Virtual Reality (VR) has come a long way in recent years, and the new HTC Vive XR Elite is here to prove it. As a technology enthusiast, I couldn’t resist purchasing this headset for an eye-watering 1,300 British pounds, just so I could share my thoughts with all of you. In this review, I’ll answer the key questions: How does the Vive XR Elite compare to the Quest 2 and Quest Pro? Is it an improvement over previous HTC headsets? And should you consider buying it if you’re in the market for a new VR headset?
Contents
Unveiling the Vive XR Elite
When you unbox the Vive XR Elite, you’ll find the headset itself, which is surprisingly small and compact. With its glasses-style arms attached, it weighs just 273 grams. The package also includes a material top strap, charging cables for the headset and controllers, a battery pack for added power and comfort, and two controllers. The design of the XR Elite is reminiscent of oversized Willy Wonka-style glasses, borrowed from its older sibling, the HTC Vive Flow. It features five cameras for inside-out tracking and a depth sensor for enhanced mixed reality content.
Display and Performance
The XR Elite boasts brand-new pancake lenses that offer clear visuals with a reasonable sweet spot. However, they do suffer from glare and God Ray in contrasting scenes, which can be immersion-breaking. The headset houses two LCD panels with a resolution of 1920 by 1920 pixels per eye, providing a 110-degree field of view. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor and equipped with ample memory and storage, the XR Elite delivers a solid performance both on its own and when connected to a PC.
Comfort Concerns
When it comes to comfort, the Vive XR Elite falls short. The glasses-style arms put pressure on your head and, despite its light weight, it can be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. Additionally, the facial interface is poorly designed, resulting in pressure on the forehead and gaps that let in light, compromising the immersive experience. Glasses wearers will appreciate the adjustable diopters, but it’s worth noting that adjustable lenses might not be as accurate as prescription lens inserts, especially for users with astigmatism.
Audio and Controllers
One disappointment with the XR Elite is the lack of audio options. The built-in speakers are the only choice, which means your audio is not private, and those around you can hear what you’re watching or playing. The presence of dual microphones for social VR applications is a nice addition. The controllers, identical to those of the Vive Focus 3, offer a comfortable grip and intuitive layout, but the trigger and grip buttons can be slightly annoying due to their clicking sound.
Standalone and PCVR Experience
As a standalone headset, the XR Elite falls short due to its limited native game library, basic home environment, and small selection of apps. However, when connected to a PC, the Vive XR Elite offers a more fulfilling experience. By using the Vive streaming app or virtual desktop, you can access your SteamVR game library. However, both wireless and wired connections suffer from limited battery life, offering only a maximum of two hours of playtime. Additionally, some users have reported tracking issues and a lack of brightness when using the XR Elite in glasses mode for PC gaming.
Pass-Through Mode and Mixed Reality Content
On a positive note, the pass-through mode on the XR Elite is impressive. It allows you to switch to a real-world view with just a double click of a button. While it may not be perfect for reading text messages, it’s more than sufficient for quick glances or grabbing a drink. As for mixed reality content, the XR Elite falls short in terms of available games and experiences, which is disappointing for a device marketed as a mixed reality headset.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Vive XR Elite showcases the exciting trend of compact VR headsets, it doesn’t quite hit the mark. Comfort issues, limited audio options, a small native game library, and short battery life make it difficult to recommend. For those in the market for a new VR headset, it might be worth waiting for the upcoming Quest 3 or exploring the PS5 and PSVR 2 for their exclusive titles. Alternatively, the Big Screen Beyond VR headset offers an impressive experience for PC VR enthusiasts.
Thank you for reading this review of the Vive XR Elite. If you have any questions or additional insights about this headset, please feel free to leave a comment below. Stay tuned for more VR content on Techal, and don’t forget to subscribe! Cheers!
FAQs
Q: Does the Vive XR Elite support glasses wearers?
A: Yes, the XR Elite features adjustable diopters, allowing glasses wearers to enjoy VR without wearing their glasses inside the headset.
Q: Can I use my own headphones with the Vive XR Elite?
A: Unfortunately, the XR Elite lacks a 3.5mm audio jack and has limited Bluetooth functionality, so the only audio option is to use the built-in speakers.
Q: What is the battery life of the controllers?
A: The internal rechargeable battery of the controllers provides approximately 15 hours of playtime.
Q: Can the Vive XR Elite be used for PC gaming?
A: Yes, by installing the Vive streaming app or using virtual desktop, you can connect the XR Elite to your PC and enjoy PCVR gaming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the HTC Vive XR Elite proves to be a missed opportunity for VR enthusiasts. While it showcases compact design and impressive visuals, comfort issues, limited audio options, a small game library, and short battery life hinder the overall experience. As a technology enthusiast, I recommend exploring other options such as the upcoming Quest 3 or the PS5 with PSVR 2 for a more immersive VR experience. And for PC VR enthusiasts, the Big Screen Beyond headset offers an impressive alternative. For more insightful content on all things technology, visit Techal.
