The Samsung Gear VR is a great piece of tech and the perfect way to get into VR for the first time.
As a person who wants to venture into VR, you may wonder how much it costs and what you need to set it up.
This post will provide all the information you need to get a Samsung Gear VR headset and jump into the wondrous world of virtual reality.
Quick Summary
In this post, we will discuss:
- An overview of the Samsung Gear VR
- Key features and benefits
- Some frequently asked questions (FAQs)
So without further ado, let’s get started.
Samsung Gear VR Overview
The Samsung Gear VR is a highly affordable option if you want to get into VR without spending too much money. It’s a mobile-based VR headset which means that you’ll need a smartphone to get it to work properly.
Since the Samsung Gear VR headset is discontinued at this point, you can only get it from third-party sellers. However, there are tons of them available on Amazon, and you can find great refurbished units if you do your research properly.
If you want to get a refurbished Samsung Gear VR headset, you can get it somewhere in the ballpark of $15 – $50.
How Does it Work?
The Samsung Gear VR headset works similarly to most other mobile-based VR headsets available in the market. It connects to your smartphone, and you use your smartphone to run whatever VR app you’d like to enjoy.
The smartphone is placed inside the Samsung Gear VR headset, and you wear the headset on your face. The high-quality lenses inside the headset provide the illusion of a virtual world that you can interact with by moving your head and looking around.
Your smartphone needs to have the appropriate sensors for it to work.
For example, sensors such as a gyroscope need to be present in your smartphone so that it’s able to sense your movements and translate them in the VR app accordingly.
The headset itself is powered through your smartphone since it connects to it with the help of a USB cable (The updated Gear VR model has a USB-C connector rather than a regular USB connector).
Hence, you should consider which model you want to get depending on which smartphone you have. If you buy the USB-C version but have a regular USB port, you’ll have to buy a microUSB-to-USB-C convertor as well.
Important note: All of the processing is done by your smartphone. You can think of the Samsung Gear VR headset as an output device that translates the images into a virtual world for you to experience.
It should also be noted that the Samsung Gear VR headset does not work with every smartphone out there.
You can find a full compatibility list for the Samsung Gear VR headset on Samsung’s website.
Obviously, if you don’t already have a smartphone that’s compatible with the Samsung Gear VR headset, it won’t be an affordable purchase. This is because then, you’ll not only have to buy the headset but also a smartphone that’s compatible with it.
In this case, you’d be much better off just buying some other mobile-based VR headset that is compatible with your current smartphone.
On the other hand, if you already have a smartphone that’s compatible with the Samsung Gear VR headset, then it’s a great choice.
Key Features and Benefits
This section will highlight some of the stand-out benefits that you’ll get with the Samsung Gear VR headset that you might not find in its contemporaries.
Comfy Design
The Samsung Gear VR headset is equipped with foam padding and a firm velcro head strap that fits perfectly and is quite adjustable. No matter what your head size is, you’ll be able to adjust it accordingly with ease.
It’s especially comfortable for people who wear glasses as well since the inside compartment can become fairly large with the adjustable head strap. We tested it for quite a long time with glasses and found little to no strain on our faces.
It’s well-ventilated too.
The headset is tight enough that it doesn’t fall off your head, but at the same time, it doesn’t get hot inside it. If you wear glasses, you’ll know how annoying it is when they fog up. This is an issue that does not occur with the Samsung Gear VR headset.
High-End Controller
In addition to the Samsung Gear VR headset, you also get a controller with it that comes with a comfortable button layout and great compatibility. It connects easily with your smartphone via Bluetooth so you can control your VR apps with ease.
It’s powered by two AAA batteries.
The controller features a smooth touchpad, a volume rocker, a back button and a home button. You also get a singular trigger on the top which is great for first-person shooters as well as other action-packed VR games.
Optimized Firmware
With the updated version of the Samsung Gear VR headset, you don’t run into any compatibility issues or hardware issues.
The older Samsung Gear VR headset had the issue where it would heat up your smartphone and drain its battery incredibly quickly. This is something that has been addressed in the newer version so you don’t have to worry about it.
Make sure you get the updated Samsung Gear VR model when you buy it.
Furthermore, the issue of the battery draining too fast has also been addressed. On a full charge of your smartphone, you can easily have a VR session that can last 2 to 3 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the Samsung Gear VR Work with My Latest Samsung Phone?
If your smartphone has Android 12, it will not work. Samsung has officially discontinued support for the Samsung Gear VR in Android 12.
However, if your phone is running a version older than Android 12 and your smartphone is present on the compatibility list, you’re good to go.
How Long Should I Be in VR?
We recommend that you spend half an hour in VR with a 15-minute break in between.
It’s important to take regular breaks in VR to ensure you don’t develop nausea or eye strain issues.
Do I Need to Charge the Samsung Gear VR?
No. Your Samsung Gear VR headset is powered by your smartphone.
Hence, you only need to charge your smartphone and your headset will depend on your smartphone’s battery.
Why Do I Have the Gear VR App in My Phone Even When I Don’t Have the Headset?
If you don’t have a Gear VR headset but still have the app running on your Samsung phone, then it’s a good idea to simply uninstall it.
It comes pre-installed in some smartphones and if you don’t use it, it’s not a good idea to have it since it drains your battery faster.
Can I Use the Gear VR Without a Smartphone?
No. You need a smartphone to use the Gear VR. Otherwise, there’s no device to run the VR app on.
Conclusion
The Samsung Gear VR is a great option to experience VR if you already own a compatible smartphone.
If you don’t, then you’re better off buying some other mobile-based VR headset that works well with the particular smartphone you have.
What VR headset do you use? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.