OLED vs. LCD Steam Deck: Which Model Should You Choose?

Dec 23, 2024 – The Steam Deck, Valve’s portable gaming device, has captivated players ​since its first release in 2022, establishing as a leader in the PC portable game market. The ​introduction of the OLED model in November 2023 generated considerable debate as to whether it is worth updating or buying on the original LCD model. According to Pocket-Lint, the ​OLED version offers significant improvements in visualization technology, battery and ​general ergonomics, but the decision ultimately depends on individual priorities and budgets.

Improved visualisation with OLED ​technology

The most striking advantage of the OLED Steam Bridge is its visualization ​technology. Unlike the LCD model, OLED offers superior contrast, bright colors, and the ability to ​make ​real black people by turning off individual pixels. This creates a visually impressive experience that is particularly ​remarkable in darker play scenes. According to Pocket-Lint, the OLED model supports the HDR (high dynamic range), with a brightness ​peak of 1000 nits compared to the 400 nests on the LCD ​screen. These improvements make graphics on ​the OLED ​pop screen so that screenshots cannot be ​fully transmitted.

In addition to the visual ​quality, the OLED model screen is a little larger at 7.4 inches and offers ​a softer update rate of ​90Hz. Although these improvements do not change the game ​for each user, ​they contribute to the ​attraction of OLED coverage for ​serious players looking for the best visual experience.

Longer life ​and greater efficiency

The battery life is another ​area where the OLED steam cover exceeds ​its predecessor. Valve equipped with the new model with a 50 watts battery (Wh) compared to the 40Wh ​battery of the LCD model. Combined with the OLED energy efficiency display and a ​simplified 6nm AMD processor, this results in an impressive battery range of three to twelve hours, ​depending on usage. On the other hand, the LCD cover offers from two to eight hours of battery, which could be an important ​limitation during the long journey.

As Pocket-Lint points out, improving the efficiency of OLED coverage not only improves portability, but also reduces the frequency of load, making it a more convenient option for long-term gaming sessions.

Ergonomic and physical updates

Valve has made several subtle but impressive improvements in the design of OLED Steam Deck. It is slightly lighter and features refined buttons, sticks, trackpads and tactile technologies, all designed to improve response ​capacity and durability. According to Pocket-Lint, internal changes simplify repairs and ​modifications, such as the possibility of replacing the screen without removing the back cover. In addition, the unit works cooler thanks to an improved thermal ​module and reduced energy consumption.

These ergonomic updates, although not immediately remarkable, ​cumulatively create a more ​polite and user-friendly product. ​The improved design is particularly attractive for players who plan to use their device on ​a ​large scale.

Improved storage and connectivity

The OLED model offers more storage options than its predecessor, ​with 512GB and 1TB configurations available. Although LCD coverage is limited to ​a single 256 GB option, players can extend storage on both ​models using an SD card. For those who choose the OLED 1T version, the additional benefits include a glare-proof display and a secondary loading box designed for small trips.

Connectivity has also been improved with the OLED ​cover with a dedicated Bluetooth 5.3 antenna and support for 6E Wi-Fi. As Pocket-Lint says, these advances improve reliability by ​connecting multiple drivers and allow faster download speeds on compatible networks. Although these ​improvements ​do not radically change the ​game, ​they add to the overall value of the OLED model.

Why LCD ​model maintains value

Despite the advantages of OLED Deck, the LCD model remains ​a convincing option for budget-conscious players. Price ​for $399, is ​$150 cheaper than the OLED base model and $250 ​less than the 1TB version. According to Pocket-Lint, these savings could be used to purchase additional games or accessories, making LCD coverage a convenient ​option for these new portable games.

For players who prefer ​affordability over premium features, the LCD model offers a ​comparable experience. ​As Pocket-Lint points out, there are no ​radical differences in performance between the two models, as both use similar ​AMD chips and support the same gaming library. This makes the Deck ​LCD a solid entry point into the world of gaming laptops.

Conclusion

The choice between the OLED ​and ​the Steam Deck LCD screen ​is ultimately reduced to individual preferences and budgets. For ​serious players with the means to invest in premium features, the OLED model offers a superior ​screen, longer autonomy and refined ergonomics that raises the gaming ​experience. However, LCD coverage remains an excellent option for those looking ​for ​value without compromising central ​functionality. As Pocket-Lint notes, both models offer ​exceptional gaming experiences, ensuring users can enjoy their favorite titles regardless of their choice.