All Mode
This week, my comparison began with a focused look and discussion of the graphical power of the Gear VR (with a Galaxy S8 powering it) and HTC’s new stand-alone. Both headsets have extremely similar AMOLED displays with Samsung’s offering providing a resolution of 2960 x 1440 and HTC’s new headset clocking in at 2560×1440. Although Samsung’s Gear VR has more pixels (with the Galaxy S8), the pixel density is almost exactly the same. Therefore, I rated this element of the headsets to be a tie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3fJybl2KVs
This comparison also compared CPUs and GPUs to explore the graphical capabilities of each respective headset. I argued that both players were essentially tied because they both relied on the powerful Snapdragon 835 processor. While not a huge leap over last year’s Snapdragon 820, the Snapdragon 835 will be able to consistently provide highly detailed 3d graphics that can be roughly compared to early 2000s PC graphics or consoles like the PlayStation 2 and the original Xbox. To combat the lack of horsepower, Google is preparing and developing a new graphical technology called Seurat. Seurat could potentially make Daydream compatible apps look great.
Tracking
When comparing HTC’s new standalone headset to the Gear VR, a number of conclusions can be drawn. First of all, the Gear VR can be considered a cut above regular Google Cardboard headsets. This is because it contains extra sensors and software that takes advantage of these sensors. As result of these extra additions, the Gear VR’s tracking is almost as smooth as the Oculus Rift. This all seems well and good until you realize that the Gear VR is missing more advanced tracking capabilities. As a result, HTC’s device pulls into the lead. Although the Gear VR tracks head angle and rotation, it does not track lateral movement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osUo3bCeFjw
HTC’s headset can track lateral movement. This puts it a step above the Gear VR. Using Google’s new WorldSense technology, HTC’s new baby will potentially have tracking that comes close to that of the HTC Vive. Without relying on external sensors, HTC’s headset uses internal cameras to calculate the user’s position in relation to an object. Combine this tech with fast Daydream tracking, and it is clear that HTC is the winner when it comes to VR tracking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zPeZ2MDyJg
Portability
In terms of portability, I ranked HTC’s new standalone higher than the Gear VR. Technically, they are both portables. However, it is my opinion that the HTC headset scores higher in this regard because there is less fiddling that needs to be done to actually use the headset. Being a standalone device means HTC’s headset is “grab-and-go,” whereas Samsung’s device takes a bit of setup to get going.
Conclusion
In sum, the Gear VR loses to new HTC’s future standalone device in terms of tracking and portability but ties when it comes to graphics and display technology. Does this mean that the HTC standalone headset will be a better device? No, not necessarily. The big question that remains is software?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9SUd1Q5G6s
As of now, Google Daydream has less developer support than the Gear VR but this should change when more Daydream devices are released. If Google’s plans go well and every Android device becomes a Daydream device, the software will soon be plentiful. When this happens, the Gear VR will be in big trouble and the HTC Standalone could sit on the throne to become “the King of VR.”
Yes, i am looking forward to the standalone. Now hopefully Google Daydream gets some robust software support in time for the release.
I was thinking about that too. Google doesn’t disappoint!
in all of your reviews of different features, standalone is winning. I think this is the one to get on this christmas, lets see if anything better comes till then.