Steam Deck vs Steam Deck OLED

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Steam Deck vs Steam Deck OLED

Comparison

General
Model NameSteam DeckSteam Deck OLED
BrandValveValve
Release DateFebruary 2022Q4 2023
Price$349 (Base)
$399 (Mid)
$449 (High)		$549 (512GB)
$649 (1TB)
$679 (1TB Special Edition)
Where to buy?*Get the Steam Deck on Amazon*Get the Steam Deck on Amazon
Software
OSSteamOSSteamOS
Launcher
Custom Firmware (CFW)Batocera
System
CPUCustom AMD Zen 2Custom AMD Zen 2
Cores/Threads4 Cores 8 Threads @ 2.4 – 3.5 GHz4 Cores 8 Threads @ 2.4 – 3.5 GHz
GPUCustom AMD RDNA 2 with 8 CUs @ 1.0 to 1.6 GHzCustom AMD RDNA 2 with 8 CUs @ 1.0 to 1.6 GHz
RAM16GB16GB
RAM TypeLPDDR5 5500 MHzLPDDR5 6400 MHz
Storage
Internal Storage Size64GB/256GB/512GB512GB/1TB
Internal Storage TypeeMMC (Base)
PCIe 3 NVMe SSD (Mid/High)		PCIe 3 NVMe SSD
Internal Storage Speed
Expandable StoragemicroSD (max 1TB)microSD (max 1TB)
Expandable Storage Speed
Body
Width298 mm298 mm
Height117 mm117 mm
Depth49 mm50 mm
Weight669g640g
MaterialPlasticPlastic
SpeakersStereoStereo
ColorsBlackBlack/Translucent Black (Special Edition only)
Shoulder / Trigger Buttons Analog L2/R2 Analog L2/R2
Analog SticksDual with L3/R3Dual with L3/R3
Rumble / vibration
Battery
Battery Capacity5200 mAh50 Wh
Fast Charging 45 Watt
Avg. Battery Life (tested)2.5 hours2.5 to 12 hours
Display
Size (inches)77.4
Resolution1280 x 8001280 x 800
Aspect Ratio16:1016:10
Display TypeIPSOLED
Touchscreen
Max Brightness400 nits1000 nits
Refresh Rate60 Hz90 Hz
ProtectionOCA laminated screenOCA laminated screen
Screen to body ratio
Pixel Density
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth5.05.3
Network
3.5mm Headphone Jack
TV Output via USB Type C via USB Type C
Ports1 x USB Type C1 x USB Type C
Others
Miscellaneous
Other featuresHaptic feedback, capacitative touch trackpads, 4 additional grip buttons, supports Docking StationHaptic feedback, capacitative touch trackpads, 4 additional grip buttons, supports Docking Station
Performance
Nintendo Entertainment System Excellent Excellent
Super Nintendo Entertainment System Excellent Excellent
Sega Saturn Excellent Excellent
PlayStation 1 Excellent Excellent
Nintendo 64 Excellent Excellent
Sega Dreamcast Excellent Excellent
PlayStation 2 Excellent Excellent
Game Boy Advance Excellent Excellent
Nintendo GameCube Excellent Excellent
Nintendo DS Excellent Excellent
PlayStation Portable Excellent Excellent
Nintendo Wii Excellent Excellent
PlayStation 3 Excellent Excellent
Nintendo Wii U Excellent Excellent
Compatibility Sheet
Benchmarks
Passmark CPU Mark
Geekbench 6Single-core: 1278
Multi-core: 4365
Geekbench 5Single-core: 849
Multi-core: 3592
Antutu
Cinebench R23Single-core: 975
Multi-core: 4359
3DMark

Advantages of Steam Deck

  • Cheaper and has the base and mid tiers.
  • Better availability and you can get it even cheaper in the used market.
  • More accessories and mods although some might be useable on the Steam Deck OLED.

Advantages of Steam Deck OLED

  • More efficient CPU resulting in much better battery life and thermals.
  • Faster RAM. Some games show visible performance improvements over the original Steam Deck.
  • Brighter, bigger screen and 90 Hz refresh rate.
  • The latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
  • Better speakers
  • Many other improvements in other areas.

Summary of Steam Deck vs Steam Deck OLED

The Steam Deck OLED is the clear winner. It is an improvement over the original Steam Deck (Steam Deck IPS?) in many ways. The only reason stopping anyone from getting the Steam Deck OLED is probably price. If price is a limiting factor, consider getting a used Steam Deck while saving up until you have enough to upgrade to the OLED model.

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