Pico 4 Ultra vs. Meta Quest 3: Battle for VR Supremacy with Surprising Contender
, by Unboxify, 3 min reading time
Pico 4 Ultra vs. Meta Quest 3: A New Contender in the VR Arena 🚀
The Pico 4 Ultra: An Introduction 🎮
The virtual reality landscape has a new challenger on the scene: the Pico 4 Ultra. With hardware specifications that technically outshine the Meta Quest 3, the Pico 4 Ultra is trying to carve out its space in the competitive VR market. But does it have what it takes to dethrone the Meta Quest 3? Let's dive into the details.Hardware Comparison 🖥️
Supercharging the Standalone VR Experience 💪
The Pico 4 Ultra is a standalone VR headset that doesn't require a PC or console. It boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, dual 90 HZ LCD screens offering 2,160 sq pixels per eye, 256 GB of storage, and 12 GB of RAM—all for around £529.- More RAM: The Pico 4 Ultra offers 4 GB more RAM than the Meta Quest 3.
- Extra Storage: It also provides 128 GB extra storage, making it a more powerful option for those with extensive VR libraries.
Design and Comfort 🎧
The Pico 4 Ultra features an adjustable plastic strap with its battery at the back, serving as a counterbalance to the weight of the front display. This design helps distribute weight evenly, making it comfortable for extended use.- Integrated Strap Design: Unlike the Meta Quest 3, which offers an elite strap as an extra, the Pico 4 Ultra's strap design is standard but cannot be upgraded with add-ons.
Global Availability Issues 🌍
Here’s where the Pico 4 Ultra hits its first snag. The device has only launched in parts of Europe and Asia, leaving potential customers in other regions, particularly the US, scrambling for import options. This limited availability stems from speculated tensions between the US government and TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, which also owns Pico.Software: The Make or Break Factor 💻
Content Parity and Limitations 📚
The Pico 4 Ultra's software store has grown, offering popular VR titles like Walkout Mini Golf, The Last Clockwinder, and Pistol Whip. Still, it struggles to stand out due to the lack of exclusive blockbuster titles that are available on the Meta Quest platform.- Popular Titles Available: Games like Walkout Mini Golf and The Last Clockwinder are present, ensuring you don’t miss out on popular VR experiences.
- Missing Exclusives: However, big names like Beat Saber, Resident Evil 4 VR, and Assassin’s Creed Nexus are exclusive to the Meta Quest platform.
Mixed Reality and Feature Innovations 🕶️
While the Pico 4 Ultra does feature mixed reality capabilities and the ability to capture spatial video images, these features are somewhat gimmicky at best. The image quality isn't high enough to be a game-changer, and most users are unlikely to take their VR headsets on the go.Motion Trackers: A Unique Selling Point 🚶
One standout feature of the Pico 4 Ultra is its motion trackers, which can be strapped to your feet for precise full-body tracking. These are available for £79 or as part of the pre-order bundle.- Full-Body Tracking: Allows for more immersive and accurate VR experiences.
- Limited Game Support: Only about 20 standalone titles currently support this feature.
The Unanswered Questions❓
It's important to note that the information here is based on pre-announcement details, and Pico could surprise us with some software developments or exclusive game announcements. If they do, this could alter the competitive landscape significantly.Why Meta Quest 3 Still Holds the Crown 👑
Despite the Pico 4 Ultra's promising hardware, the Meta Quest 3 still appears to be the preferred choice for most. The software superiority, extensive library of exclusive games, and better overall user experience give it an edge that Pico 4 Ultra hasn't yet managed to overcome.The Verdict ⚖️
If you're in a region where the Pico 4 Ultra is available and you’re keen on advanced hardware, it’s worth considering. However, for a more comprehensive and versatile VR experience, the Meta Quest 3 currently reigns supreme. Let us know in the comments if you're thinking of picking up the Pico 4 Ultra or why you aren’t, and we’ll see you in the next one!Blog posts
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