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Virtual reality has affected almost every part of the tech world.
The use of virtual reality equipment is employed in almost every sector today. It is being used in the educational sector, military, artificial intelligence, automobiles, and so on! The first VR headset was invented in the 1950s. Since then VR development has experienced peaks and troughs. There is no sign of VR development slowing down.
In this article, we will do an objective analysis of the best VR headsets for phones. We’ll highlight the unique features of each headset and also the not-so-good features. We will intimate you with things you should consider before buying mobile VR headsets. We’ll also review some frequently asked questions in the latter part of the article.
So, let’s dig in.
We know the experience that comes with virtual reality is out of this world. Many VR manufacturers seem not to be concentrating on mobile VR. They seem to be focusing on another aspect of virtual reality.
By now you may have been wondering whether there are still good options for mobile VR headsets. Fortunately, we still have some decent mobile VR headsets.
One thing about VR for smartphones is that it is relatively cheaper than regular VR headsets. There are a wealth of options, starting from the cheap cardboard headset to the high-tech standalone VR headsets. You do not have to worry so much even if you are on a tight budget.
CONTENTS:
- Before you buy: things you have to consider before buying VR headsets for phones
- 4 best VR headsets for phones
- How do smartphone VR headsets work
- Frequently Asked Questions about smartphone VR
- Conclusion
Before you buy: Things you have to consider before buying VR headsets for phones
Making the right decision about buying a VR headset is not always easy. Many factors should be considered before purchasing a VR headset for smartphones.
These decisions help the prospective buyer to derive maximum benefits from the headset. The following highlights the important factors that should be considered before buying a VR headset for smartphones.
- Price
- Purpose
- Health
Price
This is one of the most important factors that should be considered when buying a VR headset for smartphones.
There are a variety of different options for VR headsets. Depending on your budget, there is a wide range of options for mobile VR headsets. The bitter truth is that good-quality headsets are expensive.
Getting a new VR headset is a long-term commitment. Therefore, you should get a headset that would serve you in the long term.
Before settling on the one to buy, make sure to make the proper research about the product. Ensure the price of the product is within your budget. Now let’s examine some realistic scenarios that would help you make the right decision:
- If you want a product that sells for around $50 or lesser, Google Cardboard would be the best option.
- If your budget is within the limits of hundreds of dollars, our team would advise going for Samsung VR gear. This product comes with a motion controller.
- If your budget is slightly higher than hundreds of dollars, you can choose to go for PlayStation VR, it offers a better immersion experience than the Samsung VR gear. The retail price is around $300-$400. The price above is not constant, the retail price depends on the retailer. The PSVR offers great value for money.
- If you have a premium budget for a headset for VR, you can choose the Oculus Quest 2. You will rarely find a better option than the Oculus Quest 2. Although this product doesn’t come cheap, it offers good value for money.
Purpose
You must understand the purpose of buying a VR headset before buying a VR headset. It is one of the most important questions you should be asking.
There are many different types of headsets with different functionality, price, specs, and more. If novelty is the reason you are buying a headset or for light usage, you would be better off buying a low-end headset like Google Cardboard or Samsung Gear VR.
But if you intend to be a more serious user or you intend to use the headset for commercial purposes, it is way better to opt for high-end headsets like the Oculus Quest 2. One good thing is that the prices of these headsets have fallen in recent years. You don’t have to be rich to get a decent headset for smartphones.
Health
Some users have reported a host of troubling symptoms while using virtual reality. And some of the symptoms reported have to do with vision, confusion, disorientation, and even seizures. If you are the type of person whose health is frail, you should seriously consider your health before buying a headset.
For example, the use of a VR headset is generally not recommended for those with seizures. If you suffer from epilepsy, you can discuss the use of a virtual reality headset with your physician. Some users of VR headsets have suffered from torn ligaments, electric shock, and broken bones while using a VR headset.
There have been many cases of lawsuits against some game manufacturing companies over personal injuries experienced while playing VR games.
Although users can be liable. As an example, if you fall while using a VR headset, the manufacturing company won’t be guilty because you fell within the perch of your own house. Generally, when you decide to use a VR headset, you agree to the potential risks of using the products.
Quick Summary
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Our #1 Choice
Oculus Quest 2 |
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Check on Amazon |
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Samsung Gear VR |
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Check on Amazon |
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Google Cardboard |
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Check on Amazon |
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Pansonite VR |
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Check on Amazon |
4 best VR headsets for phones
1. Oculus Quest 2
Unique features:
- Powerful processor
- No cables required
- Accurate motion tracking
Best mobile VR headset for:
- Sharp Display
Overview
The Oculus Quest 2 is specifically designed to be an upgrade over its predecessor. The Quest 2 provides the much-needed upgrade in terms of the sharp screen display and it is also lightweight. It is lighter than the original Quest. It weighs 17.7 ounces and measures 4.0 by 7.5 by 5.6 inches (HWD), not including the strap. This headset is suitable for both newbies and experienced users.
The front faceplate is equipped with four position-tracking cameras mounted along its edge.
On the left side of the headset, you can find the type C USB port and also a 3.5mm headphone jack. And on the right-hand side, you can find the power button and the LED indicator light.
The bottom of the headset houses the volume rocker and two pinhole microphones. As a user, if you’re having issues with the lenses of this headset, there is an eye mask that allows you to adjust the position of the lenses.
The headset package contains a separator that can be used to adjust the position of the headset so that it slightly moves away from your face. This makes it possible to use the headset conveniently with glasses. Even with the separator, if you have large frames, it feels so awkward with the headset. The headset is equipped with a velcro strap that allows users to adjust how the top of the Quest fits against the face.
One feature of the Oculus Quest that makes it unique is the simplicity involved in setting it up.
Quite easy to connect with your smartphone. All you need to do is just open the box, set up the smartphone app, and jump into VR. No PC or console is needed. Requires wireless internet access and the Oculus app (free download) to set up the device. Another wonderful feature of this product is that it offers 50% more pixels than the original Quest.
One downside of this product is that users are required to have a Facebook account to make use of it and also to connect with other Facebook users around the world. Although you may not view this as a downside, we are pretty sure a Facebook account wouldn’t have been made compulsory if Facebook ain’t the producers of Oculus Quest. The product practically forces people to use Facebook.
Another downside of this headset is that your Facebook account gets locked or banned, the Facebook customer care support is poor, or even none existent. The Facebook account issue has been a huge turnoff for some prospective buyers.
If you happen not to have a Facebook account or you just don’t like the idea of being forced to own a Facebook account, you can go for the Samsung Gear VR.
Pro tip:
Voice commands on Quest 2 is an effective way of launching game apps on the headset. Rather than wandering about the list of apps you have, all you need to do is to use a voice command to launch a game of your choice. Additionally, instead of fumbling about the settings menu, you can ask ‘show me display settings’.
If you install a new game, instead of typing the name of the game in the search bar, you can issue a voice command. Here’s how:
- In your headset, click on the menu button by pressing the Oculus button on the right side of the controller. After this, locate and press the gear icon.
- After pressing the gear icon, click on the circular voice commands icon on the right side of the microphone.
The two steps above would assist you in setting up voice commands. Once you are done with the two steps above, click on the Oculus button on the right controller to activate your headset to listen.
Pros
- Optional PC tethering with an accessory cable
- Sharp display
- Easy to set up
Cons
- An active Facebook account is required to use the headset
- Short battery life
Bottom line
The Oculus Quest 2 is a wonderful mobile headset to have. It has a lot of better features than its predecessor. It is also not too expensive at $299 or thereabouts. It offers great value for money. Highly recommended!
2. Samsung Gear VR
Unique features:
- Spacious and comfortable
- 101° field of view
- USB Type-C & Micro USB for phone connection
Best mobile VR headset for:
- Comfort
Overview
Since the Samsung Gear VR made an entry into the virtual reality market, there has been increased competition. Manufacturers of mobile VR headsets have come up with massive innovations to drive up the competition in the areas of untethered VR and immersive viewing. It is also a useful headset for those on a limited budget. The headset is quite simple and easy to use.
There have been a few updates over the years to align with recent Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Despite recent updates, the overall design for this product has not changed.
The headset is equipped with a velcro strap to make it easy for users to adjust the headset to perfectly fit the size of the head. If the foam padding that comes with this product becomes too tight, you can remove it and replace it with a new one.
This headset is in sync with the connected smartphone. The level of immersion you experience with this headset depends on the quality of your smartphone.
The downside of this product is that it doesn’t work with any other smartphone apart from Galaxy and Note Samsung devices. On the side of the headset, there are a touchpad and navigation buttons for navigating through the phone systems.
One of the standout features of this product is the comfort it offers while in use. The headset is more spacious than the average VR headset.
It is comfortable to use as well. For those with prescription lenses, the headset fits well over glasses thereby reducing the heat commonly associated with headset use. If you are a newbie as regards virtual reality, this product is beginner-friendly. It is not complicated to use, unlike other VR headsets.
At the start, it may feel a little bit weird to strap a smartphone in front of your eyes. With time, the immersive experience will outweigh the mild discomfort of the smartphone. The moment you connect your smartphone to the headset, you will be prompted to install an Oculus app. The installed app would then synchronize with the account on your PC.
There have been upgrades lately to the Samsung Gear VR, users don’t have to control stuff with the buttons on the headset any longer.
Lately, the Gear virtual reality experience has been improved, the Oculus touch controller has been made to be compatible with the Samsung Gear VR headset. The touch controllers can be purchased separately to use with this product. Using the touch controllers improves the immersive experience significantly.
One major downside of using this VR headset is that your smartphone has to be fully charged before you can enjoy a few hours of VR immersion.
Moreover, if your smartphone happens not to have a good battery life, this may necessitate charging your smartphone while using it with a headset. In other words, the immersive experience you experience is directly proportional to the quality of your smartphone.
If you’re not a fan of using the headset with a smartphone, you might choose to go with the first product on our list, which is the Oculus Quest 2. It has a PC tethering option. Although you will have to get an accessory cable before you can use the headset with your personal computer.
Pro tip:
Keep an eye on your smartphone. If it gets too hot, give it a break for at least 20 minutes. Although it is normal for a smartphone to heat up while in heavy use, taking intermittent breaks can prevent your phone from getting too hot. When a smartphone battery is getting too hot constantly, it reduces the battery life drastically.
If you are among the category of people who didn’t return their Note 7 after the general explosion recall, you are advised not to use this device with VR for the time being.
As you know, safety before anything else. Don’t blow up your face while trying to have some fun. In addition, if you don’t have a Samsung smartphone, don’t bother about buying this headset.
If you are new to virtual reality, you’re encouraged to start with the right demos. Starting with the right demos would prepare you for what lies ahead in the virtual reality world.
Examples of demos you might start with include Cirque du Soleil, Star Wars, Within, Land’s End, and many other demo games. After you are done with these demos, you can then move on to proper virtual reality games.
Pros
- A headset is budget-friendly
- Easy to set up
- Gear VR has some extra built-in sensors
Cons
- The functionality of hardware depends on having a compatible smartphone device
- The headset does not work with other smartphones apart from Samsung
Bottom line
The Samsung Gear VR headset is an amazing device for beginners and also for those on a limited budget. In addition, apps supported by this headset are limited. If you are using prescription lenses, it’s a wonderful device to have due to the large space of the headset.
3. Google Cardboard
Unique features:
- Cheap and friendly to use
- Support a wide range of smartphones
- Do it yourself features
Best mobile VR headset for:
- Those on a tight budget.
Overview
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to immerse yourself in virtual reality is to lay your hands on a Google Cardboard viewer from Google or any other source.
One of the things that makes the Google headset unique is that it allows users to sample VR content without having to invest a lot of money in a significant system.
Another benefit of using the Google VR headset is that Google has an array of applications for the device, unlike the Samsung Gear VR.
What makes Google cardboard so cheap is not far-fetched; it is made from cardboard! You need a few bucks to get yourself one! Moreover, if you don’t feel like buying, you can save some cash by building one for yourself. You can do this only if you are crafty.
If you are new to virtual reality, we are sure you would enjoy this product because it virtually works with any form of smartphone.
Your phone doesn’t have to be a high-end device before you can sync it with a Google cardboard. But if your mobile phone is on the low end of the spectrum, the immersive experience won’t be so great as compared to those with a high-end device.
To make use of this product, all you have to do is to place your smartphone inside the viewer.
The Cardboard app would be prompted to launch automatically if your smartphone is NFC enabled. After taking this step, you can explore the world and as well play video games. Some of the things you can do include watching videos on YouTube, using Google Maps, and many other things.
One of the standout features of this headset is that it is budget-friendly. If you are not on a tight budget, you may choose to go for the Oculus Quest 2, which provides a premium VR experience.
One of the downsides of using this product is the discomfort associated with using it.
It has no head straps to make it comfortable. This is a big issue for some people especially for people using prescription lenses. If comfort is very important to you, you can go with the second product on our list which is the Samsung Gear VR, it has enough space to accommodate people using prescription lenses.
Pro tip:
To set up a brand new Google Cardboard, you will need to have an Android smartphone running Android 4.1 or higher or an iPhone.
To start experiencing virtual reality, you will have to download a Cardboard compatible VR app. In the beginning, we will recommend you the official Google Cardboard app on the Play Store or iTunes.
When you open the app initially, you will be prompted to scan the QR code on your Cardboard to detect the type of your smartphone and its compatibility with the headset.
After this, the lens of the Google Cardboard would be calibrated to sync with your smartphone.
Once this is done, the app would divide into two parts. When this happens, you can then go ahead to insert your iPhone or Android smartphone in the Google Cardboard compartment.
Pros
- Simple to use
- Budget-friendly
- Compatible with most smartphones
Cons
- Not comfortable
- Lacks head strap
Bottom line
Virtual reality is in its budding stage compared to what lies ahead, but thanks to Google Cardboard, we can now experience virtual reality with our finances not taking a hit. Google Cardboard might not provide the best immersive experience, but it provides great value for money.
4. Pansonite VR
Unique features:
- High precision lenses
- Widely compatible with smartphones between 4-6 inches
- Very lightweight
Best mobile VR headset for:
- Visual fidelity and clear audio
Overview
If you are on the lookout for the latest mobile VR headset, Pansonite VR got you covered. This is a headset that is equipped with a lot of exciting features.
Big VR companies like HTC, Samsung, and Microsoft have developed their VR gadgets, but the not-so-good factor is that these gadgets are expensive even though they offer great value for money.
Pansonite VR is one of the products that offer great value at a friendly price. It is affordable and also not complex to use.
Most times, the features of cheap gadgets are usually not satisfactory but the Pansonite VR headset seems to be an exception. If you generally love playing video games on your smartphone, this is the device for you. It is equally safe for children to use.
The features that make this budget-friendly headset from other headsets are the interior features and the overall weight of the headset.
It is one of the lightest VR headsets around. It is super comfortable to use. Unlike the Google Cardboard viewer, it comes with adjustable straps to adjust the headset to fit the size of your head. This headset is specifically designed to play 3D games and also to watch long-duration movies.
One standout feature of this headset is that it is comfortable to wear for long hours without any negative effects on your eyes.
The headset doesn’t put much stress on your eyes because of the way it is designed. The adjustable strap has a T-shaped design and a wider nose section which improves the virtual reality experience by eliminating any iota of stress around the eyes.
Another notable design of the Pansonite VR is the HD resin aspherical lenses highlighting adjustable focus and pupil distance.
Users of this product can easily adjust the pupil distance to suit their needs. To adjust the pupil distance and focus using the buttons found on the top of the headset. These control buttons are not complex to operate, even if you are new to VR, you don’t have to worry about the navigation buttons so much.
One notable downside of the Pansonite VR controller does not support all versions of iOS. If you want a VR headset that has wide compatibility, Google Cardboard is a good choice. After we reviewed this headset, we noticed that it feels and looks too cheap for its price. In summary, this headset is too expensive for what it is.
One standout feature is the clear audio of this VR headset. The sound it provides is decent for its price. It supports 360-degree sound.
Although it still doesn’t sound like it fills the entire room. It’s nothing shameful when compared to other pricey headsets. Considering the price, it’s a VR headset to be proud of. If you feel the Pansonite VR is too expensive for what it offers, you can choose to go for the Google Cardboard which is far cheaper than this product.
Pro tip:
The quality of the shine controller that comes with the Pansonite VR is nothing to write home about. It is small and can feel cheap to some people.
Apart from these things above, the controller struggles to connect to different smartphones. When testing out this product, our team had trouble getting it to work. Putting all these things together, you may prefer buying another Bluetooth-enabled controller to use with this VR headset.
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Good audio quality
- Comfortable
Cons
- Poor quality controller
- Minimal instructions for the setup process
Bottom line
If you are new to virtual reality, Pansonite VR is a decent option to make an entry into virtual reality. The headset offers comfort and the integrated audio provides a good immersive experience. It is relatively cheap and friendly to use. The durability issues have made it not to be the best option for the mobile headset.
How do smartphone VR headsets work?
To use a smartphone VR headset, all you have to do is simply slide your mobile device into the VR headset. You can also attach it to the headset by using a holding clip. To successfully use a smartphone VR headset, you should ensure that you’re making use of a compatible smartphone for the headset.
Using a compatible smartphone device would ensure the phone screen is fitted optimally to fit the user’s eyes. The smartphone and the lenses of the headset create an immersive experience that allows the user to have a smooth VR experience.
Mobile VR is the easiest to use when we compare this category to standalone VR and tethered VR.
For example, a whole lot of expertise is needed to set up a standalone VR headset and it takes a longer time to set this up. Unlike mobile VR, all you need to do is to slide your smartphone into the VR headset.
In reality, the immersive experience provided by tethered and standalone VR can not be compared to that of smartphone VR.
The good thing about Smartphone VR is that they are affordable and easy to set up. To ensure you get the best immersive experience with a mobile VR headset, make sure your smartphone’s resolution is in full HD, with 1920 x 1080 pixels. If your smartphone has a lower resolution, VR would still be possible but the VR experience would not be immersive.
The following factors should be considered if you are planning to delve into smartphone VR.
Accelerometer
If you’re planning to buy a smartphone for VR, ensure it has an accelerometer. Most new generation smartphones are equipped with an accelerometer. Furthermore, the main purpose of an accelerometer is to alter the orientation of a smartphone screen from landscape or portrait.
Gyroscope
Gyroscope is another important sensor that determines a smartphone’s orientation in 3D. This sensor becomes activated whenever a smartphone tilts in all directions. This sensor is crucial in rotating the user’s head while using VR.
Magnetic Sensor
This sensor is not crucial for smartphone VR but this sensor assists in detecting if the VR headset cover is opened or closed and activates the screen accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions about smartphone VR
How good is smartphone VR?
Mobile VR is not the incredible, immersive 6dof experience powered by a gaming PC.
However, the optics of the Oculus Go are much higher quality than a Gear VR, and even a step up from some PC headsets. The thermal management and performance are also better than Gear VR (which overheats quickly).
What does a phone need for VR?
In general, Cardboard apps and games will work with any Android 4.1 or above the phone and even iPhones, as long as they’re running iOS 8 or above. Then you just need a Google Cardboard viewer, which is essentially a cheap headset.
Is VR bad for your eyes?
Research shows wearing VR headsets can cause eye strain, eye discomfort, eye fatigue, and blurred vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains that staring for too long at a VR screen can lead to eye strain or fatigue.
Which sensor is required for VR?
The three most likely to be in your average device are magnetometers, accelerometers, and gyroscopes. These devices have also been essential for the development of modern consumer virtual reality, as they allow us to measure motion and direction in space.
Conclusion
The recent advancement in the field of VR technology has been VR enthusiasts on the edge.
In all sincerity, a user of smartphone VR can not truly enjoy what virtual reality has to offer. The real immersion that comes with VR can only truly be enjoyed by a standalone or a tethered VR headset. But if you’re on a limited budget, smartphone VR headsets can come in handy!
Do you own a smartphone VR headset? What have been your experiences using a mobile VR headset? We can’t wait to start reading your comments.
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