The mid-range monopoly is held by Oculus, which offers revolutionary models with outstanding virtual experiences.
Oculus Quest: the best mid-range product
Recently, the Oculus Quest appears as an improvement of the mythical Rift by offering a more precise immersion than the latter.
This Oculus jewel is compatible with computers and game consoles. It is a stand-alone headset, without cumbersome cables. On the other hand, its autonomy is weak with only 1 to 3 hours of resistance for a similar charging time. Use via USB-C is still possible, the latter also serving as a charging cable.
After easy installation, you can control the accessory with the remote control. The Oculus mobile application is used to set it up.
The resolution is better than that of the Rift. The reproduction of reality is accurate and maintains a qualitative image rendering with all types of video games. Moreover, at the resource level, you have access to about fifty games.
The field of view is 110° while the display frequency of 72 Hz provides a correct, immersive and fluid experience. Four sensors detect your movements in an empty space of at least 4 m². It is possible to play over larger areas than those allowed by the Rift.
Two OLED PenTile displays provide you with a good image quality, comparable to more expensive models. The Oculus Touch controllers work in the same way as with the Rift but are more ergonomic. However, they require batteries that are quickly drained.
Two speakers have been integrated into this model. They are effective, although there is room for improvement. But if they don't suit you, you can always connect external devices.
A little downside to his rival is the weight, which stands at 571 grams. It is also imposing, taking away a dose of comfort. Fortunately, good posture compensates for this. If you wear glasses, it is designed to accommodate them too. As for its look, it is refined and strongly resembles the Rift.
In short, while not without flaws, the Oculus Quest offers the best virtual reality experience in its range with ergonomic controllers. Versatile, it allows you to play on large surfaces thanks to the five sensors that follow your actions.
Oculus Rift S: the mid-range alternative
This new version of the Great Rift offers much better comfort, ease and speed of installation. It is supplied, like the basic headset, with Oculus Touch controllers.
To install it, it's even easier since the Rift S comes with a cable that splits into a DisplayPort 1.2 and a USB 3.0 (type A). You can now connect it to a PC, especially since a mini DysplayPort adapter is available.
Once on your ears, the first thing you notice is the power of this accessory which offers a good rendering on PC with a resolution 1280 x 1440 per eye, which still requires a computer performing as well on the graphics card as on the processor.
With the Insight tracking system, you have no less than five integrated sensors (compared to four for the Quest) in the headset itself, which detect your environment. In addition, the Passtrough function, which allows you to see your environment without having to remove the headset from your head, is more elaborate than on the Quest.
Visually, we have an angle of 110° on a PenTile LCD panel. This screen can stimulate debate. However, thanks to the RGB and sub-pixels (2 per pixel), the clarity and sharpness of the image is exemplary and the grid effect is limited.
The 80 Hz refresh rate is not affected since the 90 Hz initially defined by the manufacturers were overestimated.
On the design side, we find the look of the PlayStation VR. Indeed, Lenovo's "Halo" attachment system (which copies Sony) is much more comfortable and leaves less mark on the face. Let us add for the wearers of glasses that comfort is more present in view of the larger visor.
However, there is no longer the possibility of "physical" adjustment of the pupil distance offered by the Rift.
However, the audio system is a weakness, as the Rift headsets give way to loudspeakers integrated into the headband at fair quality. In addition, if other people are in the room with the user, they will hear the sound almost as clearly, not adjustable. Despite this, the availability of the 3.5 port jack somewhat compensates for this defect.
In the end, the Oculus Rift S offers an even more convincing immersion experience than its predecessor. However, it is not without flaws, which is why we preferred the Quest to it.