The Asus ROG Phone 5 and the Steam Deck are two of the most highly anticipated handheld gaming devices set to be released in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Both of these devices offer unique features that are sure to appeal to gamers, but which one could come out on top in a head-to-head battle? Let’s take a closer look at both devices.
Asus ROG Phone 5 The Asus ROG Phone 5 is a powerful gaming phone that boasts a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, and up to 18GB of RAM. It also features ultrasonic touch-sensitive triggers, a large 6,000mAh battery, and a customizable RGB lighting system. The phone runs on Android and is optimized for gaming, with features like X-Mode and Game Genie that provide enhanced performance and customization options.
Steam Deck The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming device from Valve that runs on a custom version of SteamOS. It features a 7-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1280×800 pixels, a custom AMD APU with RDNA 2 graphics, and up to 16GB of RAM. It also has a built-in controller with joysticks, buttons, and triggers, and offers support for external peripherals like mice and keyboards. The device can run any game from the Steam library and can be docked to a TV for a console-like experience.
So, which one could come out on top? Here are a few factors to consider:
Performance: In terms of raw power, the Asus ROG Phone 5 is likely to have an edge over the Steam Deck, with its more powerful processor and up to 18GB of RAM. However, the Steam Deck’s custom AMD APU with RDNA 2 graphics is designed specifically for gaming, and could offer a more optimized gaming experience.
Display: The Asus ROG Phone 5 has a larger, higher-resolution display with a higher refresh rate, which could make for a more immersive gaming experience. However, the Steam Deck’s display is more portable and has a 16:10 aspect ratio that’s ideal for gaming.
Games: Both devices have access to a huge library of games, but the Steam Deck has the advantage of being able to run any game from the Steam library, which includes thousands of titles. The Asus ROG Phone 5 runs on Android, which limits its game library somewhat.
Controls: The Asus ROG Phone 5’s ultrasonic touch-sensitive triggers are a unique feature that could give it an advantage over the Steam Deck’s more traditional button layout. However, the Steam Deck’s built-in controller is more versatile, and can be used with a wide range of games.
Overall, both the Asus ROG Phone 5 and the Steam Deck are highly capable handheld gaming devices that offer unique features and advantages. Which one could come out on top will depend on individual preferences and needs. The Asus ROG Phone 5 could be the better choice for those who prioritize raw power and a more traditional smartphone experience, while the Steam Deck could be the better choice for those who want a more versatile gaming device that can run any game from the Steam library.