Can a top-tier Android gaming handheld really hold its own against a Linux-based portable PC?
For the past couple of years, the Steam Deck especially the OLED refresh has dominated thanks to its unbeatable value and access to a massive PC library. But Ayaneo isn’t backing down. With the new Aya Neo Pocket S2, they’re bringing sleek design and serious hardware to the fight. Now, these two machines target slightly different audiences, so this isn’t exactly an apples-to-apples comparison. Still, if you’re shopping for a handheld in 2025, we’re going to break down what each one does best to help you figure out which is right for you.
Design & Build
Let’s start with looks and feel.
The Aya Neo Pocket S2 screams premium. It’s carved out of CNC aluminum, with a quad-curved back that melts into your palms like a smooth stone. At just under 16mm thin and around 428 grams, it’s incredibly light and portable much more pocket-friendly than the Steam Deck. It gives off that luxury smartphone vibe, which has kind of become Ayaneo’s signature. Controls are just as polished, featuring Hall-effect joysticks and triggers that eliminate drift, so longevity is baked in.
Meanwhile, the Steam Deck OLED takes the opposite approach: it’s big, it’s chunky, but it’s ridiculously comfortable. Weighing about 640 grams, it’s no featherweight, but the grip design is so ergonomic that it balances out nicely during long play sessions. The plastic shell feels durable, and Valve made smart tweaks for the OLED refresh like stick upgrades for better grip. Add in the dual trackpads and four programmable back buttons, and you’ve got a device tuned for PC-style games that don’t always map well to controllers. So, the choice is clear: the Aya Neo Pocket S2 nails sleek portability, while the Steam Deck OLED prioritizes comfort and versatility.
Specs
Under the hood, they’re very different beasts.
The Pocket S2 runs on Android 14 with Ayaneo’s own AyaSpace software layered on top. AyaSpace doubles as both a launcher and a performance tuner, giving you quick access to settings. Powering it all is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 platform, built specifically for gaming handhelds. Compared to the last gen, it boasts a 30% CPU bump and 28% GPU uplift. You can configure it with up to 16GB of RAM and as much as 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, which is blazing fast for loading apps and games.
The Steam Deck OLED, in contrast, is essentially a portable Linux PC running SteamOS. It relies on Proton compatibility layers to make Windows games run, and the whole experience feels surprisingly console-like. Its custom AMD APU isn’t faster than the original Deck, but it’s redesigned for efficiency running cooler and sipping less power. Like the Pocket S2, you get 16GB of RAM, but the storage options are 512GB or 1TB NVMe SSDs. It’s less about raw mobile horsepower and more about running real PC games in a stable, optimized environment.
Game Library
Now, what can you actually play on these devices?
With the Steam Deck OLED, it’s simple: your entire Steam library, plus support for other storefronts if you’re willing to tinker. That means AAA giants like Baldur’s Gate 3 alongside endless indie titles. Valve has the “Deck Verified” program to rate compatibility, though the community site ProtonDB is often more reliable, with real user reports on what works. For anyone already invested in PC gaming, the Deck is practically a dream machine.
The Aya Neo Pocket S2 lives in the Android ecosystem. Out of the box, you’ve got the Google Play Store, so big hits like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile run flawlessly. But where it really shines is emulation. This is where Android has the edge: PS2, GameCube, even Switch emulation at boosted resolutions—it can handle all of it. That makes it a retro powerhouse. The only catch? You can’t run PC games natively, though streaming from your desktop is always an option.
Performance
Here’s where things get interesting.
The Pocket S2 has a sharp 6.3-inch 1440p IPS display. It’s crisp, but it’s locked at 60Hz. For a premium handheld, skipping OLED or high refresh feels like a step back. That’s exactly where the Steam Deck OLED dominates with its 7.4-inch HDR OLED panel. We’re talking 90Hz refresh, peak brightness around 1,000 nits, and flawless contrast. Reviewers like PCGamer and IGN have praised it for making every game look alive with rich colors and inky blacks.
As for raw performance, the Pocket S2 flexes in emulation tests. Russ from Retro Game Corps pushed it through a 100-hour run, showing Metal Gear Solid 3 at 3.5x resolution running over five hours straight. ETA Prime demonstrated PS2 games like Tekken 5 and Gran Turismo 4 at 4x resolution holding steady at 60fps. Even Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze on Switch emulation hit 1080p and ran for nearly five hours impressive efficiency.
The Steam Deck OLED sticks to its baseline performance. Expect Cyberpunk 2077 around 35fps on its optimized Deck preset and God of War at 40–50fps on low. It won’t max out cutting-edge AAA games, but it handles most of the Steam catalog decently well if you manage settings.
On battery, the Pocket S2 has an 8,000mAh cell in the base model and a hefty 10,000mAh in the Pro. That’s plenty for long emulation sessions. The Steam Deck OLED’s 50Wh pack, paired with the more efficient chip, nets 30–50% better battery life than the original. IGN clocked over an extra hour in Cyberpunk 2077, and Rock Paper Shotgun saw more than two hours of Elden Ring versus about 90 minutes on the old model.
Extra Features
Each handheld brings unique perks to the table.
The Pocket S2 Pro has a detachable D-pad option fantastic for fighting game purists. It’s also rocking Wi-Fi 7 for blazing-fast connectivity and includes a fingerprint sensor in the power button for quick security.
The Steam Deck OLED is stacked with PC-focused extras. Dual trackpads make mouse-heavy games much more manageable, while the four rear paddles give advanced control customization. And like the Nintendo Switch, it has a quick suspend-and-resume feature just tap the power button and jump right back into your game later.
Verdict
So, which handheld deserves your money?
If you’re already a PC gamer, the Steam Deck OLED is the obvious choice. It’s comfortable, it’s versatile, and it gives you access to an enormous library at incredible value. The OLED screen alone feels like a generational leap.
But if you’re all about Android, mobile titles, or especially high-end emulation, the Aya Neo Pocket S2 is a fantastic option. It’s premium, portable, and its Snapdragon hardware crushes retro performance.
At the end of the day, the Deck OLED is the better pick for PC players, while the Pocket S2 shines brightest for Android enthusiasts and emulation fans.
