# HTC Vive Focus Vision Review: Adaptable Yet Pricey
The HTC Vive Focus Vision is an independent virtual reality (VR) headset designed to provide a high-end experience at a somewhat steep price. While it boasts several impressive functionalities, it also encounters fierce rivalry from other VR headsets such as the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro. In this assessment, we will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of the HTC Vive Focus Vision to assist you in determining whether it justifies the cost.
## Key Specifications
| **Feature** | **Details** |
|—————————-|——————————–|
| **Display Resolution** | 2448 x 2448 pixels per eye |
| **Display Type** | LCD |
| **Refresh Rate** | 90Hz |
| **Field of View** | 120 degrees |
| **Chipset** | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 |
| **Memory** | 12GB |
| **Storage** | 128GB |
| **Battery Life** | Up to 2 hours |
| **Charging** | 30W |
| **Connectivity** | Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6E |
| **Price** | $999.99 |
## Design: Cumbersome Yet Practical
The HTC Vive Focus Vision is somewhat bulky in comparison to other VR headsets, but this heft comes with certain benefits. The headset features a hot-swappable battery positioned at the rear, which aids in balancing the weight. Despite this, it can still feel onerous and uncomfortable after prolonged use, particularly when compared to lighter alternatives like the Meta Quest 3.
The design incorporates multiple cameras for tracking and passthrough capabilities. Two 16-megapixel cameras at the front facilitate stereoscopic passthrough, while four additional cameras provide external tracking. Within the headset, two additional cameras are allocated for eye-tracking, which performs adequately but doesn’t match the sophistication found in the Apple Vision Pro.
### Build Quality
Primarily constructed from plastic, the headset feels robust yet slightly less premium in certain areas. Nonetheless, the overall construction is stable, and the hot-swappable battery feature is a beneficial addition for extended VR experiences.
## Visuals: Impressive Resolution but Underwhelming Lenses
The HTC Vive Focus Vision showcases a high resolution of 2448 x 2448 pixels per eye, which technically surpasses that of the Meta Quest 3. However, it employs older Fresnel lenses, leading to notable visual artifacts such as rays or “god rays” within the image. This diminishes the overall visual quality, especially in comparison to the more advanced lens technologies found in other headsets.
Additionally, the LCD displays of the headset do not fully meet expectations. Although the resolution is impressive, the use of LCD panels instead of OLED implies that the black levels and contrast are not as rich or realistic as they could be. Furthermore, the 90Hz refresh rate is somewhat lacking for a headset in this price category, particularly when rival headsets like the Meta Quest 3 deliver a smoother experience.
### Passthrough and Tracking
The passthrough functionality is adequate but not exceptional. The stereoscopic cameras offer a fair view of the real world, though the image quality is not as sharp as what one might experience with the Meta Quest 3 or the Apple Vision Pro. The headset supports both hand and eye tracking, both of which perform well, but they don’t reach the precision found in more high-end models.
## Performance: Aging Components
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 chipset, the HTC Vive Focus Vision is beginning to exhibit signs of aging. While the headset performs satisfactorily for most activities, it may struggle with more resource-intensive VR applications in the future. This is particularly unfortunate given that newer chipsets are available that could have offered a more future-ready experience.
Nonetheless, the headset does allow for lossless PC VR via a DisplayPort adapter, making it a great choice for gamers who desire to experience high-quality VR gameplay on their PC. The lossless connection guarantees no video compression, delivering a clearer and more detailed image when connected to a computer.
### Battery Life
With a battery life rated at up to two hours, it aligns with the typical performance for standalone VR headsets. The hot-swappable battery feature offers a considerable advantage, enabling users to prolong their VR sessions without the need to wait for a recharge.
## Software: Straightforward Yet Restrained
The HTC Vive Focus Vision operates on its own software, which is relatively easy to navigate. However, the software ecosystem is not as comprehensive as what is offered on Meta’s Quest platform. The Viveport store presents a moderate selection of games, but it is significantly less extensive than the vast library available on the Quest 3.
Currently, few games take advantage of the eye-tracking feature, though this
