VR headsets are taking the world by storm, and with the launch of Web 3.0 and Metaverse just around the corner, you will require a head unit of your own as well to keep up with the times.
While Samsung Gear VR is a good option as well, other head units such as HTC Vive are better in some aspects as well.
In this post, we will compare Samsung Gear VR and HTC Vive in detail to determine which one would be the best fit for you.
Features
Price
Motion Tracking
Resolution
Gear VR
HTC Vive
Now that we have an idea of what each headset offers, now let us look into the finer details.
Gear VR Review - Best User-Friendly VR Headset
Samsung Gear VR headset is a budget-friendly virtual reality headset compared to its rivals, such as the infamous oculus rift headset. The headset provides many new features, such as a 360-Degree view, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a 2560 x 1440 HD resolution display.
Moreover, the headset also comes with an oculus remote along with other sensors such as position tracking, gyroscope, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and many more.
Gear VR is also compatible with a multitude of mobile devices such as Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge+, and Galaxy S6 Edge.
Features of Gear VR
- 360-Degree tracking
- Supports more than 200 apps
- High resolution
- 101 Degree View
- Compatible with a wide array of devices
- 360-Degree tracking
- 101 Degree View
- Compatible
- HD resolution
- Affordable price
- 90° field of view
- Old
Benefits of Gear VR
Compatibility
Samsung Gear VR is compatible with a large range of devices. Not only does it work on a Samsung smartphone, but also it can support Android devices as well.
The head unit is compatible with multiple phones, some of which are:
- Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge
- Samsung Galaxy S6
- Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5
- Samsung Galaxy S7
- Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+
Samsung Gear VR Applications
Samsung’s Gear VR provides access to more than 200 virtual reality apps, all of which are available on the Oculus store.
You can play various 3D roller coaster games and use mingle with other virtual objects as well. Furthermore, you can immerse yourself in 360-Degree rooms and hang out with friends in virtual rooms
Lastly, Samsung Gear VR provides an ever-expanding list of VR games, TV shows, and documentaries as well.
Additional Features
Some additional features of the Samsung Gear VR include a 2560 x 1440 HD resolution display which provides an immersive VR experience on your VR head unit.
Moreover, Samsung Gear VR is also equipped with the latest sensors providing the ultimate gesture control system.
Lastly, the VR headset provides a 101-degree view which when compared to the cheap price of the headset feels worth the bargain as it does not necessarily diminish the VR experience.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Gear VR
Connection type
Samsung Gear VR is compatible with USB type c phones and it can also be swapped out for the micro USB as well, allowing connectivity for old devices as well. Furthermore, connectivity with the motion controller to any Samsung phone is seamless as well.
Compatibility
Samsung Gear VR is mainly compatible with Samsung devices but it can support any android device which has a micro USB or a type c connector.
Resolution
Resolution of the Samsung Gear VR is dependent on the device that is hooked up to it. If the connected smartphone has OLED displays or AMOLED panels then the display will be faster and sharper when compared to the normal resolution.
Motion Tracking
Samsung Gear VR comes with a wireless controller in the box, it has better than average performance when compared to the other competitors in the market. Furthermore, its motion tracking capabilities are on par with the Oculus Go as well.
Pricing
Samsung Gear VR is a lot cheaper when compared to the other market opinions in the same category. It provides the same quality of VR experience, if not better.
What Do the Customers Think?
Most people love the number of apps and games the head unit provides.
Furthermore, they also like how user-friendly it is, and how it is the right fit for them.
Here are some of the reviews we came across:
Best User-Friendly VR Headset – Gear VR Review
The best user-friendly VR headset is the Samsung Gear VR because it provides ultra-high screen resolution, making it seem real. Furthermore, Samsung Gear VR provides a 360-degree view with motion tracking amplifying the VR experience.
HTC Vive Review - Best High-End VR Headset
HTC Vive is a high-end virtual reality headset compared to its competitors such as Samsung Gear VR. The headset provides new features, such as a 360-Degree view, 90Hz refresh rate, and a 2160 x 1200 HD resolution display.
Moreover, the headset also comes with remote control with in-built sensors such as laser position tracking, gyroscope, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and front-facing camera.
HTC Vive has a set of minimum system requirements that must be fulfilled. Its minimum requirements are just a notch below the oculus rift.
Features of HTC Vive
- 360-Degree tracking
- Supports more than 1500 games
- High resolution
- 110 Degree View
- Compatible with a wide array of devices
- 110-Degree view
- 360-Degree tracking
- Compatible
- HD resolution
- Multitude of games available
- Expensive
Benefits of HTC Vive
Immersive VR Experience
HTC Vive provides the ultimate virtual reality experience due to its enhanced virtual reality software. The head unit can be used while seated, standing, or in any space up to 11’5″ x 11’5″.
Furthermore, the 360-Degree tracking by the controllers and the head unit with its realistic graphics, directional audio, and haptic feedback provides an immersive virtual reality experience.
Lastly, the head unit also monitors the paying bounds of the player to avoid any collision and keep the player safe.
HTC Vive Applications
HTC Vive provides access to more than 1500 virtual reality games, all available on the Steam platform.
You can play various 3D and VRMMO games as well. Furthermore, you can immerse yourself into the cinematic experience provided by the head unit while interacting with friends as well.
Additional Features
Some additional features of the HTC Vive include a 2160 x 1200 HD resolution display which provides an immersive VR experience on your VR headset.
Moreover, HTC Vive is also equipped with the latest sensors providing precision motion tracking.
Lastly, the virtual reality headset provides a 110-degree view which provides a much wider field of view with the help of its adjustable lenses, when compared to its competitors in the market.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy HTC Vive
Connection type
HTC Vive consists of two motion-tracking cameras which are connected via cable, even though they can be used wirelessly. Furthermore, the head unit consists of a control box which is used to power the device, and a USB and HDMI to link up to the head units.
Compatibility
HTC Vive is mainly compatible with any PC having the following specs:
- Nvidia gtx or AMD Radeon R9 290
- 4GB RAM or more
- HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2
- USB 2.0 or greater port
- Windows 7 SP1
Resolution
HTC’s Vive comes with an OLED display along with a 110-Degree view. Furthermore, the head unit is quite similar to its competitor, the oculus rift but has a slightly stronger screen door effect which hinders the readability of the text.
Motion Tracking
HTC’s Vive comes with two Wii-Esque controllers in the box. The head unit along with its motion controllers provides a 360-Degree tracking environment, resulting in precise movement and tracking.
Pricing
HTC Vive is expensive when compared to some of the competitors in the market. Due to its hefty price tag, it provides the best features, hence providing the ultimate virtual reality experience.
What Do the Customers Think?
Most people love the number of apps and games the headset provides.
Furthermore, they also like how comfortable it is to use, and how it is the right fit for them.
Here are some of the reviews we came across:
HTC Vive Review – Best High-End VR Headset
The best high-end VR headset is the HTC Vive because it provides 360-Degree tracking making much more precise movements. Furthermore, HTC Vive provides a 110-degree view along with motion tracking amplifying the VR experience.
Samsung Gear VR vs HTC Vive - Buyers’ Guide
In today’s world, there is a wide variety of head units, each offering something unique and different.
As a consumer, certain factors might make it easier for you to make a conclusive decision, some of which have been discussed below.
Compatibility
It is fundamental when it comes to head units. Some virtual reality headsets work on a specific phone while others are compatible with all types of phones.
Thus, you have to select a head unit that works with your device. These days new head units are mainly compatible with all devices such as ios devices, Android, and Windows devices.
But there are a few head units that are specific when it comes to which phone size they can manage to fit in. So it is recommended to check if the device you seek to buy is compatible with your phone or not.
Motion Tracking
Motion tracking is an integral part of headsets, they track hand motions which is integral while playing games.
These days motion tracking usually comes with headsets, but some old models, such as google cardboard, did not come with the tracking technology.
Nowadays, almost all applications require the use of motion tracking in their gameplay. So, it is recommended that you do your research and purchase those headsets which come with motion tracking to avoid wastage of money.
Price
VR headsets are available at all prices, some more expensive than the others, while some are worth a few dollars.
Furthermore, the same type of headsets is offered in different bundle sets, offering something unique and different in each bundle package.
Lastly, it is recommended to go for a mid-ranged headset or bundle package, but if you are on a tight budget or do not have any funds then you can purchase budget-friendly headsets as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
HTC Vive vs Oculus rift, which one is better?
Though HTC Vive is more expensive than the Oculus rift, it offers better performance and much higher resolution providing an overall better experience.
How do I use Samsung Gear VR?
Initially, connect your Samsung Gear VR with your phone, then pair your Samsung Gear VR controller with the Oculus app on your device. Then open the cover of your Samsung Gear VR and slide your device in and you are ready to go.
What games can you play on Samsung Gear VR?
Samsung Gear VR provides a multitude of games some of which are Vendetta Online, Rangi, Minecraft, and vTime VR.
Can you watch movies on Samsung Gear VR?
Samsung Gear VR includes the pre-installed Oculus Video app. It is the best way to watch movies on your Samsung Gear VR.
What does Samsung Gear VR do?
In simple terms, Samsung Gear VR comprises a head unit and a controller which enable virtual reality experiences.
Does Samsung Gear VR work without a smartphone?
Samsung Gear VR works with any device as long as its screen size is below 5.7 inches, as Samsung Gear VR is only utilized for mounting and lens.
HTC Vive vs Oculus which one is better?
Though HTC Vive is more expensive than the Oculus Quest 2, it offers better performance and much higher resolution providing an overall better experience.
Final Verdict
This brings the comparison between Samsung Gear VR and HTC Vive to an end.
We believe that Samsung Gear VR is an excellent competitor when compared to HTC Vive. Not only does it provide motion tracking and high resolution but it also provides a full dive experience in the world of VR at an affordable price.
While HTC Vive does provide a smooth VR experience, we believe that it is not the right fit for you.
You should consider Samsung Gear VR. In our opinion, it is the best user-friendly headset on the market. Samsung Gear VR is equipped with some of the best specs in the market at just a fraction of the cost.
Lastly, Samsung Gear VR is a mid-range headset that is the best of both worlds.
Let us know your thoughts on Samsung Gear VR.