Between the Gear VR and Quest 2, Meta Quest 2 stands tall for offering superior resolution, refresh rate, standalone use capability, and better tracking. Ideal for developers/creators emphasizing high-end VR immersion. Gear VR, discontinued yet supported by Oculus, stays relevant for developers comfortable with Three.js on compatible Samsung devices.
Key Differences Between Gear VR and Quest 2
Development Support: Gear VR utilizes Three.js, account services by Samsung terminated but continued by Oculus. Quest 2 backed by Meta accounts.
Device Compatibility: Gear VR requires certain Galaxy devices for operation. Quest 2 operates standalone or with desktop software.
Hardware: Gear VR’s headset uses smartphone display/processor, while Quest 2 includes an integrated high-resolution RGB LCD and Qualcomm SnapDragon XR2 processor.
Future Proofing: Gear VR’s production ceased in 2020. Quest 2 has a successor announced for 2023.
Comparison
Samsung Gear VR
Meta Quest 2
Initial Release
Nov 27, 2015
Oct 13, 2020
Discontinued
Sep 30, 2020
Still in Production
Processor and Display
Samsung Galaxy devices
Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2, RGB LCD; 1832 x 1920 per eye
Key Input Interfaces
Touchpad on Gear VR, Custom IMU for rotational tracking
Oculus Touch controllers, Hand Tracking, 6DOF inside-out tracking via cameras
Focus
Mobile VR-based gaming, simulations, science and medical education
VR games and experiences via Quest Store
Main Use
Mobile VR-based gaming, simulations
VR gaming, experiences via Quest Store
Account Support
Discontinued by Samsung; supported by Oculus
Supported by Meta accounts, 10+ age
Storage
Depends on compatible Samsung Galaxy device
64 GB (Discontinued), 128 GB, 256 GB
Refresh Rate
Dependant on paired Galaxy device
120 Hz
Battery Life
Dependant on paired Galaxy device
2-3 hours
What Is Samsung Gear VR and Who’s It For?
Samsung Gear VR, a virtual reality headset, was developed by Samsung Electronics in collaboration with Oculus VR. Discontinued since Sep 30, 2020, it had reportedly reached a milestone of 5 million units sold. This tech marvel appealed to Samsung Galaxy users interested in enriching their handheld device experience by stepping into mobile VR-based gaming and simulation encounters. The gadget was also of significant interest in academic settings, particularly in scientific and medical educational training.
Pros of Samsung Gear VR
Transformed smartphone into a VR device
Six editions with iterative developments
Pioneered mobile VR-based gaming
Galaxy Note 4 QHD display for high-resolution rendering
Cons of Samsung Gear VR
Discontinued and no longer supported by Samsung
Limited device compatibility
User accounts disabled, data deleted
What Is Meta Quest 2 and Who’s It For?
Meta Quest 2, or formerly known as Oculus Quest 2, is an advanced VR headset developed by Reality Labs, a division of Meta Platforms. Launched in October 2020, this device targeted VR enthusiasts seeking a high-end experience with the flexibility of standalone or PC-based VR operation. With a substantial game library in the Quest Store, it had a notable appeal towards avid gamers, ranging from casual to competitive players.
Pros of Meta Quest 2
High refresh rates and per-eye resolution
Stand-alone operation with internal OS
Updated Oculus Touch controllers with longer battery life
Supports hand tracking
Cons of Meta Quest 2
Short battery life, between 2-3 hours
No room for storage expansion.
Relatively high price point
Gear VR vs Quest 2: Pricing
Gear VR, now unsupported, held a less defined pricing structure compared to the clear-cut pricing of Quest 2.
Gear VR
Released by Samsung and Oculus in 2015, the Gear VR’s pricing information, surprisingly, isn’t outlined in the given detail. As an obsolete product, its current ownership cost varies. With device compatibility restricted to a select number of Samsung Galaxy devices, the overall cost depended heavily on owning an appropriate smartphone model. Consequently, the total investment could be dictated by the choice of the Galaxy device.
Quest 2
The Quest 2 by Meta Platforms, formally known as Oculus, has an unequivocal pricing structure – $299 for the 64GB variant, and $399 for the 256GB variant. This standalone headset doesn’t require an additional device, and as such, the overall ownership cost is limited to the purchase price of the chosen model.
Picking a Winner: Gear VR vs Quest 2
In a world that increasingly turns to AR/VR, choosing the right tech can be pivotal. So, between Gear VR and Meta Quest 2, which device fits you best?
AR/VR Creators
For creators keen on 3D animations and WebGL affinity, the Gear VR shines, with its supportive Three.js library. Despite the termination of Samsung’s service, continued Oculus support ensures longevity.
Mobile Gaming Aficionados
The portability and mobile compatibility of Gear VR makes it an enticing pick for gamers favoring mobile VR-based gaming, although device compatibility limitations bear consideration.
Tech Adopters and VR Newbies
The tech-flexible and VR newcomers will find the Meta Quest 2 inviting; easy standalone or desktop interactions, upgraded display, and extensive Quest Store offer seamless VR immersion.
Developers and Game Makers
Developers targeting high-refresh-rate gaming will gravitate towards the Quest 2, backed by its boosted refresh rate and hefty internal memory, offering the edge in performance-driven endeavors.
In the clash of the titans, Gear VR and Meta Quest 2 can cater to diverse audience segments. Specifically, Gear VR proves superior for WebGL and mobile VR-based gaming, while Quest 2’s higher specs and versatility make it the unbeatable choice for performance-driven needs and new tech adopters.
Patrick Daugherty
Content writer @ Aircada. Merging AR expertise with a love for late-night gaming sessions.
