Oculus started with the Kickstarter campaign of their Oculus Rift which raised around 2.4 million dollars. Two years later, they were bought by Facebook. Fast-forward to today, they are now the successful VR company we know today. However, most VR headsets released since then were mainly focused on gaming with a Windows PC.
Four years after the release of the Oculus Rift, Sony released their PlayStation VR for the PlayStation 4. In this article, we are going to put the PSVR side-by-side with the Oculus Quest. Let us jump right into their similarities and differences.
Oculus Quest vs Sony PlayStation VR – Similarities
Let’s review the Oculus Quest and the Sony PlayStation VR specs in a side by side chart.
Name |
Oculus Quest |
Sony PlayStation VR |
---|---|---|
Image | ||
Platform | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | PlayStation 4 |
Screen | OLED panel | 5.7” OLED panel |
Resolution | 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye (2880 x 1600 pixels combined) | 960 x 1080 pixels per eye (1920 x 1080 pixels combined) |
Refresh Rate | 60 / 72 Hz | 90 / 120 Hz |
Field of View | 100 degrees | Approx. 100 degrees |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 | Has a separate processing unit |
GPU | Qualcomm Adreno 540 | Has a separate processing unit |
RAM | 4GB | None |
Internal Storage | 64 GB / 128 GB | None |
Tracking | Inside-out tracking, 6 Degrees of Freedom | Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer) |
Connectivity | USB Type-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AUX port | AUX port, HDMI output port, HDMI TV port, HDMI PS4 port, USB port |
Microphone | Integrated Microphone | Integrated Microphone |
Audio | Integrated Speakers | Detachable Stereo Headphones |
Front-facing Camera | 4 Cameras | Uses the PlayStation Camera |
Controller Sensors | Six Degrees of Freedom motion tracking | Advanced motion sensing and light tracking technology |
Controller Input | Dual analog thumbsticks, four face buttons, four triggers | Typical gamepad input (without the analog sticks) |
Haptic Feedback | Yes | Yes |
Controller Connections / Power | Requires 2 AA batteries | Mini USB Charging ports |
Controller Battery Life | Depends on the AA batteries | 10 hours |
What’s Included | Oculus Quest Headset, A Pair of Oculus Touch Controllers, 2 AA batteries, 15W Power Adapter | PSVR Headset, Processing unit, VR headset connection cable, HDMI cable, USB cable, Stereo headphones, AC power cord, AC adapter, Demo disc |
Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
OLED Panel Technology
The Oculus Quest and PSVR are two distinct VR headsets. One of its few similarities is the panel technology both companies used for their headsets. Both the Oculus Quest and PSVR used an OLED screen inside. OLED screens are known to produce the most vibrant colors and deepest blacks among other panel technologies. This can translate to a more immersive and realistic experience. However, OLED panels are notoriously known for the ‘screen door’ effect. Due to the pentile nature of the panels, the empty spaces between each pixel become more visible because the panel is nearer to your eyes. Thus, these empty spaces create what resembles looking at a screen door. One of the headsets has a better way of reducing this effect, more on this later.
VR Headset Setup
One advantage of using an array of cameras instead of lighthouses is how easy their setup is. While SteamVR lighthouses are indeed more accurate in terms of tracking, the easiness of setting up a VR headset with cameras is unmatched. Even though the Oculus Quest and PSVR have different tracking methods, their concept is the same. Both have 6 Degrees of Freedom tracking. However, movements are mainly handled by their cameras. The camera of the Oculus Quest is placed on the headset itself while the PSVR utilizes a separate PS camera system.
Large Play Space
Another similarity that both Oculus Quest and PSVR has is their large play space. Theoretically, both VR headsets have an unlimited play area. As long as the cameras can see you and your movements, both headsets still work.
Oculus Quest vs Sony PlayStation VR – Differences
Platform
The platform in which you can use these VR headsets is different in both devices.
Oculus Quest
Since the birth of the Rift, Oculus has been focusing on PC gaming. That still holds some truth, but they added mobile gaming with the Oculus Quest. At its core, the Oculus Quest is an Android device. Therefore, you can sideload any apps you might want to play. You can download games via the Oculus Quest Store.
Sony PlayStation VR
Since the PSVR is made by Sony, it only works with the PlayStation 4. While the PS4 has its ecosystem of games, it is still subpar to what PC games offer. However, you can still play popular VR games such as Beat Saber and Superhot. The versatility of the Oculus Quest is still unparalleled versus the PSVR.
The Winner Is- Oculus Quest
Screen Quality
Although the Oculus Quest and PSVR have OLED panels built-in, they differ in their specifications.
Oculus Quest
The Oculus Quest has a higher resolution of 1440 x 1600 pixels per eyer or 2880 x 1600 pixels combined. Thus, it has a higher pixel density. This is exactly why the Oculus Quest has a reduced screen door effect. However, its refresh rate is where the Oculus Quest loses. While the minimum standard of a decent VR experience is 90 Hertz, it has a maximum refresh rate of only 72 Hertz. In effect, there may be some stuttering now and then. This low refresh rate also reduces the realism of the VR experience.
Sony PlayStation VR
The OLED panel of the PSVR has a lower combined resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Although this is the resolution of a typical full HD monitor, it is not clear enough for a VR headset. The advantage of the PSVR is seen in its higher refresh rate of 120 Hertz. Therefore, games will run smoother and more realistic. Both the Oculus Quest and PSVR have roughly the same field of view at 100 degrees. It’s a tie for now since both have their disadvantages.
The Winner Is- It’s A Tie
Connection
Let us look at how each VR headset connects.
Oculus Quest
One main selling point of the Oculus Quest is the freedom from wires. Yes, it is exactly what you are thinking. The Oculus Quest does not need to be tethered to a computer or a console to work. As mentioned before, it is essentially an Android device since it has a mobile processor baked inside it. Furthermore, it has 4GB of RAM and 64GB / 128GB of internal storage. Thus, you can go to play Oculus games wherever you want to. The Oculus Quest has straps around it to secure it on your head.
Sony PlayStation VR
In contrast, the PSVR needs to be connected to a PS4. So, a more tedious setup is required for it to work properly. It is relatively easy compared with other PC-based VR headsets, however. The PSVR does not have a processor inside it but you need to connect it to its separate processing unit. Lastly, the PSVR has a different way of mounting it to your head as it uses halo-style straps. Since the Oculus Quest is a standalone VR headset that you can bring anywhere, it beats the PSVR.
The Winner Is- Oculus Quest
Pros and Cons
The pros and cons of the Instant Pot Duo Nova vs Duo Evo Plus will help us to determine which is the better option.
Oculus Quest
Pros:
- Due to its higher resolution OLED screen, the screen door effect is reduced.
- It is a standalone VR headset that is truly wireless.
- It has more tracking than PSVR. It supports hand tracking without added hardware.
- Oculus’ Guardian Mode adds safety to the user.
Cons:
- It has a light bleeding issue around the nose region
- It has mobile-like graphics.
Sony PlayStation VR
Pros:
- The PSVR is overall more comfortable to wear.
- It will work with your current PS4 games.
- Although it needs setting up, it is relatively easy versus PC-based VR headsets.
- You can enjoy better console-quality games unlike the mobile quality games on the Oculus Quest.
Cons:
- No analog sticks on the controller.
- PSVR easily loses track of the controllers when blocked.
The Final Verdict
This comparison proves that the Oculus Quest and PSVR have different worlds. The Oculus Quest is for PC and mobile gaming, while the PSVR is for PS4 console gaming. While they are different, they also have their similarities in display and play space. Moreover, they have their disadvantages: the low refresh rate on the Quest and low resolution on the PSVR. You should pick your poison, I guess. However, if you already have a PS4, you can get the PSVR to add virtual reality gaming to your arsenal. Otherwise, the Oculus Quest is better overall.