Comparison Sony PlayStation VR vs Samsung Gear VR3

The general purpose of the glasses is specified based on which device they are to be used with:

— For PC/Console. Glasses connected during operation to an external device and receiving a video signal from this device. Most often, it is supposed to be connected to a computer or game console, but there are models that can be connected to mobile gadgets, drones, etc. In general, they provide a good compromise between accessibility and functionality, and besides, quite advanced graphics can be displayed on such glasses. On the other hand, for the full use of such models, powerful video cards are often required.

— For a smartphone. Models designed to turn a smartphone into a virtual reality device. To do this, the smartphone is installed in a special slot on the glasses so that its screen is turned towards the user's eyes; glasses themselves do not have screens. And the effect of virtual reality is achieved through the operation of smartphone sensors and (accelerometer, gyroscope) and the use of special applications created specifically for this format of work. The key advantage of glasses of this type is simplicity and low cost: most often these are purely mechanical devices, without built-in electronics (and even advanced models with additional hardware are much cheaper than other types of glasses). On the other hand, the quality of virtual reality directly depends on the capabilities o...f the smartphone, despite the fact that not all devices correctly process such content. In addition, the glasses must be compatible with the smartphone being used, and this is not always guaranteed (for more details, see “Maximum phone size”).

— For quadcopter (FPV goggles). Video glasses used to control drones and radio-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to provide a first-person view. FPV goggles allow pilots to receive a video feed from a UAV camera in real time. To do this, the design of such glasses provides two separate miniature screens for each eye and complex optics to provide binocular vision. Lenses often have adjustable focal length to suit the visual apparatus and the varying needs of the pilot. Many FPV goggles are equipped with a built-in receiver and antennas to receive signals from the video camera on board the UAV, as well as control the quadcopter. FPV systems are actively used in the segment of racing drones, aerial photography, and even in combat operations. Glasses with a first-person view provide the pilot with a more complete perception of the surrounding environment and improve the controllability of the aircraft.

— Standalone device. Points that function completely autonomously and do not require the use of external devices. To do this, the design provides for its own processor, "RAM", video adapter, drive for storing content and a battery for power. Thus, with such a gadget, virtual reality becomes available literally anywhere in the world; and at a cost, such glasses are comparable to models for PC / consoles. On the other hand, the capabilities of stand-alone devices are noticeably more modest: the relatively low power of video adapters does not allow for the same advanced graphics as on PCs or consoles, the amount of internal memory is usually small, and the continuous operation time is limited by battery charge.

The largest diagonal of a smartphone compatible with the corresponding glasses (see "Intended use"). Note that this parameter can be specified both for universal models that do not have specialization for specific mobile phones, and for gadgets for specific devices (for more details, see "Compatible phone models"). The maximum diagonal is connected both with the features of the optics and with the physical dimensions of the "seat" for a mobile phone — a gadget that is too large simply does not fit there.

Note that even the smallest glasses for smartphones work quite correctly with devices with a diagonal of 5 – 5.5 ". So it makes sense to pay attention to this parameter if your device has a larger screen size. Nowadays, you can find glasses for gadgets 5.6 – 6 " and even 6" or more.

Models of mobile phones with which glasses of the corresponding type are initially compatible (see "Intended use").

This parameter is indicated for models originally created for specific smartphones — most often advanced flagship models; These glasses may not be compatible with other gadgets. On the one hand, this limits their application; on the other hand, the design may provide various specific features that are available only through close integration with a specific smartphone.

Also note that the characteristics may indicate compatibility not with a strictly defined model, but with a whole line — for example, iPhone. In such cases, it's ok to clarify which devices from the line are designed for glasses; the easiest way to figure this out is from the data on the maximum diagonal (see above).

Resolution of built-in displays in glasses equipped with such equipment — that is, models for PC / consoles, as well as standalone devices (see "Intended use").

The higher the resolution, the more smooth and detailed the “picture” is given out by glasses, all other things being equal. Thanks to the development of technology nowadays, models with Full HD (1920x1080) screens and even higher resolutions are not uncommon. On the other hand, this parameter significantly affects the cost of points. In addition, it is worth remembering that in order to fully work with high-resolution displays, you need powerful graphics capable of playing relevant content. In the case of glasses for PCs and set-top boxes, this puts forward corresponding requirements for external devices, and in standalone models you have to use advanced integrated video adapters (which affects the cost even more).

The viewing angle provided by virtual reality glasses is the angular size of the space that falls into the user's field of view. Usually, the characteristics indicate the size of this space horizontally; however, if you need the most accurate information, this point needs to be specified separately.

The wider the viewing angle — the more the game space the user can see without turning his head, the more powerful the immersion effect and the less likely that the image will be subject to the "tunnel vision" effect. On the other hand, making the field of view too wide also does not make sense, given the characteristics of the human eye. In general, a large viewing angle is considered to be an angle of 100° or more. On the other hand, there are models where this indicator is 30° or even less — these are, usually, specific devices (for example, drone piloting glasses and augmented reality glasses), where such characteristics are quite justified given the overall functionality.

The refresh rate supported by the glasses' built-in screens, in simple terms, is the maximum frame rate that the screens are capable of delivering.

Recall that screens are provided in models for PC / consoles and in stand-alone devices (see "Intended use"). And the quality of the picture directly depends on this indicator: other things being equal, a higher frame rate provides a smoother image, without jerks and with good detail in dynamic scenes. The flip side of these benefits is an increase in price.

It is also worth considering that in some cases the actual frame rate will not be limited by the capabilities of the glasses, but by the characteristics of the external device or the properties of the content being played. For example, a relatively weak PC graphics card may not be able to pull out a high frame rate signal, or a certain frame rate may be set in the game and not provide boosting. Therefore, you should not chase after large values and points with a frequency of 90 fps will be enough.

The presence of a sensor in the glasses that reacts to approaching the user's face.

A similar sensor is used to automatically switch between operating and standby modes: for example, when the user takes off the glasses, the sensor turns off the built-in screens (or the phone, if it is connected to the glasses via a connector), saving battery power and equipment life, and when put on, it turns on points for full functionality.

The ability to move the lenses of the glasses back and forth, thus changing their location relative to the screen and the user's eyes. The specific meaning of this function can be different: it can adjust the angle of view (so that the screen fits completely in the field of view and at the same time is not too small), play the role of diopter correction (which is important for users who wear glasses) or focus, change the setting interpupillary distance (see below), etc. These nuances should be clarified separately. However, anyway, this function will not be superfluous — it makes it easier to adjust the glasses to the personal characteristics of the user.

The glasses must have at least one USB A connector. This is a full-sized USB connector, the same type as standard USB ports on computers and laptops. But its functions may be different, depending on the functionality of the glasses (see "Purpose"). So, in models for PCs and consoles, USB is one of the connection connectors used in conjunction with a video interface such as HDMI or DisplayPort: an image is transmitted via a video connector, and data from sensors on glasses is transmitted via a USB connection, which is necessary to change the picture and create " immersion effect. And in independent devices, USB A is used to connect various additional accessories — for example, flash drives with applications or other content. It is also possible to use this connector to charge the battery, although this method of use in general is not typical for it.