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Slant community chat on Discourse| 12 Recommended Products | Recommendations | Price | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Google Cardboard· · · | 4 | 0 | $15 | Mar 2, 2017 |
| #2 Samsung Gear VR· · · | 4 | 0 | $99 | Jul 17, 2016 |
| #3 Daydream View· · · | 1 | 0 | $79 | Dec 8, 2016 |
| #4 Altergaze· · · | 0 | 0 | – | Mar 4, 2015 |
| #5 Zeiss VR One· · · | 0 | 0 | – | Mar 4, 2015 |
| #6 LG VR for G3· · · | 0 | 0 | – | Mar 4, 2015 |
Pro Very low barrier to entry
Google Cardboard was specifically designed to make it easy to try out VR. The cost is low, and virtually any phone you have in your pocket today can power it. Content is even available on the Google Play Store - it can't get any simpler than that.
Pro Works with any Android phone
Depending on the version of cardboard, there may be some size limitations which limit your options. However, if you aren't picky about the hardware phones from 4" all the way to 7" are supported.
Pro Android Daydream ready
New Android "Daydream" ready devices (i.e. that meet certain criteria) get an improved VR experience with high performance sensors, high density, low-persistence displays (i.e. high refresh rate).
Con Very basic
Google Cardboard was Google's way of generating interest for phone powered VR, and is literally just a piece of cardboard (or plastic) and glass lenses. The software is integrated into the Google Play Store, and Google more-or-less put Cardboard out there to see what developers would do with i...
Con Your experience will vary
Older hardware won't perform admirably, whether it be the SoC (system on a chip), display (resolution as well as sub-pixel arrangement make a huge impact on display quality for VR), or battery life (VR takes a lot of power).
Con Requires an Android phone
The low price is somewhat deceptive, since it does require an Android phone to work. However, you might already have one.
Pro Complete freedom of movement thanks to being untethered
Gear VR doesn't have any wires that limit your movement, allowing for complete mobility. The device works when any modern Samsung phone is connected and is controlled with a touch sensitive panel on the side of the headset or through a controller (although some games require the controller).
Pro Consistent development as it is powered by Oculus
Gear VR uses Oculus Mobile SDK and a variant of Oculus Tracker and firmware (Oculus being developed by Facebook and having consistent money backing it). It comes with Oculus Home, an interface for the Oculus Store, Oculus Cinema, a virtual movie theater and Oculus 360 Videos and Oculus 360 Photos...
Con Phone is prone to overheating
The Gear VR does have a USB charging port, but in practice this doesn't extend the play time much. When the phone overheats, it interrupts your game, then instructs you to remove the phone and let it cool off.
Con 60hz refresh rate causes flicker issues for some people
This can also increase the movement-to-picture delay, which can cause sensory dissonance in quick movements (when the eyes see a change that doesn't match how far they can sense their head has turned) and therefore (possibly) cause nausea.
Know any negative aspects of this option?
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