Introduction
On February 25, 2022, Valve introduced the high-performance Steam Deck to gamers worldwide. With its affordable price and extensive official and community support, it quickly became one of the most popular handheld consoles in recent years. Out of nowhere, on November 10, 2023, Valve released the all-new Steam Deck OLED version. This new model promises an unparalleled handheld gaming experience with significant upgrades over its LCD predecessor. So now, let's delve into the key enhancements and differences that make this handheld console a game-changer.
Display Brilliance
The most striking improvement lies in the display department. The OLED edition has a larger 7.4-inch screen, upgrading from the previous 7-inch 1280 x 800 LCD display. This shift not only provides more vivid colors and deeper blacks in all of your favorite games but also brings power efficiency thanks to OLED's self-illuminating pixels. With a boosted refresh rate of 90Hz, the screen delivers tear-free high frame rate experiences for low-power-demanding games and enhances the overall smoothness when browsing the web.
Achieving a peak brightness of 1000 nits, it is set to be double that of the ROG Ally and significantly surpasses its LCD predecessor. And thanks to its relatively larger size, it won't automatically reduce brightness after a slightly extended period of high-brightness gaming, as commonly observed in mobile phones. This ensures an optimal visual experience for an extended gaming session.
Performance & Cooling
Under the hood, Valve has made some improvements. The Advanced Processing Unit (APU) has transitioned from 7nm to 6nm, offering a slight performance boost, as confirmed by YouTubers such as Linus Tech Tips and Digital Foundry. Memory speed has been ramped up to 6400 MT/s, and a thicker thermal module with larger fans contributes to better heat dissipation, further enhancing overall performance.
Battery Life & Charging
Addressing a common concern with handheld consoles, the Steam Deck OLED sees an increase in battery capacity from 40Wh to 50Wh. Coupled with the reduced power consumption from the OLED display, this improvement translates to a substantial boost in battery life. This will be particularly crucial, especially considering that the average battery life of handheld consoles today is less than two hours. Valve claims rapid charging, going from 20% to 80% in just 45 minutes. The extended power supply cable, now 2.5 meters, aligns with Valve's player-centric philosophy, ensuring convenience for gamers immersed in lengthy sessions.
Other Notable Enhancements
Valve has made several other refinements, reducing the total weight to 640g, a 5% decrease from the previous model. This contributes to a more comfortable gaming experience, particularly for heavy users. The addition of WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 not only ensures faster download speeds but also promises theoretically lower headphone connection latency, elevating the overall wireless experience.
In terms of pricing, the all-new upgraded OLED version currently offers two storage options: 512GB and 1TB, priced at $549 and $649 respectively. Compared to the previous 512GB version at $649, the overall pricing has seen a considerable reduction. Additionally, they are also selling the 256GB version at the original price of the 64GB entry-level model - $399. However, please note that this is actually the older LCD version, meaning you won't receive any of the aforementioned upgrades. The Steam Deck OLED is set to hit the shelves on November 16, providing gamers with an enticing choice for their portable gaming needs.
Summary of ChargerLAB
Valve's dedication to enhancing the gaming experience is evident in the Steam Deck OLED. The combination of a superior display, enhanced performance, improved battery life, and thoughtful refinements demonstrates their commitment to delivering a top-notch handheld gaming device. As we eagerly anticipate the release, ChargerLAB is poised to acquire and test the charging capabilities, comparing them with the older LCD model to provide users with comprehensive insights into this exciting upgrade. Stay tuned for a new era in portable gaming with the Steam Deck OLED.
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