Pico 4 Ultra: The New Frontier in Virtual Reality for 2024

Virtual reality (VR) is experiencing rapid advancements, and Pico, a brand well-known in the VR space, has once again made waves with its latest release, the Pico 4 Ultra. This headset brings a suite of powerful upgrades, positioning itself as a serious competitor to the Meta Quest 3. Released in select European and Asian markets, the Pico 4 Ultra offers improved specs and features that cater to both casual users and VR enthusiasts. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Pico 4 Ultra, from its design and hardware to its unique features and pricing.

Overview of the Pico 4 Ultra

The Pico 4 Ultra builds upon the solid foundation laid by its predecessor, the Pico 4, but with notable upgrades that enhance both mixed and virtual reality experiences. With a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, the Pico 4 Ultra brings substantial improvements in performance. While the core visual experience remains the same with 2160x2160 resolution per eye, the new 32MP mixed-reality (MR) cameras allow for more immersive augmented reality applications.

Design and Comfort

Balanced for Comfort

The Pico 4 Ultra continues the trend of counterbalanced headsets, with the battery positioned at the back of the head strap to provide better weight distribution. At 580 grams, it is slightly heavier than the Meta Quest 3, but the design ensures comfort for longer gaming sessions. However, one drawback is the lack of a silicone face cushion, making the fabric interface prone to getting sweaty, especially during fitness games. This could be a dealbreaker for those planning to share the headset with others.

Improved Controllers

The controllers have undergone some redesign, now featuring a ring-less design, similar to the Meta Quest 3’s controllers. This makes them sleeker and more comfortable to hold. The additional buttons for in-game pause and screenshot functions add to the convenience, particularly for social gamers.

Performance and Display

Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 Chipset

One of the standout features of the Pico 4 Ultra is its Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, the same processor found in the Meta Quest 3. This powerful chipset enables the headset to handle more complex games and apps with ease, providing faster load times and smoother gameplay. The jump from 8GB to 12GB of RAM further enhances multitasking capabilities, allowing you to run several apps simultaneously without performance drops.

90Hz Display and Mixed Reality Enhancements

The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, although it falls short of the 120Hz supported by the Meta Quest 3. Despite this, the Pico 4 Ultra’s passthrough feature has been improved, offering a 20 PPD (Pixels Per Degree) resolution, making the virtual world appear sharper and more detailed. However, it’s worth noting that the lenses have not been upgraded since the previous model, which may affect edge-to-edge clarity compared to the Meta Quest 3’s improved optics.

Mixed Reality (MR) and Motion Tracking

Mixed Reality with Dual 32MP Cameras

The Pico 4 Ultra takes MR experiences to new heights with its dual 32MP cameras, a significant upgrade over the single 16MP camera found in the original Pico 4. These cameras enable full-color passthrough for augmented reality applications, giving users a more immersive experience in MR environments. However, some users have noted that while the MR environments look good, they don’t quite reach the same level of realism seen in other high-end headsets like Apple’s Vision Pro.

Pico Motion Trackers

One of the most exciting new features is the Pico Motion Trackers, which come bundled with pre-orders of the headset. These trackers attach to your ankles and allow for full leg tracking in supported apps like VRChat and Blade & Sorcery: Nomad. While they are an additional purchase after the pre-order period, they significantly enhance the level of immersion in games and fitness applications.

Software and Game Library

Solid Game Library but Lacking Exclusives

The Pico 4 Ultra boasts a solid library of VR and MR games, with titles like Blade & Sorcery: Nomad, Walkabout Mini Golf, and Pistol Whip available at launch. However, it lacks exclusive titles that could give it an edge over the Meta Quest 3, which features big-name franchises like Resident Evil 4 VR and Assassin's Creed Nexus. Still, the overall game quality is high, and Pico is continuously expanding its game offerings.

User Interface and Software Experience

While the Pico OS is user-friendly, there are some limitations when compared to the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro. For instance, the window management system in Pico OS restricts users from freely positioning windows in 3D space, a feature that is available on competing platforms. However, the virtual environments offered in the Pico OS are more immersive and visually appealing than those found in Meta’s Horizon Worlds.

Battery Life and Charging

Larger Battery but Faster Charging

The 5700mAh battery on the Pico 4 Ultra provides ample power for long gaming sessions, though the added performance of the new hardware does drain the battery faster than the original Pico 4. The device supports 45W fast charging, which is a notable improvement over its predecessor. However, it doesn’t include a charger in the box, meaning users will need to purchase a compatible charger separately

Pricing and Availability

Competitive Pricing

Priced at £529 (€599), the Pico 4 Ultra is positioned as a mid-range headset that offers premium features at a relatively accessible price point. While it is more expensive than the 128GB Meta Quest 3, it undercuts the price of the higher-storage Quest models. Pre-orders come with additional perks like free games and motion trackers, adding more value to early adopters

A Solid Mid-Range Contender

The Pico 4 Ultra stands as a strong competitor in the VR landscape, offering substantial upgrades over its predecessor and giving Meta Quest 3 a run for its money. Its strengths lie in its enhanced mixed reality capabilities, motion tracking, and overall performance improvements thanks to the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset and 12GB of RAM. However, it falls short in a few areas, such as exclusive game titles and outdated lenses.

For those looking for a mid-range VR headset with excellent MR features and the promise of immersive gaming, the Pico 4 Ultra is a great option. But if exclusivity and cutting-edge optics are a priority, the Meta Quest 3 may still hold the upper hand.