Today, I dove into Diablo 4, specifically the Steam version, and compared its performance on both the LCD and OLED Steam Decks. Let me walk you through my findings.
First off, it's essential to note the difference in color temperature between the two screens.
The LCD defaults to 7500K, whereas the OLED is at 6500K, affecting the color warmth. I plan to align these in future updates, but this discrepancy does affect the current color representation. However, the OLED's HDR, which I kept on during on-screen recording (but off in capture), significantly enhances the visual experience, especially in Diablo 4, making the colors more vibrant and lively.
Performance-wise, I focused on two main modes: medium with no FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) and medium with FSR 2 on quality mode. On the LCD Steam Deck, the medium without FSR maintains around 60 FPS in the open world, offering a beautifully clear picture.
Interestingly, you won't see a massive difference in FPS between the two Steam Deck configurations, but the graphic quality variation is quite noticeable.
Turning to FSR 2 on quality mode, allows for high graphics settings, which look phenomenal but introduce a slight blur. This is a subjective issue; some might not mind, while others might prefer clarity over graphical fidelity. Neither configuration maintains a solid 60 FPS, but Diablo 4 doesn't necessarily require it. The aim is a stable, good-looking experience, which both settings deliver.
In terms of power consumption, both configurations fluctuate between 20 and 25 watts, depending on the on-screen action. My personal preference leans towards medium with no FSR, mainly for its clarity. Also, turning off distortion and capping the FPS to 60 in-game enhances the overall experience.
When it comes to OLED vs. LCD, the OLED's smoother performance, especially with its 90Hz screen, is notable. Although the battery life isn't significantly worse on the OLED compared to the LCD, the graphic intensity in the game explains the slight differences in FPS and wattage.
Finally, I recommend playing on medium with no FSR for both the LCD and OLED. This setting seems to offer the best balance of clarity, performance, and power efficiency. With the OLED, you might get a slight edge in FPS and battery life.
So, what games have you been playing lately? Are you diving into Diablo 4 on the Steam version? Your progress carries over, but is it worth the investment? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.