Review of the new Steam Deck OLED
In this review of the Steam Deck OLED, we take a look at the refreshed model that has generated considerable excitement - and for good reason. While retaining the external dimensions and basic philosophy of the original, the new version makes a number of improvements, including a larger OLED screen, a better chip and subtle but significant hardware tweaks. Let's look at the details.
Screen: Average to excellent
The most striking improvement in the Steam Deck OLED is the 7.4-inch OLED display, replacing the 7-inch LCD panel from the original. The change is immediately noticeable. The jump from 60 Hz to 90 Hz refresh rate is a nice addition, although you won't use that many frames per second in most games. Personally, I use 90Hz most often in indie games or aim for 45 FPS in more demanding titles. However, it's the improvement in colour accuracy, contrast and maximum brightness (up to 1000 nits for HDR content) that makes the biggest difference.
The higher brightness and deeper blacks offered by OLED technology significantly improve the visual quality of both colourful, bright games and those that are dark and atmospheric. In the skrócie, this screen fixes one of the most conspicuous flaws of the original - poor colour reproduction.
You will immediately notice the difference when you try the Steam Deck OLED after using the LCD version. At first glance, it may appear that the OLED Deck has a higher resolution because the text is clearer and the overall picture quality is better. However, the resolution remains the same and what you see is an improvement in contrast, colour reproduction, brightness and actual screen size.
OLED is only available in 512 GB and 1 TB models. You can still buy the 512 GB and 1 TB LCD models. The top-end OLED models also have matte anti-glare glass, which can slightly diminish the 'pure black' effect of OLED, but in return reduces glare. Enthusiasts who want the most out of this device may prefer the standard screen to the anti-glare version, as the latter somewhat dampens the vivid colours that OLED is famous for. I count myself among this group of people.
Design and construction: Subtle but effective changes
At first glance, the new Steam Deck OLED isn't too different from its predecessor - and it was meant to be. The dimensions remain largely unchanged, meaning that existing accessories such as cases and screen protectors will fit the refreshed model. An orange power button has appeared which subtly suggests that this is a new and improved version.
The console still offers comfortable ergonomics, but some useful changes have been made. The analogue knobs have been slightly improved, now having a rubberised tip with a slight edge to improve grip. The shoulder buttons on the device have also been redesigned, improving their consistency of operation, especially for users with larger hands. The touchpad now offers better haptics, resulting in a more accurate and tactile experience.
One of the less visible but significant changes is the reduction in weight of the device by 30 grams. Although this is not a drastic change, it affects the greater comfort during longer gaming sessions. You can also connect Steam Deck to AR smart glasses such as XReal Airfor an amazing visual experience.
Efficiency: energy efficiency, not power
The guts of the Steam Deck have been improved with a more power-efficient processor, moving from 7 nm to 6 nm. Although the base zega speedra and power consumption remain unchanged, the new chip makes the unit run cooler and generates less fan noise. These changes translate into quieter gameplay.
Faster RAM, now running at 6400 MT/s, promises better memory throughput, although in practical scenarios the performance improvements are minimal. What is noticeable, however, is the improvement in battery life, thanks to a combination of a more powerful processor, an OLED screen that consumes less power and a 25% larger battery (increased from 40 Wh to 50 Wh). This improvement is particularly noticeable during less demanding gaming sessions, where Valve claims a 30-50% increase in battery life.
Fans of AAA games should know, however, that although Steam Deck can handle modern titles, it is still no match for competing Windows-based consoles in terms of running graphically intensive games at higher frame rates. If smooth AAA games are a priority, other devices may offer better performance, although the Steam Deck remains competitive given its price.
Deconstruction and modification: Valve retains modularity
Valve has made repairs and modifications to the Steam Deck easier, introducing features such as new Torx screws that are less prone to wear than the previous Phillips screws. Internally, almost every component has been updated, although this also means that parts from the refreshed Steam Deck are not interchangeable with the original model. For example, the larger battery does not fit the old model due to the different internal framework.
Another small but welcome improvement is the addition of Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. These new connectivity standards are features for the future, providing faster and more reliable connections, especially in crowded environments.
Price and value: A customer-driven approach
Valve has maintained its original pricing strategy, with the base model still costing $399, while the OLED screen models are priced higher due to higher storage capacity and display improvements. What stands out about this update is that Valve has managed to keep prices reasonable, despite the numerous improvements. For example, the top-of-the-line Steam Deck model with a 1TB SSD and an anti-glare OLED screen costs less than one would expect given the jump in display quality.
Compared to other companies, such as Sony, Valve's strategy seems to be more customer-focused. While Sony recently met with criticism for its excessive pursuit of profits with the launch of the PlayStation 5 Pro, Valve is betting on significant improvements without artificially raising prices.
Summary: A valuable improvement for the right user
The Steam Deck OLED is a solid refresh, offering noticeable improvements in display, cooling and battery life. For gamers who value image quality, portability and quieter operation, the OLED model is worth considering as an upgrade over the original Steam Deck, but will be an even better choice for those buying a Steam Deck for the first time. However, for those who are happy with the LCD version, the performance differences may not be great enough to justify the extra cost.
Ultimately, the Steam Deck OLED offers a more premium gaming experience, but its value depends on how much you value the quality of the display and longer battery life. For occasional gamers or those on a budget, the original Steam Deck still represents excellent value for money.
Is the Steam Deck OLED worth buying?
Yes, the Steam Deck OLED is generally considered to be worth buying, especially if you want a better quality display. The OLED screen offers better colour accuracy, contrast and brightness, which significantly improves the visual experience. The new model also has a more energy-efficient processor, better battery life and improved haptics and controls. If image quality is a priority and you're looking for a more refined mobile gaming experience, this is an excellent choice.
When did the Steam Deck OLED come to market?
The OLED Steam Deck was released on 16 November 2023. The refreshed version came almost two years after the release of the original Steam Deck, bringing significant improvements, particularly in the quality of the display.
How much does the Steam Deck OLED cost?
The Steam Deck OLED starts at US$549 for a mid-range model with 512GB of storage. The top-end version, with a 1TB drive and additional features such as an anti-glare screen, costs US$649. The entry-level model remains available for US$399, but does not have an OLED screen.
Can I exchange my Steam Deck for the OLED version?
Valve does not currently offer an official exchange programme from the original Steam Deck to the OLED version. To purchase the new model, you must sell your original Steam Deck on third-party platforms and purchase the OLED version separately.
Will the Steam Deck OLED be on promotion?
There is no official word on whether the Steam Deck OLED will go on sale soon. Valve has participated in previous years in promotions such as the Steam Summer Sale, so it's worth keeping an eye on larger sale events for possible discounts.
How do I enable HDR on the Steam Deck OLED?
HDR (High Dynamic Range) is automatically supported in games that offer this, on the Steam Deck OLED. There is no need for manual configuration. To make sure HDR works, go into the game settings and enable HDR if the game supports it. The OLED screen is capable of displaying up to 1,000 nits for HDR content, so games that support HDR will have increased brightness and better colours.
What is the resolution of the Steam Deck OLED?
The Steam Deck OLED has a resolution of 1280×800 (16:10 aspect ratio), the same as the original Steam Deck. Although the resolution has not changed, the OLED display significantly improves the overall visual quality with better colour accuracy, contrast and brightness.
Is the Steam Deck OLED better than the ROG Ally?
The answer depends on what you value more. The Steam Deck OLED offers a better display with vivid colours and deep blacks, an intuitive interface with SteamOS and excellent support for Steam's game library. The ROG Ally, on the other hand, has a more powerful processor and better performance for AAA games. If you prioritise display quality and a broad games library, the Steam Deck OLED is a great choice. If you're after more processing power, the ROG Ally may better suit your needs.
