As someone who has been eagerly anticipating the release of the Steam Deck OLED, I was curious to learn more about its battery life. After all, the original Steam Deck was criticized for having a relatively short battery life, so I wanted to know if the OLED version had improved in this regard.
According to my research, the Steam Deck OLED does indeed have a longer battery life than its predecessor. Valve claims that the OLED model can last up to 8 hours on a single charge, compared to the original Steam Deck’s 5-6 hour battery life. Of course, this will vary depending on factors such as screen brightness and the intensity of the game being played.
It’s worth noting that the OLED display itself can have an impact on battery life. OLED screens are known for being more power-efficient than traditional LCD displays, but they can also drain more power when displaying bright, colourful images. With that said, it seems that the Steam Deck OLED strikes a good balance between display quality and battery life.
My Steam Deck OLED Battery Game Test Results
All tests were done on 1280×800 resolution on Steam Deck OLED. 70% brightness. FPS capped at 30 or 60.
- Cyberpunk 2077 30FPS: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Celeste 60fps: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Elden Ring 30fps: 2 hours 30 minutes
Steam Deck OLED Battery
The Steam Deck OLED boasts a larger battery than the original Steam Deck LED, which Valve claims can provide 30-50% more battery life. The updated and more efficient AMD APU (6nm compared to 7nm) and the OLED display, which draws less power, contribute to the improved battery life.
The OLED display is designed from the ground up for gaming, with striking contrast, brilliant clarity, and a larger picture. With more colors, pure blacks, and amazing motion rendition, games are displayed in a new light. The OLED panel is also anti-glare, which reduces reflections and makes it easier to play games outdoors or in bright environments.
In terms of battery performance, Valve has stated that the Steam Deck OLED can provide up to 8 hours of gameplay on a single charge, depending on the game and usage. However, some games can drain the battery faster than others, so it’s important to adjust the settings for optimal performance.
The Steam Deck OLED has a 50Wh battery, while the original Steam Deck has a 40Wh battery. The larger battery in the OLED model allows for longer playtime and less frequent charging. The device also comes with a longer charging cable, which is a welcome addition for those who want to play while charging.
Valve has also made improvements to the power management of the device, which helps to reduce power draw and extend battery life. The device has a USB-C port for charging and can be charged with a power supply or a power bank.
Overall, the Steam Deck OLED’s battery life is a significant improvement over the original Steam Deck. The larger battery, more efficient APU, and OLED display all contribute to longer playtime and less frequent charging. However, it’s important to adjust the settings for optimal performance and to be aware that some games may drain the battery faster than others.
