Premium VR on a Budget (Daydream Edition)

Daydream is way better than Google Cardboard. Image credit: Google

The sky-high prices of the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive make it cost prohibitive for many people to own a premium virtual reality headset. As most people would agree, Google Cardboard headsets are somewhat lacking in comparison to the more expensive and premium virtual reality headsets on the market today. The Google Daydream is Google’s premium offering. That said, most Google Daydream set-ups are not exactly cheap or budget-friendly. Previously limited to expensive phones like the Google Pixel or the Moto Z, Google’s Daydream can now be enjoyed on a new budget-friendly phone called the ZTE Axon 7 ($399). Furthermore, if you know where to look, the previously expensive Moto Z can be found at affordable used prices.

This means that a premium virtual reality experience and headset can be had for a total of 350-450 dollars. This is much more affordable than the $599 Oculus Rift and the $799 HTC Vive which also require a $400-$500-dollar graphics cards (ouch!). Therefore, to help you get a premium virtual reality set-up without a premium price, I discuss the affordable Daydream contenders that will provide a much better experience than the Google Cardboard. While serviceable, Google Cardboard headsets and apps sometimes provide blurry visuals, laggy head tracking, and low-detail gaming experiences. Going with a Daydream system over a cardboard system is comparable to the transition in graphics fidelity that occurred when Nintendo went from 8-bit NES graphics to 16-bit graphics of the Super Nintendo. Google’s Daydream platform is most similar to the Gear VR platform released by Samsung and Oculus. Working with flagship phones, both platforms offer smooth head tracking and crisp visuals.

Gear VR and Daydream: Premium Lower Priced Contenders

Google Daydream Sale $50. That is $30 dollars of the normal price. Image credit: Google

Keeping it Shape: Per Eye Resolution

Gear VR headsets (1280 x 1440 per eye) offer a higher per-eye-pixel resolution than Oculus’ and HTC’s offerings (1,080 x 1,200). Similarly, when using Google Daydream and a Google Pixel XL, users can enjoy a high resolution of 1,440 x 1,280 per eye. Although many factors are involved, these high resolutions make a huge difference for virtual reality games, movies, and web browsing. Higher per eye resolution reduces the so-called “screen door effect” that irks many current virtual reality enthusiasts and adopters.

To stay budget-friendly while focusing on quality, I did a little bit of research to see how cheap I could get a Google Daydream package. This meant that I would have to find an affordable phone, but also that I would have to account for the cost of the Daydream headset itself. The highly-desired Google Pixel XL is currently regarded as the best option for a Daydream set-up. That said, it’s an expensive and elusive phone selling at $769. To avoid spending so much, I looked elsewhere. This meant that I would be looking for midrange and used devices.

Axon 7 or Moto Z (Used)

ZTE Axon 7 | Image credit: ZTE

Released in October of 2016, the ZTE Axon 7 has only recently been updated to Android 7.0. Along with this update, the Axon 7 also acquired Daydream support. Currently, the Axon 7 can be found online and in stores like Best Buy for $399. For this price, the Axon 7 comes with a Snapdragon 820, 4gb of ram, a 5.5-inch screen 1440 x 2560 pixels (538 PPI pixel density), a default 64GB of ram and a nice 20 MP, for around $300. Released Summer 2016, the Moto Z is a stylish add-on friendly device that scored high marks for its impressive build quality, extra Moto features, and its improved camera set up.

Moto Z prices on eBay. Image credit: eBay

After choosing one of these devices, you will need to complete your Daydream set-up with a Daydream headset itself. Lucky for you, the Google Lords of Mountain View are running a sale which takes $30 off the total cost. This brings the cost down to $50. All in all, when paired with the $50-dollar Daydream, the Axon 7 ($399) or a used Moto Z (starting at $300) will provide a Premium VR experience that is roughly 1/3 of the total cost of a VR PC setup. For around $350, our adult content will look sharper, smoother, and more fluid than any Google Cardboard set-up currently available!