Tablet PCs That Can Keep Up with Valve’s Steam Deck: Do They Exist?
So, you’re eyeing Valve’s Steam Deck, but you’re wondering if there’s a tablet PC out there that can keep up with this gaming beast. After all, wouldn’t it be nice to have a device that combines the portability of a tablet with the raw power needed to run your favorite games?
Maybe even something you could use to dominate in the CSGO skins empire while also streaming your victories? Let’s see what the market has to offer.
The Asus ROG Flow Z13: The Serious Contender
Let’s start with the big guns. The Asus ROG Flow Z13 is like the sports car of gaming tablets—sleek, powerful, and built for speed.
This thing packs an Intel Core i9 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, which is pretty much overkill for most games. But hey, overkill is underrated. With up to 32GB of RAM, this tablet isn’t just playing games; it’s flexing.
When it comes to gaming performance, the Z13 can rival and sometimes even surpass the Steam Deck. This is especially true if you’re into graphics-heavy games. You’re not just running games; you’re running them at settings that would make other tablets cry.
But here’s the catch—it’s more expensive. A lot more expensive. So, while you might get some serious bragging rights, your wallet might feel the burn.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: The Jack of All Trades
Next up, is the Microsoft Surface Pro 9. This isn’t exactly marketed as a gaming device, but don’t let that fool you.
With options for Intel’s 12th Gen Core i5 or i7 processors and up to 32GB of RAM, it’s got enough horsepower under the hood to run a wide range of PC games. Pair that with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, and you’ve got yourself a solid all-rounder.
But let’s get real. The Surface Pro 9 isn’t going to handle AAA titles with the same ease as the Steam Deck or the ROG Flow Z13. It’s more like a Swiss Army knife—it can do a lot of things well, but it’s not specialized.
However, if you’re looking for something that can juggle gaming, work, and streaming your favourite shows, the Surface Pro 9 has got your back.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: The Android Powerhouse
Let’s switch gears to the Android world. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a beast in its own right, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and up to 16GB of RAM. Now, you’re not going to run PC games natively on this thing, but that’s not the point. The Tab S9 Ultra is all about versatility.
You can dive into mobile gaming, where it absolutely shines, or use it for cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce Now. It’s not a direct competitor to the Steam Deck when it comes to raw PC gaming, but for those who want a tablet that does streaming, gaming, and work, it’s a solid pick.
GPD Win 4: The Portable Handheld Gaming PC
If you’re looking for something that’s closer in spirit to the Steam Deck, check out the GPD Win 4. This device isn’t exactly a tablet, but rather a portable handheld gaming PC.
It’s designed specifically for gaming on the go, with an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor and Radeon 780M graphics. The Win 4 has a slide-out keyboard and built-in game controls, making it a powerful and portable option for gaming enthusiasts.
The GPD Win 4 is like having a full-fledged gaming PC in your hands, capable of running modern PC games with ease. It’s perfect for gamers who want something as portable as the Steam Deck but with a different form factor. This handheld gaming PC offers impressive performance, making it a strong competitor in the portable gaming market.
The Bottom Line
So, can any of these tablets or devices truly match the Steam Deck? The short answer is “yes and no”. If you’re looking for pure gaming power, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 is your best bet. It’s got the specs to run games at high settings and the design to turn heads. But it’s pricey, and it’s definitely more of a tablet that can game rather than a gaming tablet.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 offers a balanced approach—great for those who need a versatile device that can handle gaming on the side. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is perfect if you’re living in the Android ecosystem and want a device that can do a little bit of everything.
Then there’s the GPD Win 4, which is probably the closest thing to a Steam Deck in a different form factor. It’s portable, powerful, and designed with gaming at its core. But no matter which way you slice it, the Steam Deck is still a unique blend of affordability, power, and portability that’s hard to beat.
Jim’s passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”