The handheld gaming scene is getting competitive now! You must not have forgotten the announcement of Zotact Zone, the upcoming device from Zotac that is rumored to give Steam Deck a run for its money. If you are interested in it, you can click here for a detailed comparison between the Zotac Zone and other popular handheld devices. Now, a new competitor has entered the arena; the Zeenix Pro. So, what is the deal with this newly announced handheld device and is it better than the Steam Deck? Like always, here we are with all the answers!
The recently announced Zeenix device, developed by the Brazilian tech company Tech Toy, is set to be released soon in Brazil. It will be available in two versions: Lite and Pro. The Lite version is designed for casual gaming and basic computing tasks, but the Pro version is specifically marketed for serious handheld gaming. With its launch on the horizon, how does the Zeenix Pro stack up against the popular Steam Deck? Is it truly a better alternative? Consider reading till the end to find out.
Zeenix Pro: Is it better than Steam Deck?
First of all, the Zeenix Pro has not been released to the public; we don’t have a release date or a price point right now. So, all the comparisons are based on the specs on the paper. Also, we will be focusing more on the performance, battery, and other x-factors provided by both Deck and Zeenix Pro. But before we go into the juicy bits, here is a top-down comparison of the specifications.
Zeenix Pro Vs Steam Deck
| Features | Steam Deck | Zeenix Pro |
| Processor | AMD Zen 2 | AMD Zen 3+ Ryzen 7 6800U |
| CPU Cores/Threads | 4 cores, 8 threads | 8 cores, 16 threads |
| Graphics | AMD RDNA 2 with 8 compute units | AMD RDNA 2, Radeon 680 with 12 compute units |
| RAM | Up to 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Storage | Configurable up to 512 GB SSD | 512 GB SSD |
| Operating System | SteamOS | Windows 11 |
| Battery Life | 40 Wh | 46.2 Wh |
| Display | 7.4-inch LCD, 1280×800 resolution | 6-inch FullHD (1080p) at 60 Hz |
| Special Features | Optimized for Steam games and game compatibility | Full Windows 11 experience, external GPU compatibility |
Performance
The Zeenix Pro, featuring an AMD Zen 3+ Ryzen 7 6800U processor with eight cores and sixteen threads, paired with an AMD RDNA 2 Radeon 680 graphics card with twelve compute units, significantly outperforms the Steam Deck OLED, which is equipped with an AMD Zen 2 processor (four cores, eight threads), an RDNA 2 GPU with eight compute units. In a nutshell, the Zeenix Pro’s superior CPU and GPU hardware make it better suited for high-performance gaming and demanding applications compared to the Steam Deck OLED.
RAM
Comparing the RAM specifications of these devices, the Steam Deck OLED and the Zeenix Pro both feature 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, with the Steam Deck OLED operating at 6400 MT/s and the Zeenix Pro also at 6400 MHz. The normal Steam Deck, the LCD version, while also equipped with 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, operates at a slightly lower speed of 5500 MT/s. Overall, in terms of RAM speed alone, the Zeenix Pro and the Steam Deck OLED are on par with each other but it surpasses the Steam Deck LCD.
Display
The Steam Deck OLED features a 7.4-inch HDR OLED display with a resolution of 1280×800 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 90Hz. In contrast, the Zeenix Pro is equipped with a 6-inch Full HD IPS display at 60Hz. While the Zeenix Pro’s Full HD resolution provides sharp visuals, its smaller size, and refresh rate are of concern. To keep it simple, Zeenix Pro’s lower refresh rate and IPS technology will look less fluid in motion and contrast compared to the Steam Deck OLED’s OLED display. Overall, the Steam Deck OLED’s larger, higher-refresh-rate OLED screen will undoubtedly provide a better experience as compared to the Zeenix Pro.
Battery
The Zeenix Pro boasts a powerful hardware setup that supports approximately 1 hour of gameplay with Triple-A titles like Starfall at full specifications, though this duration can be extended by adjusting settings or going for less demanding games. Despite its larger battery capacity, the Zeenix Pro’s high-performance components lead to quicker battery drainage under intensive use. In contrast, the Steam Deck OLED has a longer battery life, typically ranging from 2+ hours depending on usage and settings. The Steam Deck’s superior optimization and ability to run games at lower resolutions help conserve battery power, making it a better choice for extended gaming sessions, especially with indie or 2D games.
Operating Systems
The Steam Deck runs on SteamOS, based on Linux, which, while compatible with a vast library of Steam games, frequently runs into errors with multiplayer games due to some games not supporting Linux, particularly those reliant on anti-cheat software. This compatibility issue means that you will not be able to enjoy certain online multiplayer games that make use of anti-cheat software that isn’t compatible with the SteamOS. On the other hand, the Zeenix Pro operates on Windows 11 and is a mini PC with the ability to run almost all PC games, including those requiring specific anti-cheat software or other Windows-exclusive features. So, if you are looking to play online multiplayer games on the go, without any hassle, Zeenix Pro is an obvious winner over the Steam Deck.
The X factor
The Steam Deck has its SteamOS, optimized for gaming and compatibility with a wide array of games from the Steam library, often supported directly by developers. In contrast, the Zeenix Pro running Windows 11 acts as a mini PC and stands out with its Thunderbolt 4 support! This means you will be able to connect external GPUs for better performance in games if you wish. This feature is perfect if you are a tech enthusiast looking to experiment with hardware configurations and achieve high-performance gaming on a portable platform.
Verdict
So far, the Zeenix Pro appears to be the superior choice when comparing raw gaming performance with the Steam Deck OLED. Its powerful Ryzen 7 6800U processor, RDNA 2 Radeon 680 GPU, and the capability to support external GPUs via Thunderbolt 4, all make it better than the Steam Deck on paper. However, the ultimate decision may hinge on the pricing strategy upon launch. The price of the Zeenix Pro, yet undisclosed, could be a game changer when comparing it with the Steam Deck. Anything over the $600 or the $700 mark would make the Zeenix Pro overpriced as compared to the Deck. So until the price is finalized, based on its specifications alone, the Zeenix Pro is far superior to the Steam Deck on multiple fronts!
And that’s all about the comparison between the Steam Deck and the upcoming Zeenix Pro. We hope your doubts on this matter are cleared. That said, for more such insightful content, make sure to visit DigiStatement daily. Read more: Flintlock The Siege of Dawn Crashing on Steam Deck: How to fix it?
