Valve has officially unveiled Steam Deck OLED, creating a dilemma for fans who had planned to buy the original Steam Deck during the Black Friday sale. Now, they are comparing the Steam Deck OLED vs LCD to decide which one to buy.
The newly released OLED version of the Steam Deck boasts several enhancements over the standard version, most notably a superior display. But beyond the display, what other improvements does it offer, and is the Steam Deck OLED truly worth the investment?
In this guide, we'll explore the crucial differences between the Steam Deck OLED and LCD models, equipping you with the necessary information to make an informed choice: whether to opt for the OLED, stick with the LCD, or hold out for Steam Deck 2.
Steam Deck OLED vs LCD - differences
The main differences between the OLED and LCD versions of the Steam Deck are evident in several aspects, such as the refresh rate, battery life, screen technology, APU, and WiFi technology.
Let's take a look at the differences between these two Steam Deck models in detail.
Steam Deck OLED | Steam Deck LCD | |
|---|---|---|
Screen Size | 7.4” diagonal | 7” diagonal |
Display Type | HDR OLED | Optically bonded IPS LCD |
Maximum Brightness | 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR) | 600 nits (SDR) | 400 nits typical |
Refresh rate | up to 90Hz | 60Hz |
APU | 6 nm AMD APU | 7 nm AMD APU |
RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (6400 MT/s quad 32-bit channels) | 16 GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels) |
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 5 |
Battery Life | 3-12 hours of gameplay | 2-8 hours of gameplay |
Weight | 640 grams | 669 grams |
Storage Options | 512GB and 1TB | 256GB |
Display, brightness and refresh rate
The Steam Deck OLED model boasts a marginally larger screen compared to its LCD counterpart, featuring a 7.4-inch diagonal display, in contrast to the LCD's 7-inch diagonal.
In terms of brightness, the OLED version shines with 1,000 nits peak brightness for HDR content and 600 nits for SDR, significantly surpassing the LCD's 400 nits. This increase in brightness greatly aids in outdoor gaming, offering clearer visibility and improved screen readability in bright environments.
Additionally, the OLED model offers a higher refresh rate, capable of reaching up to 90Hz, compared to the 60Hz offered by the LCD version. This higher refresh rate enables smoother motion and reduced blur in fast-paced games, providing a more responsive and enjoyable gaming experience.
APU, battery life and Wi-Fi technology
The OLED Steam Deck boasts a 30-50% longer battery life than its LCD counterpart, thanks to a larger battery and a more efficient AMD APU. This results in 3-12 hours of gameplay, surpassing the 2-8 hour battery life of the Steam Deck LCD model.
The Steam Deck OLED is equipped with Wifi 6E, which provides enhanced bandwidth and reduced latency. This upgrade translates to up to three times faster download speeds and more stable online gameplay.
And with that, we are wrapping up our Steam Deck OLED vs LCD comparison guide. For those unsure about which storage model to choose, we suggest consulting our guide, "Which Steam Deck should you get?" to aid in making an informed decision.