Pico 4 Ultra Review
Product Information & Ratings
Review Summary
The Pico 4 Ultra is an advanced standalone VR headset that brings solid hardware upgrades and mixed-reality (MR) capabilities, aiming to compete directly with the Meta Quest 3. With its lightweight design, powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, and a focus on immersive gaming, it stands out as a capable option for both gaming and productivity. Here's our experience with the device after hands-on testing.
Design & Build Quality
At first glance, the Pico 4 Ultra maintains a similar aesthetic to the Pico 4, featuring a counterbalanced design that houses the battery in the back of the strap to reduce strain on your face. This setup makes it quite comfortable for longer sessions, though we found the head strap cushioning to be a bit rigid and lacking in support, especially compared to the Meta Quest 3. The lack of a silicone facial interface was another downside; fabric cushions tend to get sweaty and are harder to clean, which would have made a silicone option more practical.
On the positive side, the headset features continuous interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment, ranging from 58-72mm. This allows users to find their perfect fit, reducing any visual blurriness during use. The 32MP cameras significantly improve passthrough mode, providing better clarity and immersion when interacting with real-world environments.
Performance & Gaming
Equipped with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 and 12GB of RAM, the Pico 4 Ultra delivers smooth performance across demanding VR titles. Games like Arizona Sunshine 2 and Blade & Sorcery ran flawlessly during our tests, with sharp visuals and minimal frame drops. The display resolution of 1920 x 1920 pixels per eye offers excellent clarity, and though it uses LCD technology, the contrast and deep blacks were impressive for the price point.
Mixed Reality & Features
The mixed-reality capabilities of the Pico 4 Ultra are bolstered by its dual 32MP cameras, allowing users to toggle between MR and VR modes easily. While the passthrough mode is clearer than its predecessor, it struggles a bit in dim lighting. The motion trackers, an optional add-on, worked great in games that support full-body tracking, adding to the immersive experience in apps like VRChat. However, the controller tracking struggled in low-light environments, occasionally affecting precision in certain games.
Battery Life
The 5700mAh battery offers between 1 to 4 hours of use, depending on the intensity of the applications. It outlasted the Meta Quest 3 in our tests, but frequent passthrough or full-body tracking will deplete the battery more quickly. Fortunately, the headset charges at a faster rate—up to 45W—allowing for quick recovery between sessions.
Who It’s For
- Gamers: Those looking for a comfortable, high-performance VR headset for immersive gaming.
- Mixed Reality Enthusiasts: Users wanting both VR and MR functionality in one headset will appreciate its flexibility.
- PCVR Fans: With the Pico Connect feature, PCVR players can enjoy high-quality gaming through a wired or wireless connection.
Overall Rating: 4/5
The Pico 4 Ultra is a strong competitor in the mid-range VR market. While it offers excellent hardware, smooth gaming performance, and improved mixed-reality features, it still lags behind Meta Quest 3 when it comes to exclusive game titles and software support. If you're focused on standalone gaming with some mixed-reality functionality, the Pico 4 Ultra is a fantastic option, though some may find the lack of software variety limiting.
Pros
- Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip and 12GB of RAM deliver smooth gameplay and high-resolution visuals, even with graphically intense VR games like Arizona Sunshine 2
- Improved Mixed Reality: Dual 32MP cameras and a depth sensor enhance passthrough clarity, providing a more immersive MR experience that’s well-suited for both gaming and productivity applications
- Full-body tracking: Optional Motion Trackers add precise full-body tracking, which enhances immersion in apps like VRChat, offering more interaction possibilities than other mid-range VR headsets
- Efficient Battery Life: The 5700mAh battery provides between 1 to 4 hours of use depending on applications, with 45W fast charging for quick recharges between sessions
Cons
- Limited Game Library: Although it supports SteamVR, the standalone Pico Store lacks several popular VR titles found on Meta's platform, like Beat Saber, which may limit game variety for some users
- Subpar Low-light Passthrough: While the MR feature is clearer than previous models, passthrough quality declines noticeably in low-light environments
- Lack of Compatibility for Audio: No 3.5mm audio jack, which limits options for users preferring wired headphones
Key Features
- Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 with 12GB RAM for fast processing.
- 32MP dual cameras and depth sensor for enhanced MR clarity.
- Pico Connect for seamless PCVR gaming over wired or wireless connections.
- Optional Motion Trackers for advanced body tracking and immersion
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