HTC still has a lot to say in the field of virtual reality and today confirms it with two new products. After almost three years, the HTC Vive Pro comes the renewal with the new HTC Vive Pro 2, while the HTC Vive Focus 3 arrives after the HTC Vive Focus Plus of 2019.
A double combo to offer experiences with “5K” resolution, in both cases above the previous. The updates have focused on this part (as one would think), seeing that the design has been maintained quite a bit (especially, in the case of the Pro) and that they seem to be even more oriented to the professional field.
HTC Vive Pro 2 and HTC Vive Focus 3 datasheet
| HTC Vive Pro 2 | HTC Vive Focus 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displays | Dual RGB LCD panels 2,448 × 2,448 px per eye (4,896 x 2,448 px combined) 90/120 Hz, up to 120º | Dual 2.88-inch LCD panels 2,448 × 2,448 px per eye (4,896 x 2,448 px combined) 90 Hz, up to 120º |
| Audio | Integrated headphones Hi-Res certification (via USB-C) Dual microphone | Built-in speakers Hi-Res certified (via 3.5mm) Dual microphone with cancellation |
| Sensors | G-sensor Gyroscope Proximity IPD SteamVR Tracking V2.0 | 4 x G-sensor Gyroscope Proximity Tracking Cameras |
| Battery | – | 26.6 Wh lithium (exchangeable) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth USB-C | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen. 1 Type C Bluetooth 5.2 + BLE Wi-Fi 6 |
| Price | $749 | $1,300 |
Level playing field in terms of screens, but not in the design
As we said, the most important leap (especially in the Focus) is the 2.5K resolution per eye, resulting in a combined 5K. This means, in the case of the Pro, from 2,880 x 1,600 pixels to 4,896 x 2,448 pixels, which promises a better experience in terms of sharpness (although the resolution always depends on processing and compatibility).
In both headsets, there are LCD screens and not OLED as in the previous Pro headsets. The maximum refresh rate is higher in Pro 2, reaching 120 Hz and remaining at 90 Hz in Focus 3, with a field of view of up to 120 degrees in both products, which is also an improvement over the previous (110 degrees). With the increased field of vision, the brand seeks to eliminate the “binocular effect” that occurs especially in glasses with smaller fields of vision.
In terms of design, as we said, the Pro 2 are quite similar to the previous Pro, while the Focus 3 have a more different look to their predecessors. The brand thus seems to be convinced of the ergonomics of its Vive Pro, having focused more on the Focus by relocating the battery (on the renewed rear strap) and better distributing the weight.
The Focus 3 integrates the Snapdragon XR2 and has a front fan (as well as a copper pipe) to avoid overheating as much as possible. The wireless format is maintained, but it can still be connected to a compatible computer.
In terms of compatibility, the Pro 2 (which still rely on a PC, either wired or with the Vive Wireless Adapter) start from the following minimum requirements at the level of the computer to which they are connected:
- Processor: from Intel Core i5-4590 or AMD Ryzen 1500.
- Graphics card: from NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 480. For the highest resolution, the minimum is GeForce RTX 20 series (Turing) or AMD Radeon 5000 (Navi).
- RAM: 8 GB RAM and above.
- Video output: DisplayPort 1.2. DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC for maximum resolution.
- USB ports: one 3.0 or newer.
- Operating system: Windows® 10.
Pricing and Availability of the HTC Vive Pro 2 and HTC Vive Focus 3
The HTC Vive Pro 2 will be available from $749 talking about the base model, starting from $ 1,399 if it is the full VR kit. The expected date of availability is June 4.
Of the HTC Vive Focus 3, the starting price: $1,300. They will be available from June 27.
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