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Looking for a direct comparison of the Apple Vision Pro vs HTC Vive? Read on.
VR headsets use sensors and cameras alongside microphones and other key bits of tech to immerse the user in a digital universe, with eyesight directed towards screens in the ‘lenses’ of the headpiece.
Apple have recently announced their offering to the VR game. The Apple Vision Pro seeks to blend digital content with physical reality – they’ve described it as a spatial computer, building on the ‘augmented reality’ headsets such as Google Glass. The ground-breaking new VR headset offers a range of exciting new features promising to boost your social and working life, all supported by the familiar iOS system. The announcement did not specify a release date, but did say it would be available ‘early next year’.
The HTC Vive, on the other hand, is a virtual reality device which has been around for some time. There are a few models, but we’ll be focusing on the most recent headset – the HTC Vive XR Elite. This is an elite piece of kit which brings the very best in VR gaming, and boasts the accolade of most awarded headset at CES and MWC 2023.
If you’re looking to invest in a mixed reality headset, but can’t choose between the two, we’re here to help. Read on for our showdown of these two VR entertainment systems.
What is Apple Vision Pro?
Apple Vision Pro is a forthcoming AR (augmented reality) headset from Apple which promises to elevate virtual reality to an extent where it is compatible with the physical world, so you can stay connected via the classic Apple apps whilst still being present in the moment. Examples include Facetime calls which give the illusion others are in the room with you, while you appear to them as a ‘Persona’ or digitalised version of yourself. You can also view TV, films or old pictures and videos in a more immersive way than ever before. This enables you to effectively relive memories, with spatial audio boosting sound to recreate real-life environments.
You’ll also be able to play Apple arcade games and probably more, but the focus will be on apps and recreating the iOS system in the real world.
We don’t know all the details for sure yet, but we are guessing the operating system will link up to other devices like the Apple Watch, iPhone, Mac and iPad.
What is HTC Vive XR Elite?
The HTC Vive XR Elite, on the other hand, is a gaming-focussed headset which offers a premium experience. Remarkably clear graphics, high-resolution displays and a choice between all-in-one and PC connected gaming make this a high-end device. A 90Hz refresh rate and a speedy processor enables reactions in milliseconds.
The headset is also adjustable. You can switch between the classic ski goggles headset for intensive gaming sessions to a more lightweight pair of glasses when needed.
We’ve also compared the HTC Vive XR Elite to the recently released PSVR-2.
Apple Vision Pro vs HTC XR Elite
Without further ado, here are some of the differences between Apple Vision Pro vs HTC XR Elite.
Apple Vision Pro vs HTC Vive: Price
Firstly, the cost. Currently, the HTC XR Elite goes for $1,099/£1,299. That’s pretty expensive. However, the Apple Vision Pro is set to cost around $3,499/£2,817. So although both are budget-busters, the Apple Vision Pro comes out as the more expensive piece of tech.
Apple Vision Pro vs HTC Vive: Specs
The Apple Vision Pro headset runs on the powerful M2 and R1 chips. The R1 chip ensures a nearly lag-free real-time view, whereas the M2 has become well known for its power on devices like the MacBook Air (2023).The Vision Pro has two panels, each with over 23 million pixels, exceeding the resolution of a 4K TV for each eye.
In comparison, the Vive XR Elite display has a resolution of 1920×1920 per eye. It is powered by the Snapdragon XR2 hardware platform. This is the same system which the Meta Quest 2 runs off.
Apple Vision Pro vs HTC Vive: Controls
Both headsets are controlled via hand movements, but the XR Elite requires hand controllers.
Apple Vision Pro vs HTC Vive: Battery
Both headsets boast 2 hours of unconnected use time. They also both have external battery packs on the back of the headset.
Gloria’s Thoughts
So there’s our round-up of the Apple Vision Pro vs HTC Vive.
Both of these headsets are great options, but they are specialised for different purposes. For gamers, the HTC Vive is definitely your best bet. However, if you are an Apple enthusiast or interested in one of the most exciting and expansive augmented reality pieces of tech to emerge in recent years, you might want to start saving up for the Vision Pro.