Comparison Samsung Gear VR New vs Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2

Models of mobile phones with which glasses of the corresponding type are initially compatible (see "Intended use").

This parameter is indicated for models originally created for specific smartphones — most often advanced flagship models; These glasses may not be compatible with other gadgets. On the one hand, this limits their application; on the other hand, the design may provide various specific features that are available only through close integration with a specific smartphone.

Also note that the characteristics may indicate compatibility not with a strictly defined model, but with a whole line — for example, iPhone. In such cases, it's ok to clarify which devices from the line are designed for glasses; the easiest way to figure this out is from the data on the maximum diagonal (see above).

The viewing angle provided by virtual reality glasses is the angular size of the space that falls into the user's field of view. Usually, the characteristics indicate the size of this space horizontally; however, if you need the most accurate information, this point needs to be specified separately.

The wider the viewing angle — the more the game space the user can see without turning his head, the more powerful the immersion effect and the less likely that the image will be subject to the "tunnel vision" effect. On the other hand, making the field of view too wide also does not make sense, given the characteristics of the human eye. In general, a large viewing angle is considered to be an angle of 100° or more. On the other hand, there are models where this indicator is 30° or even less — these are, usually, specific devices (for example, drone piloting glasses and augmented reality glasses), where such characteristics are quite justified given the overall functionality.

Presence in points of own built — in accelerometer.

The accelerometer is a sensor that records the accelerations that the device is subjected to. It performs two main functions: determines the position of the glasses relative to the horizon (in the direction of gravity) and monitors jerks and tremors (however, this function is secondary in VR glasses). Such a sensor is necessary for a full-fledged "immersion" in virtual reality, so it must be provided in glasses made in the form of independent devices (see "Intended use"). But models for PC / consoles may not be equipped with an accelerometer — this means that the glasses are not designed for classic VR, but for more specific tasks (for example, controlling a drone with a first-person view).

As for models for smartphones, most of them do not have this function, since all modern smartphones are equipped with accelerometers. However, there are exceptions — high-end models designed for specific devices: in them, the accelerometer can work in conjunction with a smartphone sensor, which ensures the most accurate image positioning.

The presence in the glasses of its own built-in gyroscope.

The gyroscope captures the direction, speed, and angle of rotation of the device—usually along all three axes. Without such a sensor, it is impossible to achieve a full-fledged "immersion" in virtual reality, so it is available in all standalone glasses, as well as in most models for PC / consoles (see "Intended use"). In the second case, the only exceptions are individual models with a specific purpose — "personal cinemas", glasses for piloting drones, etc. In turn, glasses for smartphones do not initially require gyroscopes, since smartphones themselves have such sensors. However, there are exceptions here too — advanced models created for specific top-level devices: in them, the built-in gyroscope works in conjunction with the gyroscope of the connected smartphone, ensuring maximum positioning accuracy.

The presence of a sensor in the glasses that reacts to approaching the user's face.

A similar sensor is used to automatically switch between operating and standby modes: for example, when the user takes off the glasses, the sensor turns off the built-in screens (or the phone, if it is connected to the glasses via a connector), saving battery power and equipment life, and when put on, it turns on points for full functionality.

The ability to move the lenses of the glasses back and forth, thus changing their location relative to the screen and the user's eyes. The specific meaning of this function can be different: it can adjust the angle of view (so that the screen fits completely in the field of view and at the same time is not too small), play the role of diopter correction (which is important for users who wear glasses) or focus, change the setting interpupillary distance (see below), etc. These nuances should be clarified separately. However, anyway, this function will not be superfluous — it makes it easier to adjust the glasses to the personal characteristics of the user.

The type of control provided in the design of the glasses.

Note that in this case we are talking exclusively about our own controls installed directly on the body of the glasses; many models are equipped with external controllers (see "Remote control"), but they are not taken into account in this case.

- Button. Control with classic buttons. The main advantage of this option is simplicity and low cost, while its functionality is quite enough to work with basic functions like menu navigation. On the other hand, the buttons require some effort when pressed, which can be somewhat inconvenient, especially when using the controls intensively. However, most often this disadvantage is still not fundamental.

- Touch. Control using sensors that are sensitive to touch and do not require pressing (unlike buttons). In the simplest models, these are separate sensors, the functions of which are similar to the same buttons. In more advanced devices, entire touch panels can be provided, for example, allowing you to control the cursor visible through the glasses and use special gestures. Anyway, this type of control is more advanced than push-button, however, it is more expensive, and therefore less common.

The presence of a magnetic switch in the design of virtual reality glasses.

A similar switch is found only in models designed for telephones (see "Intended use"). It is usually installed on the side of the glasses and looks like a movable metal element. The meaning of this function is that when the switch is moved, the magnetic field inside the glasses changes, and most modern smartphones are equipped with sensors that can track these changes. Thus, the user gets extended control options: for example, in shooting games, the magnetic switch can play the role of a trigger.

The presence of a controller — an additional control device — is included in the delivery of glasses.

The design and functionality of such an accessory may be different. So, the most popular option is specialized game controllers with a characteristic look — a handle with an analogue lever and buttons. There can be two such handles at once, under both hands; and in some models they are also used to control gestures. The movement of the hands can be tracked both by sensors in the controllers themselves and by cameras on the glasses. There are also simpler solutions — for example, portable gamepads or remote controls for controlling video playback.