Valve recently released the 512GB and 1TB Steam Deck OLED models. They boast larger screens, richer graphics, faster download times, and more. Buyers wonder if it’s worth getting an OLED model or one of the older handhelds. Continue reading to determine if purchasing the more expensive device is best for you.
Steam Deck OLED vs. LCD: Price, Specs, Battery Life and More
We’ll first share the general differences between the OLED and LCD models. Then, we’ll dive into prices and brief overviews of each version of the models.
Steam Deck LCD Specs
- 7 nm AMD APU
- CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32)
- GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.6GHz (1.6 TFlops FP32)
- APU power: 4-15W
- 16 GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels)
- High-speed microSD card slot
- HD haptics
- Pressure-sensitivity for configurable click strength
- Gyro: 6-Axis IMU
- Resolution: 1280 x 800 X RGB
- Display size: 7" diagonal
- Brightness: 400 nits typical
- Refresh rate: 60Hz
- Ambient light sensor ALS
- Bluetooth 5.0 (support for controllers, accessories, and audio)
- Dual-band Wi-Fi radio, 2.4GHz and 5GHz, 2 x 2 MIMO, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Stereo with embedded DSP for an immersive listening experience
- Dual microphone array
- 3.5mm stereo headphone/headset jack
- Multichannel audio via DisplayPort over USB-C, standard USB-C, or Bluetooth 5.0
- PD3.0 Type C power supply, 45W
- 1.5m cable
- 40Whr battery. 2 - 8 hours of gameplay
- MicroSD: UHS-I supports SD, SDXC, and SDHC
- USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 Alt-mode support; up to 8K @60Hz or 4K @120Hz, USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Size: 298mm x 117mm x 49mm
- Weight: Approx. 669 grams
- Operating System: SteamOS 3 (Arch-based)
- Desktop: KDE Plasma
Steam Deck OLED Specs
- APU: 6 nm AMD APU
- CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32)
- GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.6GHz (1.6 TFlops FP32)
- APU power: 4-15W
- RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (6400 MT/s quad 32-bit channels)
- High-speed microSD card slot
- 2 x full-size analog sticks with capacitive touch
- HD haptics
- 2 x 32.5mm square trackpads with haptic feedback
- Pressure-sensitivity for configurable click strength
- Gyro: 6-Axis IMU
- Resolution: 1280 x 800 x RGB
- Display size: 7.4” diagonal
- Maximum Brightness: 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR) and 600 nits (SDR)
- Contrast ratio: > 1,000,000 : 1
- Color gamut: 110% P3
- Refresh rate: up to 90Hz
- Response time: <0.1 ms
- High-performance touch
- Dual ambient light sensor ALS
- Bluetooth 5.3 (support for controllers, accessories, and audio)
- Dedicated Bluetooth antenna
- Tri-band Wi-Fi 6E radio, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz 2 x 2 MIMO, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
- Stereo with embedded DSP for an immersive listening experience
- Dual microphone array
- 3.5mm stereo headphone/headset jack
- Multichannel audio via DisplayPort over USB-C, standard USB-C, or Bluetooth 5.3
- PD3.0 Type C power supply, 45W
- 2.5m cable
- 50Whr battery. 3-12 hours of gameplay
- MicroSD: UHS-I supports SD, SDXC, and SDHC
- Display port over Type C; up to 8K @60Hz or 4K @120Hz, USB3 gen 2
- Dimensions: 298mm x 117mm x 49mm
- Weight: Approx. 640 grams
- Operating System: SteamOS 3 (Arch-based)
- Desktop: KDE Plasma
Steam Deck OLED vs. LCD Prices
Buyers should only get a new Steam Deck from Valve. The company is the only one that offers them at the lowest prices.
The 256GB LCD model is getting a price drop for the holiday season. The 64GB and 512GB Steam Deck LCD models will also be discontinued once they sell out. Shoppers should grab any of these devices while they can.
There are three more Steam Deck models available. Readers can find prices and purchase details of each one below.
Steam Deck LCD (64 GB) - $349.00
- 64GB eMMC SSD
- 1280 x 800 optically bonded LCD display
- 7" Diagonal display size
- 7nm APU
- Wi-Fi 5
- 40Whr battery; 2-8 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- 45W Power supply with 1.5m cable
- Carrying case
Steam Deck LCD (256 GB) - $399.00
- 256GB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 optically bonded LCD display
- 7" Diagonal display size
- 7 nm APU
- Wi-Fi 5
- 40Whr battery; 2-8 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- 45W Power supply with 1.5m cable
- Carrying case
- Steam profile bundle
Steam Deck LCD (512 GB) - $449.00
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 optically bonded LCD display with premium anti-glare etched glass
- 7" Diagonal display size
- 7nm APU
- Wi-Fi 5
- 40Whr battery; 2-8 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- 45W Power supply with 1.5m cable
- Carrying case
- Steam profile bundle
Steam Deck OLED (512 GB) - $549.00
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display
- 7.4" Diagonal display size
- 6 nm APU
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- 45W Power supply with 2.5m cable
- Carrying case
- Steam profile bundle
Steam Deck OLED (1TB) - $649.00
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display with premium anti-glare etched glass
- 7.4" Diagonal display size
- 6 nm APU
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- 45W Power supply with 2.5m cable
- Carrying case with removable liner
- Steam profile bundle
- Exclusive startup movie
- Exclusive virtual keyboard theme
Valve also sells a Limited Edition Steam Deck OLED in smoky gray. It's $679 and has the same features as the 1TB OLED model.
Refurbished Steam Decks
Refurbished Steam Decks are used handhelds that are resold at discounted prices. The pre-owned devices may have minor cosmetic damages, but many perform as well as new models. Therefore, buying a refurbished Steam Deck can be very cost-effective.
Valve sold out of refurbished Steam Decks, and the company is unsure when more will arrive. Availability depends on customer returns, and each Steam Deck must pass certain criteria to meet resellable standards. Buyers can check with Valve to see if any refurbished Steam Decks are in stock.
GameStop also offers used Steam Decks. People can currently purchase the following used models:
- Steam Deck 64GB - $278.99 ($265.04 for GameStop Pro subscribers)
- Steam Deck 256GB - $319.99 ($303.99 for GameStop Pro subscribers)
- Steam Deck 512GB - $359.99 ($341.99 for GameStop Pro subscribers)
These pre-owned handhelds from GameStop come with a carrying case and an AC adapter. The standard manufacturer’s warranty doesn't apply to any GameStop refurbished products, but buyers can purchase a Limited Protection Plan.
This article was originally published on dbltap as Steam Deck OLED vs. LCD: Price, Specs, Battery Life and More.