The Steam Deck OLED is better than you think (6 month review)

Summary

The video script discusses the significant improvements of the Steam Deck OLED over its LCD predecessor, focusing on enhanced battery life, better thermal performance, quieter fans, and a superior OLED screen. Despite competition from other handheld gaming devices, the Steam Deck OLED offers a unique experience, especially for those prioritizing ease of use and specific game performance. The reviewer emphasizes the device's ability to provide a healthier work-life-play balance by enabling gaming in short bursts throughout the day.

Takeaways

• 📱 The Steam Deck OLED appears to be a minor upgrade from the LCD version, but it offers significant improvements.
• 🔋 Battery life on the OLED is more than double that of the LCD, despite Valve's conservative claims.
• 🔧 The OLED version addresses many issues present in the LCD version, including battery life, performance, thermals, and fan noise.
• 🌈 The OLED screen offers better color accuracy, brightness, and contrast, making it look sharper and crisper even at the same resolution.
• 🎮 The Steam Deck OLED provides a smoother gaming experience with a 90Hz refresh rate, especially noticeable in less demanding games.
• 📶 The OLED version features upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E for improved connectivity.
• 🌀 The fan noise is significantly reduced, and the device runs cooler, enhancing overall user comfort.
• 🖥️ The touchscreen on the OLED is more responsive, akin to modern tablets or smartphones.
• 🏋️ The OLED version is lighter, making it more comfortable to handle and use.
• 🤔 Despite its enhancements, the Steam Deck OLED faces stiff competition from other handheld gaming devices like the ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, especially in terms of performance.

Q & A

What is the main difference between the Steam Deck OLED and the Steam Deck LCD?

The main difference lies in the screen technology, with the OLED version offering better battery life, improved performance, quieter fans, and better thermal management compared to the LCD version.

How does the battery life of the Steam Deck OLED compare to the Steam Deck LCD?

The Steam Deck OLED has significantly better battery life than the LCD version. The user reported over double the battery life in their personal testing, specifically noting 2 hours and 27 minutes of gameplay on the OLED compared to just over 1 hour on the LCD.

What improvements did Valve make in the Steam Deck OLED that were not initially highlighted?

Valve improved the thermals, fan noise, performance, and battery life in the Steam Deck OLED, which were issues in the LCD version. These improvements were not heavily advertised but made a significant difference in the user experience.

How does the performance of the Steam Deck OLED compare to other handheld devices like the ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go?

The performance of the Steam Deck OLED is generally lower compared to the ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go. Depending on the game, the performance can vary from 0% to 100% better on these competitors.

What are the advantages of the Steam Deck OLED's screen over the LCD version?

The OLED screen offers better color accuracy, brightness, contrast, and a 90 Hz refresh rate. It also has HDR support and a more responsive touchscreen, making it a significant upgrade over the LCD screen.

How does the fan noise on the Steam Deck OLED compare to the LCD version?

The fan noise on the Steam Deck OLED is significantly quieter than on the LCD version, making it less noticeable during gameplay and improving the overall user experience.

What are the benefits of the ugreen 25,000 milliamp nexe power bank for charging the Steam Deck OLED on the go?

The ugreen 25,000 milliamp nexe power bank can charge the Steam Deck OLED up to 145 Watts, allowing for easy top-ups on the go. It can also charge laptops and phones simultaneously, making it a versatile charging solution.

What is the significance of the Steam Deck OLED having Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E?

Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E provide faster and more reliable wireless connections. This results in less lag and fewer drops when playing online games or using Wi-Fi, enhancing the gaming experience.

How does the weight difference between the Steam Deck OLED and the LCD version affect the user experience?

The Steam Deck OLED is slightly lighter than the LCD version, making it more comfortable to hold and use over extended periods, which can be particularly noticeable during long gaming sessions.

What advice does the user give for those considering buying a Steam Deck OLED or a different handheld device?

The user suggests considering the types of games you play and the performance of those games on the Steam Deck OLED compared to competitors. If the Steam Deck OLED meets your performance needs for your main games, it is recommended due to its ease of use and operating system.