Valve’s Steam Deck turned heads upon its initial release, offering a portable PC gaming experience that rivaled even some desktop setups. In late 2023, Valve upgraded this hardware with the Steam Deck OLED, promising better visuals, improved battery life, and general performance improvements. For gamers trying to decide between the original Steam Deck and the newer OLED model, there are many factors to consider.
This complete comparison guide highlights the core differences and improvements in the Steam Deck OLED versus the original Steam Deck, enabling users to make an informed decision based on their preferences and budget.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Steam Deck OLED and the original model appear quite similar, especially in terms of size and button layout. However, a closer inspection reveals subtle but important enhancements.
- Weight: The OLED version weighs approximately 30 grams less than the original. Though not substantial, this makes a notable difference during extended play sessions.
- Materials: Both are made of high-quality plastic, but the OLED model benefits from improved materials, resulting in a more refined feel when held.
- Cooling: Valve redesigned the internal cooling setup in the OLED, leading to quieter fan noise and better thermal regulation.
Display: OLED vs LCD
The biggest difference between the two models lies in the screen technology. The original Steam Deck features a 7-inch LCD display, while the new Steam Deck OLED lives up to its name with a richer and brighter 7.4-inch OLED screen.
- Colors: OLED screens produce more vibrant and saturated colors with true blacks, making games appear more immersive.
- Brightness: The OLED reaches a peak brightness of 1000 nits compared to 400 nits on the LCD. Outdoor gaming becomes far more viable.
- Refresh Rate: The OLED model supports a 90Hz refresh rate versus the 60Hz of the original. This leads to smoother gameplay, particularly in fast-paced titles.
- Screen Size: Although both devices are physically the same size, the OLED’s thinner bezels allow for a slightly larger 7.4-inch display compared to 7 inches on the older model.
In summary, for visual quality, the Steam Deck OLED is a significant leap ahead.
Performance and Hardware
Despite their gpu and CPU cores remaining virtually the same (based on AMD’s custom APU architecture), the OLED model features some hardware-level improvements that enhance its efficiency and performance.
- APU Process: The Steam Deck OLED APU is built on a 6nm process, compared to the original’s 7nm. This increases efficiency and marginally improves battery longevity and thermal behavior.
- Wi-Fi: The OLED version upgrades to Wi-Fi 6E, delivering faster and more stable internet connectivity, especially beneficial for game streaming and updates.
- Memory: Both models include 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, though improved memory latency in OLED models ensures slightly better load times and responses.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life was a major concern among early Steam Deck adopters, and Valve addressed this effectively in the OLED version.
- Battery Size: The OLED version comes with a larger 50Wh battery, compared to 40Wh in the original Steam Deck.
- Efficiency Gains: Paired with a more efficient APU and OLED screen, this translates to an increase of 30–50% in actual usage.
- Charging Speed: The new model supports USB Power Delivery 3.1 and comes with a more robust 65W charger. As a result, charging is quicker and safer.
Real-world testing places the OLED Steam Deck at around 5–7 hours of gameplay per charge, while the original often dropped to 3–4 hours depending on the game.
Storage Options
Both models offer a range of storage options, but Valve introduced a new SKU to the OLED lineup.
- Steam Deck Original: Ranges from 64GB eMMC, to 256GB and 512GB NVMe SSDs.
- Steam Deck OLED: Starts at 512GB and goes up to 1TB, both using NVMe SSDs.
The OLED models eliminate eMMC storage, ensuring faster loading times across the board. Additionally, all versions continue to support microSD expansion for additional storage capacity.
Audio Improvements
Valve enhanced the speakers on the OLED model as well. While the original Steam Deck already delivered strong audio for a handheld, the OLED features improved speakers with deeper bass and clearer high frequencies.
Combined with the improved display, the OLED Deck offers a more immersive multimedia experience.
User Experience and Software
Software between the two versions remains consistent. Both run SteamOS and have access to the same library and interface. However, some hardware improvements on the OLED make navigation and updates slightly more seamless.
Notably, Valve improved internal components such as the touchscreen digitizer and haptics on the OLED, making it more responsive and pleasant to interact with.
Price and Value
The original Steam Deck launched at a price range of $399–$649 USD depending on storage. The OLED versions are priced slightly higher, reflecting their premium upgrades:
- Steam Deck OLED 512GB: $549
- Steam Deck OLED 1TB: $649 (includes premium etched anti-glare screen)
However, Valve has since lowered prices on the original LCD models, making them more appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
Conclusion: Which One Is Right for You?
The decision between the Steam Deck OLED and the original comes down to user priority. For gamers focused purely on budget, the original Steam Deck still delivers outstanding performance and value. But for those who want a richer display, better battery life, and lighter build, the OLED model is the better option.
- Choose the OLED if display quality, battery life, and future-proof features like Wi-Fi 6E are important to you.
- Choose the original Steam Deck if you’re looking for the most affordable way to get into handheld PC gaming.
Whichever model you choose, the Steam Deck stands as one of the most innovative portable gaming devices available.
FAQ
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Q: Can I upgrade my original Steam Deck screen to OLED?
A: No, the OLED screen is part of a broader internal redesign and cannot be swapped into the original model. -
Q: Is the Steam Deck OLED worth the extra money?
A: For users who prioritize portability, display quality, and extended battery life, the OLED model is worth the premium. -
Q: Does the OLED version have the same game compatibility?
A: Yes, both models run SteamOS and support the same library of Steam games and verified titles. -
Q: Can I still buy the original LCD Steam Deck?
A: Yes, while Valve has started phasing it out, many LCD models are still available through official and third-party retailers. -
Q: Is the refresh rate difference noticeable?
A: Yes, especially in fast-paced or competitive games. The 90Hz OLED feels smoother and more responsive.
