Lenovo Legion Go vs Steam Deck – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Lenovo Legion Go & Steam Deck share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Lenovo Legion Go rather than the Steam Deck

Why Do I Recommend The Lenovo Legion Go

  • The Lenovo Legion Go S features an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go APU with Zen 3 cores for faster clock speeds and improved per-core performance in modern games, whereas the Steam Deck uses a custom AMD Zen 2 APU with lower clock speeds.
  • Lenovo Legion Go S comes with 32 GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM for smoother multitasking and better handling of large open-world games, while the Steam Deck uses 16 GB of LPDDR5-5500 or LPDDR5-6500 RAM.
  • It has an 8-inch 1920×1200 display with a 120 Hz refresh rate for more responsive gameplay and smoother visuals, whereas the Steam Deck uses a 7-inch 1280×800 LCD display with 60 Hz refresh rate.
  • The Lenovo Legion Go S supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for reducing screen tearing and maintaining smooth frame pacing in fluctuating framerates, while the Steam Deck does not support VRR.
  • Lenovo Legion Go S reaches up to 500 nits brightness for better outdoor visibility and improved image clarity in bright environments, whereas the Steam Deck peaks at around 400 nits brightness.
  • It includes a larger 55.5 Wh battery for potentially longer gaming sessions at moderate settings, while the Steam Deck uses a smaller 40 Wh battery.
  • The Lenovo Legion Go S is thinner at around 0.88 inches for improved portability and comfort in handheld use, whereas the Steam Deck is thicker at around 1.9 inches.
  • Lenovo Legion Go S features a more powerful RDNA 2 GPU with up to 12 compute units at higher clock speeds for better rendering performance in demanding games, while the Steam Deck’s RDNA 2 GPU has 8 compute units at lower clock speeds.

Maybe the Steam Deck price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Lenovo Legion Go. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureLenovo Legion GoSteam Deck
CPU (APU)AMD Ryzen Z2 Go, up to ~4.3 GHzCustom AMD Zen 2 APU, up to ~3.5 GHz
GPURadeon 680M (RDNA 2), up to ~2.2 GHz, 12 CUsRDNA 2 GPU, up to ~1.6 GHz, 8 CUs
RAM32 GB LPDDR5X-640016 GB LPDDR5-5500 (LCD) or LPDDR5-6500
Display Size & Type8″ display7″ (LCD) or 7.4″
Refresh Rate120 Hz60 Hz
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)YesNo
Brightness (max)500 nits400 nits
Battery Capacity~55.5 Wh40 Wh (LCD) / 50 Wh
Weight~1.62 lb~1.47 lb (LCD), ~1.41 lb
Thickness~0.88 inches~1.9 inches
Operating Systems AvailableWindows 11; SteamOS version comingSteamOS only
PriceCheck Lenovo Legion Go PriceCheck Steam Deck Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • AMD APU Architecture: Both devices use an AMD x86 APU, combining CPU and Radeon GPU in one chip for efficient performance and compact design.
  • Integrated Radeon Graphics: Each model includes an AMD Radeon integrated GPU, delivering capable 3D graphics for handheld gaming.
  • LPDDR5-Class Memory: Both feature LPDDR5-class soldered memory, ensuring high bandwidth and low latency for smoother gameplay.
  • NVMe SSD Storage: Each handheld uses an NVMe SSD for fast load times and quick game installations.
  • Expandable Storage: Both include a microSD card slot, allowing easy expansion for larger game libraries.
  • 16:10 Touchscreen Display: Each device has a 16:10 aspect ratio touchscreen, providing extra vertical space and intuitive touch input.
  • Wi-Fi 6E Connectivity: Both support Wi-Fi 6E, offering faster wireless speeds and reduced latency in supported networks.
  • Bluetooth 5.3 Support: Each model features Bluetooth 5.3 for stable connections with wireless peripherals and audio devices.
  • 3.5 mm Audio Jack: Both have a 3.5 mm combo jack, enabling wired headphone and headset use.
  • USB-C Display Output: Each handheld supports DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C, allowing external monitor connections.
  • USB Power Delivery 3.0: Both use USB PD 3.0 for charging, supporting fast and efficient power delivery.
  • Stereo Speakers: Each model includes stereo speakers for immersive on-device audio.
  • Dual Microphones: Both feature a dual-mic array, improving voice clarity during chats and streaming.
  • Ambient Light Sensor: Each device has an ambient light sensor to adjust screen brightness automatically.
  • Motion Sensors: Both incorporate 6-axis motion sensors, enabling motion-based controls in compatible games.
  • External Display Support: Each supports external display output for docked or desktop-style gaming.
  • Docking Compatibility: Both work with USB-C docks, allowing connection to multiple peripherals and charging simultaneously.
  • Standard Gamepad Layout: Each model uses a familiar ABXY, D-pad, analog sticks, triggers, and bumpers layout for intuitive control.
  • Steam Game Library Access: Both can run Steam titles, giving access to a vast PC gaming ecosystem.
  • SteamOS Availability: Each has a SteamOS configuration, providing a gaming-optimized Linux environment.

Common Features

FeatureLenovo Legion GoSteam Deck
Processor classAMD x86 APUAMD x86 APU
Integrated graphicsAMD Radeon integrated GPUAMD Radeon integrated GPU
System memory techLPDDR5-classLPDDR5-class
Internal storageNVMe SSDNVMe SSD
Expandable storagemicroSD card slotmicroSD card slot
Display aspect16:1016:10
TouchscreenYesYes
Wireless LANWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6E
BluetoothBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3
Headset jack3.5 mm combo3.5 mm combo
USB-C video outDisplayPort Alt ModeDisplayPort Alt Mode
USB-C chargingUSB Power Delivery 3.0USB Power Delivery 3.0
SpeakersStereo speakersStereo speakers
MicrophonesDual-mic arrayDual-mic array
Light sensorAmbient light sensorAmbient light sensor
Motion sensors6-axis motion6-axis motion
External display supportVia USB-C/DP Alt ModeVia USB-C/DP Alt Mode
Dock/hub supportWorks with USB-C docksWorks with USB-C docks
Gamepad layoutABXY, D-pad, analog sticks, triggers, bumpersABXY, D-pad, analog sticks, triggers, bumpers
Steam game libraryRuns Steam titlesRuns Steam titles
SteamOS availabilityDedicated SteamOS configuration availableShips with SteamOS
Price Check Lenovo Legion Go Price Check Steam Deck Price

FAQ

What operating systems do the Lenovo Legion Go S and Steam Deck use?
The Lenovo Legion Go S initially ships with Windows 11, but a SteamOS version is planned. The Steam Deck comes preloaded with SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system optimized for handheld gaming.

Can both devices run Steam games?
Yes, both devices can run Steam games. The Steam Deck does so natively through SteamOS, while the Legion Go S can run them via the Steam client on Windows or its upcoming SteamOS variant.

Do they both support expandable storage?
Yes, both devices include a microSD card slot, allowing users to expand game storage easily without replacing the internal SSD.

What is the display aspect ratio on both devices?
Both handhelds use a 16:10 aspect ratio display, providing more vertical space than standard 16:9 screens, which is beneficial for gaming and browsing.

Do they both have touchscreen capability?
Yes, each device features a touchscreen display, allowing for direct touch input in games, navigation, and desktop applications.

What type of processors do they use?
Both devices use AMD x86 APUs that combine CPU and integrated Radeon GPU on a single chip, enabling strong performance in a compact form factor.

Do they have built-in motion controls?
Yes, both the Legion Go S and Steam Deck feature 6-axis motion sensors, enabling motion-based aiming and control in compatible games.

Do they support wireless audio and controllers?
Yes, both have Bluetooth 5.3, which allows for wireless headphones, speakers, and controllers to be paired easily.

Can they be connected to external displays?
Yes, both devices have USB-C ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode, enabling users to connect them to monitors or TVs for larger-screen gaming.

Do they support docking for desktop-style setups?
Yes, each device supports USB-C docks, which can add peripherals such as keyboards, mice, Ethernet, and multiple displays while charging the device.

Do they have similar audio features?
Yes, both have stereo speakers, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and dual microphones for clear voice communication.

Do they have ambient light sensors?
Yes, both include an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts screen brightness based on lighting conditions.

Are they designed with a similar gamepad layout?
Yes, both use a familiar ABXY button layout with D-pad, dual analog sticks, triggers, and bumpers, making them intuitive for most players.

Do they both support Wi-Fi 6E?
Yes, both the Legion Go S and Steam Deck include Wi-Fi 6E support for faster speeds, lower latency, and improved wireless stability on supported networks.

Is SteamOS available for both devices?
Yes, the Steam Deck comes with SteamOS pre-installed, and Lenovo will offer a SteamOS version of the Legion Go S in addition to its Windows model.

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