Hardware specifications aren’t everything. The quality of the experiences a platform can offer is perhaps the most important aspect to consider when choosing your new head-mounted display (HMD). However, as Google Cardboard has proven in comparison to the Samsung Gear VR, the capabilities of the platform can severely limit the opportunities for immersion afforded by the software.
Oculus Rift Specifications
The consumer edition of the Oculus Rift is arguably the most high quality HMD currently available. Lightweight, comfortable for extended gameplay sessions and delivering very clear visuals, the Oculus Rift is most obviously a product born of passion for quality virtual reality (VR). The specifications of the Oculus Rift are as follows:
Resolution: 2160 x 1200 across two screens, 1080 x 1200 per eye.
Refresh Rate: 90hz. Tracking: External camera, gyroscope, accelerometer & magnetometer.
HTC Vive Specifications
The HTC Vive has the unique advantage of roomscale tracking, allowing users to move freely around a volume of up to 15’x15’. While it’s been suggested that both the Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR are capable of delivering a similar experience, neither hardware manufacturer has showcased this technology nor is openly discussing it.
Resolution: 2160 x 1200 across two screens, 1080 x 1200 per eye.
Refresh Rate: 90hz. Tracking: External Lighthouse, gyroscope & accelerometer.
PlayStation VR Specifications
The PlayStation VR is arguably the most comfortable of all the leading current-generation HMDs, yet the resolution of the screens is a significant drop in comparison to the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. It’s a trade-off that has allowed the PlayStation VR to come to consumer audiences with a significantly lower asking price, but is still likely to disappoint the most ardent VR aficionados.
Resolution: 1920 x RGB x 1080 (960 x RGB x 1080 per eye)
Refresh Rate: 120hz (with reprojection technology). Tracking: External camera, gyroscope & accelerometer.
