Deciding between a budget gaming laptop and Valve's handheld? Here is how raw power compares to true portability.
A budget laptop with an Nvidia GTX 1650 scored double the Steam Deck's 3DMark Time Spy score in synthetic tests.
The Steam Deck uses a crisp 7-inch 800p screen, while budget laptops feature larger ~15-inch 1080p displays.
Steam Deck offers genuine handheld mobility, while a laptop requires a desk surface and mouse space.
Heavy games drain a laptop battery in under two hours. Both systems generate noticeable fan noise under load.
The Steam Deck runs SteamOS for a console-like experience, whereas budget gaming laptops use standard Windows 11.
Read our complete guide with pros, cons and the best picks for every budget.
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