The Vive Pro 2 and Vive XR Elite are the two most advanced VR headsets from HTC. But, the latter also includes augmented reality and mixed reality features. Given their differences, understanding them is crucial to avoid unexpected purchases.
We’ll dissect each headset individually and determine the superior option. Our comparison of the Vive Pro 2 versus the Vive XR Elite will help you decide the better fit for your requirements and whether they justify their costs.
Let’s begin by examining the primary disparity between these two gaming headsets.
HTC Vive Pro 2 vs. Vive XR Elite – Key Difference
These headsets differ primarily in functionality. The Pro 2 is a PC VR headset, while the XR Elite offers both XR and PC-VR capabilities. The Pro 2 requires a PC connection, whereas the XR Elite can function independently or tether to a PC. The Pro 2 boasts superior specs like higher resolution and refresh rate, promising a more immersive VR experience.
Conversely, the XR Elite offers unique features like gesture control, integrated audio, touch controllers, and Wi-Fi support. It includes a game controller, which Pro 2 lacks.
Choosing between them hinges on preference: Pro 2 for PC gamers seeking top-tier performance, XR Elite for those valuing versatility and inclusive features.
HTC XR Elite
HTC introduced the XR Elite, a groundbreaking all-in-one VR headset merging Mixed Reality (MR) and Virtual Reality (VR) capabilities into a compact, lightweight, and versatile device. It is suitable for gaming, fitness, productivity, and beyond. This device represents a leap toward a fully immersive internet, offering heightened realism in learning and entertainment experiences.
Cher Wang, Co-Founder and Chairwoman of HTC Corp lauded the XR Elite as an advanced yet compact gateway to VIVERSE, their version of the metaverse, boasting a wide array of content inputs including WiFi 6E compatibility.
Equipped with a full-color RGB passthrough camera and hand-tracking, the XR Elite enables diverse MR scenarios, such as gaming with characters interacting with real furniture or overlaying real-time graphics on musical instruments for learning. With four wide FOV cameras, exceptional 6DoF spatial accuracy, and precise hand-tracking, it ensures immersive experiences across gaming, learning, and creation.
Visuals are crisp with 1920 x 1920 pixels per eye, delivering up to 4K resolution at a smooth 90Hz refresh rate and a 110-degree field of view. The XR Elite offers a compelling choice for users seeking a powerful yet lightweight and compact VR headset to dive into Extended Reality.
HTC Vive Pro 2
Continuing the success of the well-received Vive Pro, the HTC Vive Pro 2 excels in delivering superior display quality and resolution. Unlike the recently introduced XR Elite, which prioritizes versatility, this top-tier headset emphasizes visual excellence, showcasing cutting-edge AMOLED screens with vibrant contrast and colors.
It boasts an impressive 2448 x 2448 pixels per eye (4896 x 2448 overall), providing a remarkable 5K resolution for an exceptionally lifelike virtual reality encounter. With a broad 120-degree field of view, users can effectively detect adversaries using peripheral vision. Moreover, the rapid 120 Hz refresh rate ensures an incredibly smooth and lifelike gaming experience when supported by games.
Beyond unparalleled visual fidelity, the Vive Pro 2 offers clear, robust audio and accurate tracking. Featuring 3D spatial sound integration, a potent amplifier, and Hi-Res certified headphones, it delivers an enveloping auditory experience. Additionally, precise room-scale tracking is facilitated by SteamVR™ Tracking, ensuring 360-degree coverage with millimeter precision in your movements. Whether seated, standing, or in a sprawling multi-user space, the headset accurately tracks your motions.
The Vive Pro 2 Kit comprises two base stations and two controllers, enabling a complete room-scale virtual reality encounter. This supports a maximum play area of 16.4 x 16.4”, expandable to 32.8 x 32.8” with two extra base stations. As the most high performance VR headset available, the Pro 2 is tailored for enthusiastic gamers and committed professionals, providing the most immersive and opulent experience in the market.
How does the HTC Vive XR Elite supersede the HTC Vive Pro 2?
- Game controller included
- 225 g lighter
625 gvs850 g - contains gesture control
- Has a display
- possesses integrated audio
- 0.2 newer USB version
3.2vs3 - Has touch controllers
- Supports Wi-Fi
Why does the HTC Vive Pro 2 supersede the HTC Vive XR Elite?
- 1.63x higher resolution
4896 x 2448 pxvs3840 x 1920 px - 10° wider field of view
120°vs110° - 33.33% higher refresh rate
120Hzvs90Hz - features position tracking
- Has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
- possesses an accelerometer
- contains an infrared sensor
- supports a remote smartphone
HTC Vive Pro 2 Vs. HTC Vive XR Specs:
| Feature | HTC Vive Pro 2 | HTC Vive XR Elite |
| Manufacturer | HTC | HTC |
| Website | vive.com | vive.com |
| Device Type | PC-powered VR | Standalone VR |
| Platform | SteamVR, Viveport | Viveport |
| Announced | May 11, 2021 | January 5, 2023 |
| Release Date | June 3, 2021 | March 31, 2023 |
| Retail Price | $799 headset only | $1099 with controllers |
| Optics | Dual-element Fresnel lenses | Pancake lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 57-70 mm hardware adjustable (manual) | 54-73 mm hardware adjustable (manual) |
| Adjustable Diopter | Yes | No |
| Passthrough | Dual passthrough cameras | 16MP RGB camera |
| Display Type | 2 x LCD binocular | 2 x LCD binocular |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB stripe | RGB stripe |
| Peak Brightness | N/A | N/A |
| Resolution | 2448×2448 per-eye | 1920×1920 per-eye |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz | 90 Hz |
| Visible FoV | 116° horizontal, 96° vertical | 110° diagonal |
| Rendered FoV | 116.52° horizontal, 96.49° vertical | 102.13° horizontal, 91.27° vertical |
| Binocular Overlap | 79.83° | 80.93° |
| Average Pixel Density | 24.93 PPD horizontal, 25.37 PPD vertical | 20.97 PPD horizontal, 21.03 PPD vertical |
| Peak Pixel Density | N/A | N/A |
| Device Dimensions | 850 g with headstrap | 625 g with headstrap |
| Material | Plastic, foam facial interface | Plastic, foam facial interface |
| Headstrap | Hard padded retractable strap | Hard padded retractable strap |
| Haptics | N/A | N/A |
| Colors | Black / blue | Black |
| Tracking Type | 6 DoF Marker-based | 6 DoF Inside-out via 4 integrated cameras |
| Tracking Frequency | 1000 Hz | Rotational tracking frequency. Positional frequency: 100 Hz |
| Base Stations | 2 x SteamVR 2.0 | N/A |
| Controllers | 2 x Vive Pro Controller 6 DoF | 2 x Vive XR Controller 6 DoF |
| Weight | 203 g | 142 g |
| Input Methods | Trackpad, face buttons, index trigger, grip buttons | Capacitive face buttons, capacitive joystick, capacitive touch pad, capacitive index trigger, middle finger trigger |
| Finger Tracking | Partial thumb and index finger tracking | Partial finger and thumb tracking via capacitive sensors |
| Batteries | Rechargeable 6 hour battery life | Rechargeable 15 hour battery life |
| Sound | Removable stereo headphones | Integrated stereo speakers |
*The content of this blog post was written by a paid freelancer.