Since the release of Nintendo’s Virtual Boy, no adventurous game developer has dabbled in virtual reality development until the Oculus Rift. Since then, multiple companies have delved into this booming niche. One of the leading companies in the VR space is HTC who launched the popular Vive VR headsets.
Today, we are going to look at other HTC VR product line: The Vive Cosmos. HTC used the inside-out tracking for one of the Cosmos VR headsets. This are virtual reality headsets that does not require much setup compared with the older HTC Vive VR headsets. Without further ado, let’s get into comparison of HTC VIVE Cosmos and HTC Vive Cosmos Elite.
| HTC Vive Cosmos | HTC Vive Cosmos Elite | |
| Image |  |
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| Screen | Dual 3.4” LCD panels | Dual 3.4” LCD panels |
| Resolution | 1440 x 1700 pixels per eye (2880 x 1700 pixels combined) | 1440 x 1700 pixels per eye (2880 x 1700 pixels combined) |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz | 90 Hz |
| Field of View | Maximum 110 degrees | Maximum 110 degrees |
| Sensors | G-sensor, Gyroscope, Eye Comfort Setting (IPD) | G-sensor, Gyroscope, Eye Comfort Setting (IPD) |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.0, DisplayPort 1.2, Proprietary connection to Faceplates | USB-C 3.0, DisplayPort 1.2, Proprietary connection to Faceplates |
| Microphone | Integrated microphones | Integrated microphones |
| Ergonomics | Flip-up visor, Adjustable Eye Comfort Setting (IPD), Adjustable head strap | Flip-up visor, Adjustable Eye Comfort Setting (IPD), Adjustable head strap |
| Audio | Stereo Headphone | Stereo Headphone |
| Front-facing Camera | 6 cameras | 4 cameras |
| Controller Sensors | Gyro and G-sensors, Hall sensor, Touch sensors | SteamVR Tracking |
| Controller Input | System button, 2 Application buttons, Trigger, Bumper, Joystick, Grip button | Multifunction trackpad, Grip buttons, Dual-stage trigger, System button, Menu button |
| Controller Connections | Requires 2 x AA Alkaline batteries | Micro-USB charging port |
| Controller Battery Life | Battery dependent | Approx. 6 hours |
| Maximum Room Scale | 3.5 meters x 3.5 meters | 5 meters x 5 meters |
| Recommended Room Scale | 2 meters x 1.5 meters | 3.5 meters x 3.5 meters |
| What’s Included | HTC Vive Cosmos Headset, New Vive Controllers, Accessories | HTC Vive Cosmos Elite Headset, VIVE Base Station 1.0, VIVE Controller
(with lanyard), Accessories |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Similarities between HTC Vive Cosmos vs Cosmos Elite
Display
The HTC Vive Cosmos and Cosmos Elite are essentially the same VR headset. The display of both VR headsets is a dual 3.4” LCD panel with a resolution of 1440 x 1700 pixels per eye. It has a combined resolution of 2880 x 1700 pixels. HTC surprisingly used an LCD panel with the Cosmos lineup rather than an AMOLED panel which they used with their previous Vive VR headsets. However, the LCD panel they used is superb and comparable to the more expensive Valve Index. The LCD panel has sub-RGB pixels which means that every pixel has each RGB color. Although it does not have more vivid colors and deeper blacks, it does not have the screen door effect that AMOLED panels deal with.
Refresh Rate and Field of View
While HTC changed the panel technology on the Cosmos lineup, they did not change or upgrade their refresh rate and field of view. Both the Cosmos and Cosmos Elite have a refresh rate of 90 Hertz and a field of view of 110 degrees. It a shame that HTC did not increase the refresh rate of both the Cosmos VR headsets. A panel with a 90 Hertz refresh rate and a 110-degree field of view is considered as the bare minimum in the VR community.
Flip Up Visor Design
The Cosmos and Cosmos Elite have a halo-style strapping mechanism. To tighten these VR headsets, there is a knob at the back that you can rotate accordingly. Moreover, both have top stretchable straps to secure the headsets in place. What HTC did right was their flip-up visor design. If you want to jump back out to the real world, you do not have to remove the headsets completely rather you can flip it up like a visor. The chaperone safety feature is still available with both headsets if you want to see your surroundings using the front cameras.
Differences between HTC Vive Cosmos vs HTC Vive Cosmos Elite
Tracking Technology
Tracking technology is one of the significant aspects of a virtual reality system as it makes the game more realistic and immersive. The tracking technology of HTC Vive Cosmos and Cosmos Elite differ greatly.
HTC Vive Cosmos
As mentioned above, the HTC Vive Cosmos is more similar to the Oculus Rift than its older Vive brothers. Rather than using SteamVR base stations, it uses a tracking technology called the inside-out tracking. This kind of tracking is simpler to set up than the lighthouse-based tracking. You do not have to put up lighthouses across your room. The Vive Cosmos does it all for you. This is particularly helpful to people who regularly change rooms they play in because the setup is easier and straightforward.
HTC Vive Cosmos Elite
In contrast, the Vive Cosmos Elite is similar to the original Vive headset. It uses the SteamVR tracking 1.0. Setup is more tedious, however. You have to place a pair of lighthouses across the room you are going to play in. All your efforts are going to be worthwhile as the external tracking of the Cosmos Elite is more accurate. Thus, you will have a more pleasant experience.
The Winner Is- HTC Vive Cosmos Elite
Faceplates
One of the first striking difference you may notice between the Cosmos and Cosmos Elite is their faceplate.
HTC Vive Cosmos
Since the Vive Cosmos uses an inside-out tracking, it needs cameras to track you, your movements, and your surroundings. That is why it has 6 cameras that you can find all around it. One downside to this tracking technology is the need to have a perfect environment to work properly. It won’t work if the room is too bright, too dark, too plain, or too crowded. To combat this, you can buy the Cosmos Elite faceplate to give you a much accurate and improved tracking system.
HTC Vive Cosmos Elite
When you buy the external tracking faceplate, you won’t be able to use the inside-out tracking and the controller that comes with the Vive Cosmos. Moreover, you will lose two cameras. The remaining cameras can still be used for the chaperone safety feature. Take note that you still need to have two SteamVR base stations to make this additional faceplate work. For the upgradability, I’ll give this category to the HTC Vive Cosmos.
The Winner Is- HTC Vive Cosmos
Controllers
The Cosmos and Cosmos Elite come with a different set of controllers.
HTC Vive Cosmos
The HTC Vive Cosmos comes with the new Vive controllers which light up. This light is then picked up by the 6 camera array on the headset and, in effect, moves your in-game hands. It is truly an interesting concept. However, as mentioned many times before, tracking accuracy is not that great. Some customers even had an issue with controller drift. Moreover, the new Vive controllers power via two AA Alkaline batteries which are included in the box. This may be inconvenient to some as they still have to buy more batteries once the included battery loses its power.
HTC Vive Cosmos Elite
On the other hand, the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite has the same pair of controllers that the original Vive has. It does not light up since tracking is mainly done by the lighthouses rather than the camera array. It is the same set of controllers that is reliable and loved by most Vive users. It has a built-in rechargeable battery which is rated at approximately 6 hours of usage. This pair of controllers have micro USB ports to charge them up. Due to its internal rechargeable battery and reliability, the Cosmos Elite wins this category.
The Winner Is- HTC Vive Cosmos Elite
Price
Your decision finally comes down to the price of both VR headsets. Will the additional features that the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite brings be worth the extra money? Let’s find out.
HTC Vive Cosmos
The VR headset market is flooded with great choices. The direct competition of the Vive Cosmos, in terms of specifications and features, is the Oculus Rift S. It also uses an inside-out tracking system but the Oculus does it better. With the higher price of the Vive Cosmos over the Oculus Rift S, it is difficult to recommend. However, we are comparing the Vive Cosmos with the Cosmos Elite. The Vive Cosmos set is indeed cheaper than the Elite version. But is it worth it?
HTC Vive Cosmos Elite
The more accurate tracking of the Vive Cosmos Elite gives it a more hefty price tag. If you already have the original Vive, you can just get the Cosmos Elite headset as it is compatible with the accessories that came with the original Vive. With this said, it can be cheaper than the Vive Cosmos. However, if you intend to buy this as your first VR headset, I recommend you to look somewhere else. For the first time VR headset owners, it is preferred to buy the HTC Vive Cosmos for its lower price tag.
The Winner Is- HTC Vive Cosmos
Pros and Cons
HTC Vive Cosmos
Pros:
- Dual 3.4″ LCD panels
- Has a combined resolution of 2880 x 1700 pixels
- 90 Hertz refresh rate
- 110 degrees field of view
- Flip-up visor
- Chaperone Safety feature
Cons:
- No eye distance adjustment
- Refresh rate could be higher
- Inaccurate tracking
- The play environment should be ideal
- Worse performing controller
HTC Vive Cosmos Elite
Pros:
- Dual 3.4″ LCD panels
- Has a combined resolution of 2880 x 1700 pixels
- 90 Hertz refresh rate
- 110 degrees field of view
- Flip-up visor
- Chaperone Safety feature
- More accurate tracking
- Compatible with the original Vive accessories
- Better controllers
Cons:
- No eye distance adjustment
- Refresh rate could be higher
- Still uses the SteamVR tracking 1.0
Which HTC VR System is Better?
With the ‘Elite’ in its name, it is obvious that the Cosmos Elite is superior over its competition. It has more accurate tracking and a better controller. It comes with a heavy price, however. If you are looking for a cheaper way to experience VR for the first time, then I suggest looking at the Vive Cosmos. But for people who want the better of the two, the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite is a no-brainer.