery and purchase.
Additional Features
- ROG Ally X: Includes features like GameFX for audio enhancement and Armoury Crate for system monitoring.
- Steam Deck OLED: Offers features like Remote Play, allowing users to stream games from their PC to the device.
Game Compatibility: ROG Ally X vs. Steam Deck OLED
- Windows 11: Offers broad game compatibility, allowing you to play games from various platforms, including Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and more.
- Wide Range of Applications: Supports a variety of applications beyond gaming, such as productivity tools, media players, and web browsers.
- SteamOS: Optimized for Steam games, ensuring a seamless gaming experience.
- Proton Compatibility: Supports many non-Steam games through Proton, a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux.
- Limited Application Support: While there are some applications available for SteamOS, the selection is more limited compared to Windows 11.
Overall
- ROG Ally X: Offers greater flexibility in terms of game and application compatibility.
- Steam Deck OLED: Provides a more streamlined experience for Steam games but may have limitations for non-Steam titles.
Connectivity and Ports: ROG Ally X vs. Steam Deck OLED
Asus Rog Ally X:
- 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support DisplayPort/ power delivery
- 1x Type C supports USB 4 (Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4 with Freesync support, Power Delivery 3.0)
- 1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC)
Steam Deck OLED:
- 1x 3.5mm stereo headphone / headset jack
- 1x Display port over USB 3 gen 2 Type C (up to 8K @60Hz or 4K @120Hz)
- 1x UHS-I microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC)
Price and Value for Money: ROG Ally X vs. Steam Deck OLED
Pricing
- ROG Ally X: Generally priced higher than the Steam Deck OLED due to its more powerful processor and wider range of compatible games.
- Steam Deck OLED: Offers a more affordable option, especially for users primarily interested in playing Steam games.
Value for Money
- ROG Ally X: Provides excellent value for money if you prioritize raw performance, a wider range of compatible games, and customizable controls.
- Steam Deck OLED: Offers good value for money if you value a visually stunning display, a streamlined gaming experience, and a larger base storage capacity.
Factors to Consider
- Budget: Determine your budget to narrow down your options.
- Gaming Preferences: Consider the types of games you primarily play to assess which device better suits your needs.
- Additional Features: Evaluate if features like customizable controls or a wider range of compatible applications are important to you.
Conclusion
The choice between the ROG Ally X and Steam Deck OLED ultimately depends on your individual priorities and budget. Both devices offer excellent value for money, but the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences
FAQs for ROG Ally X and Steam Deck OLED
ROG Ally X
- Can I install Windows 11 on the ROG Ally X?
- Yes, the ROG Ally X comes pre-installed with Windows 11.
- What is the battery life of the ROG Ally X?
- Battery life can vary depending on factors like game settings and usage patterns. However, it generally offers good battery life for a gaming handheld.
- Can I use the ROG Ally X as a PC?
- Yes, the ROG Ally X can be used as a portable PC for tasks like browsing the web, watching videos, and using productivity applications.
- Is the ROG Ally X compatible with Xbox Game Pass?
- Yes, the ROG Ally X is compatible with Xbox Game Pass, allowing you to access a library of games through a subscription.
Steam Deck OLED
- What is the difference between the Steam Deck and the Steam Deck OLED?
- The Steam Deck OLED features a higher-quality OLED display with improved contrast, colors, and black levels.
- Can I play non-Steam games on the Steam Deck OLED?
- Yes, the Steam Deck OLED can play non-Steam games through Proton, a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux.
- How long does the Steam Deck OLED battery last?
- Battery life can vary depending on factors like game settings and usage patterns. However, it generally offers good battery life for a gaming handheld.
- Can I use the Steam Deck OLED as a PC?
- While the Steam Deck OLED is primarily designed for gaming, it can be used for some basic PC tasks like browsing the web or using productivity applications.
