The HTC Vive XR Elite: A Review of the Latest Headset from HTC
The HTC Vive XR Elite is a new headset released by HTC in March of this year. Positioned as a high-end consumer product, it is priced similarly to the Meta Quest Pro.
One of the standout features of the XR Elite is its smaller and lighter design compared to previous models. However, the real question is whether it lives up to expectations and justifies its £1,300 price tag.
With a variety of headsets on the market and more set to be released in the coming months, it’s important to consider whether the HTC Vive XR Elite is worth purchasing.
Specifications of the HTC Vive XR Elite
Before diving into the performance of the XR Elite, let’s take a look at its main specifications:
- Processor: Snapdragon XR2
- Display: LCD
- Resolution: 1920 x 1920 pixels per eye
- Refresh Rate: 90Hz
- Field of View: 110 degrees
- IPD: 54-73mm
- Audio: Dual mics and embedded speakers
- Tracking: 6 DoF inside-out
- Inputs: USB Type-C 3.2 Gen-1
- Battery: 24.32Wh providing up to 2 hours of life
- Weight: 614g with battery or 260g without
Using the XR Elite
The XR Elite can be used in multiple ways. It can be connected to a PC or used as a standalone device. It also accommodates glasses wearers with the use of an adapter. Additionally, it offers a mixed-reality experience by overlaying real-world video captured through its own cameras.
Comparison with Other Headsets
With several major players in the virtual and mixed reality market, it’s important to compare headsets before making a purchase.
The XR Elite has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,920 pixels per eye, placing it above the Meta Quest 2 and Quest Pro, but below the Pico 4. In terms of color vibrancy, the XR Elite falls short compared to the Quest Pro but is on par with the Quest 2.
The field of view of the XR Elite is not as impressive as the Quest Pro, but it surpasses that of the Quest 2. However, it lacks depth correction on the passthrough, although color passthrough is good.
In terms of comfort, the XR Elite excels with its lightweight and slim design. The headset is heavier at the back due to the battery pack, but the front is much lighter. However, the controllers that come with the XR Elite are larger and less advanced compared to those of the Quest Pro.
Eye tracking is another area where the XR Elite falls short compared to the Quest Pro. While eye tracking can be added later at an additional cost, it is not currently available.
Availability of XR Elite Apps
Currently, there are limited apps and games available for the XR Elite through the store or Viveport. The number of titles is expected to increase in the future, but it currently falls short compared to other platforms. However, SteamVR streaming is an option for XR Elite users with additional software.
The Verdict on the HTC Vive XR Elite
With a retail price of £1,300 in the UK and $1,100 in the United States, the XR Elite is more expensive than the Meta Quest Pro but offers similar performance to the Quest 2. Without a strong selection of apps, it may not be a compelling choice for most users.
While the XR Elite’s slimline design is a step forward for VR, it is unlikely to dominate the market or compete with other major players like Meta and Sony. With the upcoming release of the Apple headset, it may be worth waiting to see what that device brings to the table.
If you’re looking to add a lightweight device to your VR headset collection, the Vive XR Elite is a good option. However, if you’re a first-time buyer or seeking a mixed-reality experience, there are other headsets available that offer better value for money. Click here to read the HTC Vive XR Elite Review
Conclusion:
In summary, the HTC Vive XR Elite is a compact and versatile VR headset that offers a sleek design and respectable performance. While it excels in comfort and resolution, it falls short in terms of available apps and advanced features like eye tracking and controllers. Priced similarly to the Meta Quest Pro, it may be a suitable choice for experienced VR enthusiasts looking for a lightweight headset. However, for first-time buyers or those seeking a broader mixed-reality experience, there are other headsets on the market that provide better value for the money. With the upcoming Apple headset and ongoing industry developments, it’s wise to keep an eye on future releases before committing to a purchase.
