Gaming devices: Meta Quest 4 vs. Steam Deck 2
Quick Verdict
The Meta Quest 4 and Steam Deck 2 cater to different gaming experiences. The Quest 4 is geared towards immersive VR gaming with high-resolution displays and advanced tracking, while the Steam Deck 2 focuses on enhanced PC gaming on the go with improved performance and battery life. Choosing between them depends on whether the user prioritizes VR immersion or portable PC gaming.
- The Meta Quest 4 aims for high-fidelity VR experiences with potential 5K resolution per eye, while the Steam Deck 2 targets improved visuals with a rumored 900p OLED display.
- Meta Quest 4 focuses on advanced VR features like eye/face tracking and EMG, whereas Steam Deck 2 emphasizes performance and efficiency with a new AMD APU and faster RAM.
- Both devices are expected to improve battery life and ergonomics compared to their predecessors, but specific details are limited.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Meta Quest 4 | Steam Deck 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Meta Quest 4 | Steam Deck 2 |
| Display Resolution (per eye) | Standard Quest 4: 4Kx2K (4000 x 2000); Quest 4 Pro: dual 2.5-inch micro-OLED displays with around 5K resolution per eye; Other potential resolutions: 2160 x 3840 and approximately 2500 x 2600 pixels per eye | 900p OLED display (rumored) |
| Refresh Rate | Likely to support 72 Hz, 80 Hz, 90 Hz, and 120 Hz; possibility of refresh rates up to 120Hz or 144Hz | 90Hz (expected), 120Hz (desired by some users) |
| Field of View (FOV) | Prototype with an ultra-wide 180-degree horizontal FOV; Boba 3 prototype offers 180 degrees horizontal and 120 degrees vertical FOV | Not available |
| Processor | Next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon XR chipset, likely the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 3 or a similar successor; Snapdragon XR3 processor could potentially double the graphical processing power | AMD "Magnus" APU (Zen 4 or Zen 6 architecture possible), alternatives from Intel or Qualcomm being explored |
| RAM | Rumored to have at least 8GB of RAM in the base model; premium model may offer 16GB of RAM; some sources suggest the possibility of 12GB+ in premium models | 20GB, 24GB, or 32GB (speculated) |
| Storage Options | Rumored to increase from 128GB to 256GB; other potential storage options mentioned are 128GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB; premium model could offer up to 1TB of SSD-style storage | More options expected, improved triggers, Hall effect joysticks and AI-powered features also on the wishlist. Current Steam Deck offers 512GB and 1TB NVMe SSD options, both including a high-speed microSD card slot. |
| Battery Life (Gaming) | May extend battery life by 17% to approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes through efficiency optimizations; some sources mention an average of 2.5 to 3 hours of use, depending on the activity | Valve aims for at least 40% longer runtime compared to previous models |
| Weight | Hoped to be lighter than the Quest 3 (515 grams) | Not available |
| Ergonomics and Comfort | Expected to have a thinner and more comfortable design; features may include rebalanced weight distribution, improved adjustable straps, better ventilation, and more durable, sweat-resistant padding | The Lenovo Legion Go S improves on the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck's ergonomics. |
| Game Library/Compatibility | Expected to have a vast and growing library of VR games and applications; should support older Quest games | Likely offers seamless Steam library integration |
| Tracking Technology | Advanced tracking is expected, potentially including eye and face tracking; Electromyography (EMG) technology might be integrated for gesture-based controls | Not available |
| Connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) | Likely to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; some sources mention seamless cloud integration and cloud gaming support | Steam Deck OLED comes with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
Overall Comparison
Meta Quest 4: Up to 5K resolution per eye, potential 120Hz+ refresh rate, Snapdragon XR chipset. Steam Deck 2: Rumored 900p OLED display, potential 90Hz/120Hz refresh rate, AMD 'Magnus' APU, 20GB-32GB RAM, Valve aims for at least 40% longer battery runtime.
Pros and Cons
Meta Quest 4
Pros:
- Significant upgrade in visual clarity with expected 4K per eye resolution and potential OLED displays
- Smoother motion with higher refresh rates (up to 120Hz or more)
- More comfortable design with rebalanced weight, improved straps, and better ventilation
- Substantial improvements in CPU and GPU performance with new Snapdragon XR chipset
- Faster loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced graphics rendering
- Vast and rapidly growing library of VR games and applications
- Advanced inside-out tracking with improved precision and responsiveness
- Potential new features include eye and face tracking, improved mixed reality capabilities, better battery life, and enhanced AI integration
Cons:
- Actual battery life can vary based on the game and settings used
- It is uncertain whether the Quest 4 will support expandable storage
- Performance in terms of latency and stability depends on the specific Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards supported
Steam Deck 2
Pros:
- Sharper visuals and smoother gameplay compared to the original Steam Deck's 800p 60Hz display (expected with rumored 900p resolution and 90Hz refresh rate).
- At least 40% longer battery life (Valve's aim).
- Seamless Steam library integration.
- Potential for significantly more performance and efficiency with the new AMD \"Magnus\" APU.
- Faster LPDDR5X RAM is also being considered.
- Improved triggers and Hall effect joysticks are on the wishlist.
- Wifi 6E, offering increased bandwidth and lower latency, and Bluetooth 5.3.
Cons:
- Weight of the Steam Deck can cause discomfort during extended play sessions, especially for users with smaller hands.
- Comfort is subjective, influenced by hand size and grip style.
User Experiences and Feedback
Meta Quest 4
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
Steam Deck 2
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.