For VR enthusiasts and professionals with a substantial budget, HTC Vive Pro 2 offers a significant enhancement over the HTC Vive Pro. Its superior resolution, wider field of view, increased compatibility and adjustability warrant the investment. However, for casual VR users or those with a lower budget, HTC Vive Pro will suffice, offering dependable features with respectable visuals.
Key Differences Between HTC Vive Pro and HTC Vive Pro 2
Resolution: Vive Pro 2 has a higher resolution of 2488×2488 pixels per eye compared to Vive Pro’s 1440×1600.
Field of View: Vive Pro 2 boasts a 120-degree field of view, more than the 110-degree scope of Vive Pro.
Compatibility: Vive Pro 2 can integrate with Valve Index’s components and works with optional accessories, unlike Vive Pro.
Visuals: Vivid and clean visuals are more pronounced in Vive Pro 2 relative to Vive Pro.
Price: Both start at $799, but Vive Pro 2 demands additional expense for extra equipment.
Comparison
HTC Vive Pro
HTC Vive Pro 2
Release Date
Two years after original Vive
After Vive Pro
Price
$799 plus $300 for base stations, controllers
$799 plus cost for base stations, controllers
Design
Navy blue, 2 outward-facing cameras
Similar to predecessor, front panel tracking points
Display Type
AMOLED screens, 3.5-inch 1440×1600
2488 by 2488 pixels per eye
Field of View
110 degrees
120 degrees
Refresh Rate
90Hz
90Hz or 120Hz
Headphone Type
Built-in on-ear, faux-leather earpads
Integrated into headset
Competition
Original Vive at $499
Valve Index, offers sharper picture
What Is HTC Vive Pro and Who’s It For?
HTC Vive Pro is a sophisticated VR headset that pitches for a fantabulous immersion into the virtual world. Boasting enhanced display and audio capabilities, the device feels like an advanced version of the original HTC Vive. Primarily targeted at the VR enthusiasts and professionals with ample disposable income, its steeper price of $799 with an additional $300 for a core bundle, may dissuade an everyday user.
Its major design enhancements include dual outward-facing cameras and high-quality in-built headphones, promising an unforgettable VR experience.
Pros of HTC Vive Pro
Enhanced gaming controls
Sharpened screens and improved audio capabilities
Comfortable and secure design
Cons of HTC Vive Pro
Steep price
Does not include base stations and controllers
VR capabilities not significantly improved from the original model
What Is HTC Vive Pro 2 and Who’s It For?
An exciting collaboration between Valve and HTC gave birth to the HTC Vive Pro 2; a PC-tethered VR headset that’s marketing itself both to professionals and regular consumers. This high-priced device ($799 for the headset only), stands out with its high-resolution display, clean visuals, and SteamVR compatibility.
With comparable features like that of Vive cosmos and predecessor Vive, the headset also allows for positional and surroundings tracking, making the experience so much more immersive.
Pros of HTC Vive Pro 2
Focus and pupillary distance adjustability
Optional addition of wireless adapter pack and facial tracker
Sharper display than competitor Valve Index
Cons of HTC Vive Pro 2
Especially high cost with added expenses for extra equipment
Requires compatible base stations and controllers to function
No integrated headphone jack
HTC Vive Pro or HTC Vive Pro 2: The Ultimate Verdict
In the clash of the HTC Vive Pro versus the HTC Vive Pro 2, let’s delve into the distinct audiences to decipher your ideal VR companion.
VR Enthusiasts
For a stimulating VR experience, both devices pack a punch but the Vive Pro 2 takes the edge with its mammoth 2488×2488 resolution per eye, a significant upgrade from the Vive Pro’s 1440×1600. With a broader field of view and enhanced visuals, it’s our pick for VR aficionados.
Professionals
Given the focus on enterprise use-cases in Vive Pro 2, professionals requiring advanced VR capabilities will value this technology. The steep price and additional costs might deter consumers but are worth it for professional VR applications.
Value-Conscious Gamers
If budget is a priority without compromising too much on performance, the Vive Pro ticks the box. Lower resolution, but with robust gaming controls and hardware included, it delivers a quality VR gaming experience at $300 less.
In a nutshell, for unparalleled VR fidelity, the HTC Vive Pro 2 is supreme. However, if balanced VR performance and budget are key, the HTC Vive Pro remains a credible contender.
Grant Sullivan
Content writer @ Aircada and self proclaimed board game strategist by day, AI developer by night.
