There has never been a better time to treat yourself to a virtual reality headset. With the Oculus Quest 2, Facebook is betting on a high-end device and low-cost device, sweeping away all competition. Today I will give you a flair review of Oculus Rift S.
Let’s put an end to the suspense right away. The Oculus Quest 2 is the best virtual reality headset on the market. The best all-in-one headset with no real competition in the face. Whether for professional or recreational use, and the best choice for a PC headset. Although it is because of its unbeatable value for money.
Despite its low computing power. The first Quest of the name was until now our benchmark since its release in May 2019. Sold for 545 usd, its simple operation requiring no computer. Or external sensors made it the ideal product for most users, not to mention its library of quality content. The Oculus Quest 2 is better in almost every way and has the luxury of costing 120 usd less. Let’s know take a glance to the review of Oculus Rift S.
Table of Contents
Oculus Rift S Review: Very High Resolution
Let’s start with the most obvious: the resolution. Quest 2 equipps with a single LCD screen with 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye. It compared to 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye provided by two OLED screens for the Quest. Quest 2’s screen refresh rate is 90Hz versus 72Hz for its predecessor. The lenses remain the same, so the field of vision (110 ° diagonal) does not change either.
It’s hard to realize what this gain in resolution brings on paper. But the difference is immediately apparent when comparing the two headsets one after the other. The “mosquito net”effect (SDE) specific to low-resolution VR screens. It gives the impression of seeing the image through a grid (when we know the space between the pixels). Which is practically invisible on the Quest 2 (it can distinguish if one tries deliberately to find it). It represents a giant leap forward, all the more impressive on an all-in-one device. It’s tough to switch back to lower resolution headphones after tasting Quest 2.
The downside to choosing an LCD over OLEDs is lower contrast and somewhat less vibrant color rendering. But that’s the choice of most VR headset manufacturers today, including for the Valve Index and Reverb G2. The higher resolution of the Quest 2 brings such again that one cannot find fault with it.
90 HZ … BUT NOT EVERYWHERE AT THE BEGINNING
Note that only the home screen and the web browser will run at 90 Hz when the product is released. The rest of the applications will be limited to 72 Hz. Facebook has told us that developers will “soon”access this mode and update their applications to support it. However, this process may take some time, and it is unknown when all the experiences will convert.
TWICE AS POWERFUL AS THE FIRST QUEST
To run the Quest 2, Facebook chose the most powerful mobile chip of the moment. The Snapdragon XR2, a variant of the Snapdragon 865 suitable for AR / VR uses. It is, to put it merely, twice as efficient as the Snapdragon 835 fitted to the first Quest. It also comes with 6 GB of RAM, against 4 GB for the first model.
Thanks to this power, the Quest 2 can display 50% more pixels than its predecessor. And this at a higher refresh rate. While no further graphics improvements announce at this time. It is with future Quest 2 games remaining Quest 1 compatible. It can assume that exclusive titles will eventually take advantage of it. Also notable is that Quest 2 natively handles 8K video playback at 60 fps and 4K at 120 fps. We tested these features with an 8K 360 ° video (monoscopic), transferred locally. And played on the Oculus TV app. No problem to report.
A NEW INTERPUPILLARY GAP ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM
Although the Oculus Quest 2 only uses one screen. The interpupillary distance (IPD) can still be adjusted using a new system that involves adjusting the lenses manually by pushing them in with your finger. Three levels are available: 58 mm (1), 63 mm (2), and 68 mm (3). According to Facebook, this helps provide a comfortable experience for users with an IPD between 56 and 70 mm. Our IPD was mid-range, so the base setting (# 2) suited us very well. The notable point is that this system is much easier for the average user to understand. One of the recurring problems with IPD settings is that they are often incorrectly set and therefore do more harm than good (an incorrect IPD can cause headaches).
Oculas Rift S Review: LIGHTER, MORE COMPACT, MORE COMFORTABLE
The Quest 2 attachment system has been completely revised and is closer to that of the Oculus Go than the first generation Quest. It is a flexible strap that can be adjusted using two straps at the back. The comfort of VR headsets derives from the combination of the attachment system, the “facial interface”(the foam in contact with the face), the weight of the device, and the user’s morphology. It is, therefore, difficult to establish a standard test (if not impossible). Still, Quest 2 is significantly more comfortable in our specific case than its predecessor during long sessions (over an hour).
We noted it during our Quest’s test: although relatively comfortable, it was far from equaling the Rift in this area. Its mounting system does not perfectly fit the back of our skull. It is softer and less abrasive foam, lighter helmet (at 503 grams, weighs 10% less than the Quest), and a tighter strap for better weight distribution. It’s hard to say precisely why, but the facts are there: Quest 2 does better.
For buyers who want a rigid attachment system, don’t panic. Facebook has provided two dedicated accessories. The Quest 2 Elite Strap (sold for 49 euros) and the Quest 2 Elite Strap with an extra battery. We were able to test the Elite Strap. Its “halo”design looks at first glance like that of the Rift S, but it distinguishes by a silicone semi-circle designed to hug the back of the head to provide enhanced support.
This rigid attachment system is of good quality
and remains comfortable during extended playing sessions. However, in our case, it does not represent a particularly remarkable improvement compared to the one supplied with the Quest 2. In particular, it adds weight. Not negligible with the helmet, even if it is balanced to not weigh on the face. Here again, choosing to stay on the default attachment system or invest in the Elite Strap will depend on each one according to their tastes and morphology.
Be careful, however, for eyeglass wearers. The Quest 2 does not seem suitable for large frames (or even medium size). A “fit pack”sold for 39 euros and including two facial interfaces (one broader, the other narrower) might help, but nothing guaranteed. This lack of consideration is regrettable. Especially since the special corrective lenses that it was possible to install on the first Quest. And the Go are no longer compatible with the Quest 2.
A CORRECT SOUND WHICH WILL BE SUPPORTED BY ACCESSORIES LOGITECH
On the audio side, we remain on a system based on small speakers integrated into the headphones’ branches, the sound coming out through slots. The quality has been slightly improved compared to the Quest 1 and remains correct, but we are far from what a good headphone allows or even from the Valve Index speakers’ rendering. The Quest 2 has a 3.5mm jack port for connecting headphones or headphones.
We regret that there is only one jack port and not two as on the original Quest because of the Quest earphones. It plugged in on either side of the headset and was very pleasant to use. They made it possible to isolate oneself from ambient noise (and not disturb others) without becoming entangled with a dangling wire.
To compensate for this change, Logitech is preparing two audio accessories for the Quest 2 in its G range. In-ear headphones were created especially for the occasion (G333 VR Headphones), with an unbalanced cable. And an over-ear audio headset (Logitech Pro Gaming Headset) already on sale but now has a second shorter cable for VR.
Accessories that will undoubtedly significantly improve the sound quality will require an additional cost. 60 USD for the G333 headphones and 120 USD for the Pro Gaming headphones. However, note that the Pro Gaming Headset and it add a significant weight on the head (320 grams), could prove uncomfortable to use with the “Elite Strap”from Facebook. We will test them later, as these products are currently only available in North America.
Made by Facebook
Using the Oculus Quest 2 requires a Facebook account. A choice strongly criticized by some suspicious commentators towards the company. But which the latter justifies by the rationalization of its infrastructure and the development of new functionalities. Such as integrating Messenger or the Facebook Horizon social experience.
It is essential to note two points. The first is that this practice expects. Using an Xbox requires a Microsoft account. Or using an iPhone requires an Apple account. Same as using Stadia or YouTube requires a Google account, and using a Kindle requires an Amazon account. The second is that users’ Facebook identity is not visible by default in Oculus experiences. Only their Oculus username is. However, they can share it with their friends if they wish.
Batary performance of Oculus Rift S
Officially, the autonomy of the Quest 2 on the battery is the same as that of the Quest. That is to say. It is “between two hours and three hours depending on use.”Our tests were on average 2:20 on games, starting from 100% to almost 0%, ten minutes less than with the Quest.
For example, an hour of varied use spent on In Death: Unchained, Endspace, and Falcon Age increased the battery from 80% to 38%. Watching the video (e.g., on Netflix) is a little less greedy and is enough to watch an entire movie (well, except Once Upon a Time in America and other works over three hours long).
The passive discharge of the battery when the device is on standby (and not switched off) reduces by half. The Quest was losing about 12% of battery every 24 hours when it releases, while the Quest 2 loses between 6 and 7%. Charging the device entirely from the mains takes a little over two hours.
In our tests, the headset went from 8% to 98% battery life in just two hours. Note that the last percent to reach 100% is always longer to recover. It is still possible to use the helmet while recharging it, as for the first model. According to Facebook, the Quest 2 equips with the Elite Strap accessory with a battery.
FAQ of Oculus Rift S Review
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Is the oculus rift suitable for 2020?
Yes, the Rift S VR is excellent as a headset. Its resolution is much better and the headset is comfortable. It is very easy to set up. The best part is that it is relatively affordable.
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What is the resolution of oculus rift s review?
A single LCD screen with 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye. It compared to 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye provided by two OLED screens for the Quest. Quest 2’s screen refresh rate is 90Hz versus 72Hz for its predecessor. The lenses remain the same, so the field of vision (110 ° diagonal) does not change either.
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What is the batary performance of VR headset?
The headset went from 8% to 98% battery life in just two hours. Note that the last percent to reach 100% is always longer to recover. It is still possible to use the helmet while recharging it, as for the first model. According to Facebook, the Quest 2 equips with the Elite Strap accessory with a battery.
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Is the headset harmful to our eyes?
All types of screens are harmful to the eyes. However, you must use this headset with some limitations. Otherwise, overuse can cause permanent damage to your eyes oculus rift s review
