Pico 4 vs Rift S: If You Had to Choose 1 VR Headset

With a balance of comfort and advanced tech, the Pico 4 delivers an outstanding VR experience, suited for casual and enterprise users alike. In contrast, the Rift S offers immersive gaming and legacy content accessibility, but its discontinued status demands attentive care. Choose Pico 4 for emerging innovation or Rift S for proven stability.

Key Differences Between Pico 4 and Rift S

• Launch Date: Pico 4 debuted in 2022 by ByteDance, while Rift S was launched in 2019 by Facebook Technologies and Lenovo.
• Price: Pico 4 is available at €429, Rift S initially cost $399 but current pricing relies on market availability.
• Positioning System: Pico 4 uses a SLAM omnidirectional system to improve headset and controller tracking, while Rift S utilizes Oculus Insight tracking technology for precision.
• Hardware: Pico 4 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 with 8GB LPDDR4 RAM and uses Pancake lenses giving FOV of 105°. On the other hand, Rift S provides FOV of 115° but has been criticized for being only an incremental upgrade to the Original Rift.
• Product Support: Pico 4 is still in production and enjoys manufacturer’s support, while Rift S production officially ceased in 2021.

Comparison	Pico 4	Rift S
Launch Year	2022	2019
Price	€429	$399
Size (h x w, adjustable length)	163mm x 80mm, 255-310mm	NA
Weight	295g (without strap)	1.1lb (without cable)
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2	NA
Resolution	Over 2K per eye	1280×1440 per eye
Field of view	105°	115°
Lens	Pancake lenses for weight reduction and glare effect avoidance	Next-gen lens to eliminate god rays
Positioning	SLAM omnidirectional for improved headset and controller tracking	Oculus Insight tracking system for room-scale measurements
Integrated Audio	Yes, stereo speakers with 3D spatial sound	Yes, plus 3.5mm stereo jack
Tracking Cameras	Integrated for face tracking	5 built-in cameras – 2 front, 1 top, 2 sides
Virtual Store Compatibility	Amazon, XRshop	Oculus Store, Viveport Store, Steam VR
Interpupillary distance adjustment	Motorized, automatic	Software adjustable
Tracking System	SLAM omnidirectional	Oculus Insight

What Is Pico 4 VR Headset and Who’s It For?

Introduced by ByteDance in 2022, the Pico 4 VR headset champions balance, comfort, and immersion. Harnessing the power of Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 and 8GB LPDDR4 RAM, it does big things in a small package. The Pico 4 is designed for all types of users, from casual gamers to professionals, with a specialized Enterprise version that features faster LPDDR5 RAM.

Pros of Pico 4 VR Headset

• Emphasis on comfort with a balanced, ergonomic design
• Enhanced image resolution and glare avoidance with Pancake lenses
• Efficient SLAM omnidirectional positioning system for improved tracking
• Strong performance-price ratio as confirmed by PC Gamer review

Cons of Pico 4 VR Headset

• Smaller field of view due to Pancake lenses
• Limited game library noted by NookGaming

What Is Rift S and Who’s It For?

Launched in March 2019 by Facebook Technologies and Lenovo, Rift S is the successor to the original Oculus Rift. Featuring an inside-out positional tracking system, higher resolution display, and Oculus Insight tracking tech, it offers immersive gaming experiences. Catering to veteran VR users seeking high-end games, the Rift S champions improvements rather than overhauls.

Pros of Rift S

• Improved image clarity and reduced screen door effect with LCD screen
• Next-generation lens technology eliminating god rays
• Comfort optimized with Lenovo-designed halo headband for better weight distribution
• “Insight” system using tracking cameras, freeing users from the need for external sensors

Cons of Rift S

• Reception as only an incremental upgrade over the original Rift
• Production ceased in June 2021
• Viewpoint unadjustable for wide or narrow IPDs as it uses single screen

Pico 4 vs Rift S: Pricing

The Pico 4 VR headset retails at €429, while the Rift S comes at a price of $399.

Pico 4

Launched in 2022, the Pico 4 VR headset is priced at €429. This headset, carrying the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor and an immersive display of over 2K resolution per eye, is available on popular purchase platforms like Amazon and XRshop. Given the tecnhological edge and ergonomics, Pico 4 offers a worthwhile balance of price-to-performance.

Rift S

The Rift S, a product of collaboration between Facebook Technologies and Lenovo launched in 2019, comes with a price tag of $399. Offering features such as Oculus Insight tracking technology and a high-resolution display that promises improved image clarity, the Rift S packs in an array of attractive features at this price point, which despite criticisms, places it as a strong contender in the VR market.”</

Pico 4 or Rift S: The Ultimate Decision

After in-depth analysis, it’s time for the decisive verdict. Here’s how specific audience segments should steer their choice.

The Developer Community

For developers who prioritize high-resolution display, the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 platform, and stunning PCVR capability, the Pico 4 stands out. This device offers a striking performance-price ratio and superior comfort with its ergonomic design. But a limited game library might be a drawback.

Companies and Commercial Users

Pico 4 Enterprise variant, tailored for businesses, offers LPDDR5 RAM and built-in sound system. But, companies with the need for multi-platform compatibility might find the Riot S more appealing with its connection to Oculus Store, Viveport store and Steam VR.

Gaming Enthusiast

Rift S indicators include the Oculus Insight tracking tech offering an immersive gaming experience and redesigned Oculus Touch controllers. Understandably, games with high-end Oculus requirements cannot be played on Oculus Quest, thus making Rift S the superior choice. Its remarkable display clarity and Passthrough+ feature for safety score high among gamers.

Summing up, both VR headsets, Pico 4 and Rift S, have their distinct advancements. Pico 4 excels with a comfortable, lightweight design and superior resolution making it apt for developers and enterprises. Meanwhile, for gamers and multiplatform users, the Oculus ‘gold standard’ Rift S is the go-to choice, enhancing an immersive gaming experience with superior room-scale tracking.