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The virtual reality system niche has gained momentum since the release of the Oculus Rift. Nowadays, consumers can choose from a wide variety of VR systems according to their needs and preference. Now, even Samsung is dabbling with the VR system market.
As today, we are going to talk about Samsung’s entry to the VR market with its HMD Odyssey and HMD Odyssey+. Let’s see how they stack up against each other.
| Samsung HMD Odyssey+ | Samsung HMD Odyssey | |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Platform | Microsoft Windows Mixed Reality | Microsoft Windows Mixed Reality |
| Display | Dual 3.5” AMOLED | Dual 3.5” AMOLED |
| Screen Resolution | 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye (2880 x 1600 pixels combined) | 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye (2880 x 1600 pixels combined) |
| Refresh Rate | 60 / 90 Hertz | 60 / 90 Hertz |
| Field of View | 110 degrees | 110 degrees |
| Lens | Single Fresnel Lens | Single Fresnel Lens |
| Interface | HDMI 2.0 + USB 3.0 | HDMI 2.0 + USB 3.0 |
| IPD | 60 – 72 mm range | 60 – 72 mm range |
| Camera | 6 DOF camera x 2 | 6 DOF camera x 2 |
| Sensor | 6-Axis ACC & Gyroscope, 3-Axis Compass, Proximity sensor, IPD sensor | 6-Axis ACC & Gyroscope, 3-Axis Compass, Proximity sensor, IPD sensor |
| Microphone | 2 integrated microphones with Cortana support | 2 integrated microphones with Cortana support |
| Audio | Built-in AKG headphones | Built-in AKG headphones |
| Buttons and Interface | Volume, IPD adjustment | Volume, IPD adjustment |
| Controller | 6 DOF controller / Xbox One Controller Support | 6 DOF controller / Xbox One Controller Support |
| Tracking Area | No Limit (Inside-out) | No Limit (Inside-out) |
| Product Dimensions (W x H x D) | 7.95 x 5.18 x 4.37 inches | 7.64 x 5.08 x 4.30 inches |
| Product Weight | 1.42 pounds | 1.31 pounds |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Similarities between Samsung HMD Odyssey+ and HMD Odyssey
Windows Mixed Reality
While HTC, Valve, and Oculus dominate the VR space, Microsoft is also trying to penetrate the VR market. The Windows Mixed Reality is Microsoft’s entry to the booming VR community. As the name implies, it is a combination of both virtual reality and augmented reality. Samsung chose to partner with Microsoft with both the HMD Odyssey and Odyssey+. The tracking technology used in both the Odyssey and Odyssey+ is similar to the HTC Vive Cosmos and Oculus Rift S. Both use the inside-out tracking system which does not require any base stations to be installed across the room. Instead, tracking is mainly done by the cameras located on the front of the headsets.
Display
Samsung is a known manufacturer of great AMOLED panels. They use it almost everywhere, from their smartphones to their laptops. Now, they are using this amazing panel technology with both the Odyssey and Odyssey+. AMOLED panels produce very vibrant colors and their high contrast is unmatched by any panel technology. It is great to see Samsung AMOLED panels used in other devices such as these head-mounted displays. AMOLED has its drawbacks, however. We will discuss it more later.
Audio and Interface
Samsung has a partnership with AKG audio. They exclusively partner with them to bring great audio to their consumer products. Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones used to come with a pair of AKG earphones. Now, AKG’s audio technology is seen with Samsung’s latest Galaxy Buds Live. This is also apparent with both the HMD Odyssey and Odyssey+ which have AKG headphones built-in. Its unremovable nature is one disadvantage of this pair of headphones, however. Overall, it still brings a pleasant audio experience.
Differences between Samsung HMD Odyssey+ and HMD Odyssey
Build and Design
You won’t quickly notice the difference between the Odyssey and Odyssey+ when you glance at it. They have very similar designs and builds. Let’s take a closer look at where they differ.
Samsung HMD Odyssey
The HMD Odyssey is Samsung’s first take on the VR headset. Of course, it is not as fully-baked as the Valve Index or Oculus Rift. There are a lot of shortcomings with the first Odyssey head-mounted display. One striking example of this is light leaking. Unlike other VR headset, you first notice how the excess light around you goes into the headset itself. Moreover, the comfort is said to be suboptimal as the padding that Samsung used is uncomfortable. Overall, it is still a great first try by Samsung.
Samsung HMD Odyssey+
The Samsung Odyssey+ is nearly identical to the Odyssey with some improvements. The first thing Samsung fixed with the Odyssey+ is the rubber flaps on the nose region. In consequence, the light bleeding effect that plagued the original Odyssey is not noticeable anymore. Headset padding is another part that Samsung improved upon. Samsung used a new set of foam that promises more airflow and reduced fogging. Moreover, the foam is now removable. Therefore, you can now replace or wash them. The inside width of the headset has also been increased to accommodate more people with glasses. Although there is an increase in dimension, the Odyssey+ is surprisingly lighter at 1.31 pounds without its cables.
The Winner Is- Samsung HMD Odyssey+
Screen Door Effect
Samsung is already a master of making amazing AMOLED panels. While AMOLED panels are great due to its vivid colors and high contrast, it suffers from what enthusiasts call the ‘screen door effect’ or SDE for short.
Samsung HMD Odyssey
Due to the nature of AMOLED panels, there are spaces in-between subpixels that do not light up. Thus, it gives a grid or screen door effect. The Samsung HMD Odyssey does a great job of reducing this effect due to its high combined resolution of 2880 x 1600 pixels. While the HMD Odyssey has a high pixel density of 616 PPI, the screen door effect is still noticeable.
Samsung HMD Odyssey+
The Odyssey+ also has an AMOLED panel. Therefore, it should also suffer from the screen door effect, right? Well, that is not exactly the case. Samsung placed a diffuser over the display to make subpixels indistinguishable making the space between pixels also unseeable. Thus, reducing the screen door effect. Samsung calls this technology as the anti-SDE display. This diffuser also tricks your eyes to perceive the screen at a higher PPI of 1233 PPI, instead of 616 PPI. One downside of using a diffuser is reduced clarity. Since diffusers essentially blur out the screen, the image you see through the headsets are softer. If you are not a fan of the screen door effect, then the Samsung HMD Odyssey+ is for you.
The Winner Is- Samsung HMD Odyssey+
Value for Money
Time and time again tell us that all purchase decisions boil down to one important thing: its price.
Samsung HMD Odyssey
Expectedly, the Samsung HMD Odyssey has a lower price. For its slightly inferior display, ergonomics, and comfort, it is not surprising that it is cheaper. One question still stands. Does it bring more value for the money than the Odyssey+? Well, that’s a yes and a no. First, it is yes because it brings a lot of value for the money and it will introduce you to the world of virtual reality. Also, it is not because of the occasional sale that the better Odyssey+ has that cuts its price by almost half.
Samsung HMD Odyssey+
The Samsung HMD Odyssey+ is indeed more expensive. In my honest opinion, its higher price is still just as it brings improvements that you will find convenient in the long run. The value that the Odyssey offers can be seen more when it goes on sale. Sometimes, some deals slash the Odyssey Plus’ price up to half of its retail price. If you see deals like that, do not hesitate to grab one for yourself. I give this one to the Odyssey+ due to this.
The Winner Is- Samsung HMD Odyssey+
Pros and Cons
Samsung HMD Odyssey
Pros:
- Mixed Reality System
- Dual 3.5” AMOLED
- 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye (2880 x 1600 pixels combined)
- Multiple refresh rate (60 / 90 Hertz)
- 110 degrees field of view
- Built-in AKG headphones
- Interpupillary distance adjustment
- Better inside-out tracking than other headsets
- Compatible with SteamVR
- Tracking is great for an inside-out device
- Cheaper
Cons:
- Refresh rate could be higher
- Still has a noticeable screen door effect
- Fewer ergonomics and comfort
Samsung HMD Odyssey+
Pros:
- Mixed Reality System
- Dual 3.5” AMOLED
- 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye (2880 x 1600 pixels combined)
- Multiple refresh rate (60 / 90 Hertz)
- 110 degrees field of view
- Built-in AKG headphones
- Interpupillary distance adjustment
- Better inside-out tracking than other headsets
- Compatible with SteamVR
- Better ergonomics and design
- Removable face pads
- More value for the money
- Reduced screen door effect
- Tracking is great for an inside-out device
Cons:
- Refresh rate could be higher
- Diffuser blurs out the image
- More expensive
Final Verdict
Although the improvements on the HMD Odyssey are minimal, they are still improvements nonetheless. If Samsung keeps improving its HMD, Samsung may dominate the VR space too. Between the Odyssey and Odyssey+, it is obvious that the plus version is better. It has a superior anti-SDE display and a better overall feel. But those features come at a high price as well. However, if you can find a Samsung HMD Odyssey+ at around $400 or less, it is a great deal and you should get it immediately. Otherwise, the HMD Odyssey is a great alternative too.