OLED Display and Upgrades Make the Steam Deck OLED a Game-Changer
Last week, I discovered the existence of the Steam Deck OLED, a handheld gaming PC that fulfills my desires of the past two years. While the original Steam Deck was an impressive gaming device, it fell short in terms of its IPS display and battery life. However, Valve has addressed these weaknesses with the new Steam Deck OLED, making it a lighter, brighter, longer-lasting, and faster-running version of its predecessor. As someone who has tried and loved the Steam Deck OLED, I can confidently say that it is a game-changer.
A Closer Look at the Steam Deck OLED
The most notable upgrade in the Steam Deck OLED is its new OLED display. The screen now measures 7.4 inches, slightly larger than the original’s 7 inches. This increase in size reduces the bezels and provides a clearer and smoother gaming experience. The OLED panel also offers improved color performance, with a 93.8% sRGB gamut coverage compared to the original’s 63.7%. Additionally, the OLED display delivers richer colors and perfect blacks, thanks to its superior contrast ratio and HDR support.
Enhanced Performance and Refresh Rate
The Steam Deck OLED not only offers a better display but also delivers improved performance. The device’s custom AMD ‘Van Gogh’ APU provides enhanced power efficiency, resulting in cooler operation and quieter fan noise. Although the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPUs in rival devices will outperform the Steam Deck OLED in terms of raw FPS, the OLED model can offer a slight performance boost for sub-60fps games. Moreover, the higher refresh rate of 90Hz allows for smoother gameplay, unlocking the full potential of games that previously hit the 60fps cap.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
One of the most significant upgrades in the Steam Deck OLED is its improved battery life. The OLED model features a larger 50Whr battery, combined with energy-efficient OLED technology, resulting in up to 50% longer battery life compared to the original Steam Deck. This extended battery life makes a noticeable difference, allowing for longer gaming sessions or even a full international flight without needing to recharge. Moreover, the Steam Deck OLED charges faster than its predecessor, thanks to a redesigned power supply.
Sleek Design and Other Enhancements
Valve has made several design improvements in the Steam Deck OLED. The device is 29g lighter than the original, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. The thumbsticks now offer better grip, eliminating the need for additional thumbstick covers. The touchpad haptics have been refined, providing a more satisfying clicking experience. Additionally, Valve has added Wi-Fi 6E support for faster game downloads.
Price and Value
The Steam Deck OLED is priced slightly higher than the IPS version but offers excellent value for money. The 512GB OLED model is priced at £479 / $549, lower than the original 512GB Deck’s pricing for most of its lifespan. The 1TB OLED model, priced at £569 / $649, provides nearly double the storage capacity compared to the original 512GB model. Even with the price cuts on the original models, the Steam Deck OLED’s upgrades make it a more attractive package.
Conclusion
If you are in the market for a handheld gaming PC, the Steam Deck OLED is a no-brainer. It addresses the weaknesses of the original Steam Deck, offers a stunning OLED display with improved color performance and brightness, delivers better performance and a higher refresh rate, and provides longer battery life. With its sleek design and added enhancements, the Steam Deck OLED is a significant upgrade that offers excellent value for money. Whether you are a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, the Steam Deck OLED is a game-changer that should not be missed.
This review is based on a retail sample of the 1TB Steam Deck OLED provided by Valve.