Valve’s Steam Deck has reshaped the handheld gaming PC market with its powerful performance, flexibility, and wide compatibility. In 2023, Valve took things a step further by releasing a new iteration: the Steam Deck OLED. While it retains much of the original’s DNA, the OLED model introduces a refreshed screen, improved internals, and other enhancements that may appeal to new buyers and enthusiasts alike. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a complete comparison between the original Steam Deck and the Steam Deck OLED to help you decide which model suits your needs best.
Design and Display
The most noticeable difference between the two models is the display, which is a core component of the gaming experience.
- Standard Steam Deck: 7-inch LCD, 1280×800 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate
- Steam Deck OLED: 7.4-inch OLED, 1280×800 resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, HDR support
While both screens share the same resolution, the Steam Deck OLED features a slightly larger display thanks to thinner bezels. More importantly, the switch to OLED technology delivers far superior contrast, richer colors, and deeper blacks. The HDR implementation on the OLED model also enhances dynamic lighting in games that support it, adding depth and atmosphere.
Gamers used to standard LCD panels will immediately notice the visual upgrade. Combined with the improved 90Hz refresh rate, the OLED screen offers a smoother, more responsive experience that benefits fast-paced genres like shooters and racing games.
Build and Ergonomics
Both models are physically similar, but the OLED version has a few subtle improvements that enhance comfort and durability.
- Standard Steam Deck: Slightly heavier, matte-finish plastic chassis
- Steam Deck OLED: Lighter by approximately 30 grams, improved materials for better heat dissipation
Valve managed to trim down the weight of the OLED version despite increasing the size of the screen. This subtle reduction improves extended handheld play, making it less fatiguing. Additionally, the OLED model features refined internal architecture, including a redesigned motherboard and better cooling, which contributes to lower surface temperatures and longer component lifespan.
Battery Life
One of the most important upgrades in the Steam Deck OLED is improved battery performance, even though both devices are nearly identical in how they consume power per operation.
- Steam Deck LCD: 40 Watt-hour battery, 2 to 8 hours battery life (game dependent)
- Steam Deck OLED: 50 Watt-hour battery, 3 to 12 hours battery life
The OLED screen itself is more efficient when displaying darker scenes, and Valve capitalized on this by also upgrading the battery. The result is significantly longer play sessions, particularly for indie titles and less demanding games.
Performance and Internals
In terms of core performance, both models use the same AMD APU architecture, but the OLED model benefits from refinements in manufacturing and efficiency.
- CPU/GPU: Both use AMD custom APU (Zen 2 + RDNA 2)
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5 on both
- Storage Options: 64GB eMMC (base LCD only), 256GB and 512GB NVMe SSDs, new 1TB option for OLED version
As for the internals, no drastic performance leap is offered on paper. However, the Steam Deck OLED’s updated 6nm APU offers better efficiency and lower thermals, contributing to better sustained performance and cooler operation during heavy gaming loads.
Thermal Improvements and Fan Noise
One of the most common complaints about the original Steam Deck was fan noise during intense gaming sessions. Valve has addressed this in the OLED version.
- Steam Deck LCD: Older fan model, audible under load
- Steam Deck OLED: Improved fan design, quieter operation, better thermal dissipation
Players report a noticeably quieter experience with the OLED variation, even during demanding titles. The new heat pipe design and intake ventilation layout help distribute and expel heat more efficiently, ensuring consistent frame rates and quieter cooling response.
Storage and Expandability
Both models support microSD cards for expandable storage, but the OLED version includes a high-end 1TB internal SSD option, which is ideal for gamers with large libraries.
- Steam Deck LCD: Max internal storage of 512GB
- Steam Deck OLED: Available with up to 1TB internal SSD
The faster SSDs in both premium variants dramatically reduce load times and improve system responsiveness. However, the OLED model seems to include slightly faster NAND chips and better controller performance based on early benchmarks.
Software and Compatibility
Because both versions run the same SteamOS software, there is full feature and game compatibility between them. Regular software updates from Valve ensure consistent performance optimizations across devices. All features like Proton, Game Mode, Desktop Mode, and Remote Play work identically.
Docking and Connectivity
The Steam Deck OLED is fully compatible with the same accessories, including Valve’s official dock. However, an important upgrade in the OLED model is improved Wi-Fi:
- Steam Deck LCD: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Steam Deck OLED: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3
The newer Wi-Fi 6E standard offers faster data transfer rates, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks — especially crucial for users who stream games to or from other devices.
Pricing and Configurations
When it comes to purchasing, there are multiple configurations for both versions, which affect the price. Here’s how they compare:
- Steam Deck LCD: Still available in 64GB eMMC, 256GB SSD, and 512GB SSD models
- Steam Deck OLED: Offered in 512GB SSD and new 1TB SSD configurations
Though the OLED model may cost more upfront, the refined features and longer lifespan might present better value in the long run. Valve has also reduced the price of LCD models to attract budget-minded customers or casual gamers.
Pros and Cons Summary
Steam Deck LCD – Pros:
- Lower price point
- Same game compatibility
- Still a powerful handheld PC
Steam Deck LCD – Cons:
- Shorter battery life
- No HDR or OLED display
- Older Wi-Fi standard
Steam Deck OLED – Pros:
- Superior OLED HDR display
- Longer battery life and better thermals
- Improved fan and quieter performance
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Steam Deck OLED – Cons:
- Higher price
- No major boost in raw processing power
Final Verdict
Both the Steam Deck and the Steam Deck OLED offer tremendous value, but the choice ultimately comes down to your priorities. If you’re a first-time buyer and can afford the premium, the Steam Deck OLED is the definitive version, thanks to its display, battery, thermals, and small quality-of-life refinements. If you’re on a tighter budget, the original Steam Deck still delivers excellent performance and access to a massive library of games.
For users already owning an LCD model, the upgrade to OLED makes the most sense if you desire better visuals and longer battery life. If you mostly play docked or are satisfied with your current setup, the improvements may not warrant the switch.
In conclusion, Valve has done an impressive job enhancing an already groundbreaking device. The Steam Deck OLED maintains compatibility while raising the bar for handheld gaming PCs with thoughtful, user-centric upgrades.
