Key Difference – HTC Vive vs Sony PlayStation VR
The key difference between HTC Vive and Sony PlayStation VR is that the HTC Vive comes with a better resolution display, better field of view while the Sony PlayStation VR comes with a RGB display with better color accuracy, high refresh rate, low latency with improved responsiveness and cheaper price tag.
Choosing a VR headset is a tough decision to make these days as they come with different specifications. Computers cannot be just compared with consoles as both products are very different. The above-mentioned devices are very different from each other. The device comes with different tracking features, different distribution and game supports.
These are first generation devices and game support will see a lack in support. Hardware support also may be a concern for the same reason. Let us take a closer look at both the device and see what they have to offer.
HTC Vive – Features and Specifications
Display
The HTC Vive comes with the OLED display which is known to have low latency, best black levels which guarantee a natural and an immersive VR experience. The resolution found on the vive is 2160 X 1200 pixels.
In comparison with the Sony Play Station VR, the HTC comes with a ten degree wider field of view. But its response time is 4 ms slower, which is a disadvantage. But these differences may be negligible.
The refresh rate of the display stands at 90Hz. The HTC vive comes with a 1080p screen which will be able to produce good graphics. The vive also comes with a stand out feature known as full room reality. The device is able to track an area of 15 by 15 area. The device also comes with a camera which track any objects that enter the space. There is also a feature which lets the user paint in the air and walk around it as if it was floating The controls on the HTC vive are very intuitive thanks to the wireless controllers and the touch pad attached to the device.
Sony PlayStation VR – Features and Specifications
Display
OLED technology powers the display of the device and this technology is known to provide the user with an immersive and natural experience. This is the best display available up-to-date. The resolution of the display is 1080p full HD. The pixel density of the screen is 386 ppi.
The refresh rate of the display is 120 Hz which is comparatively better than that found on the HTC Vive. Although this seems like an advantage, even the modern play station 4 only clocks 30Hz as its refresh rate. The graphics may be affected due to the high refresh rate.
Sony also has an added advantage as it uses full RGB display. This RGB display will come with three sub pixels. The sub pixels will enable the display to produce a wider color gamut.
Tracking Features
The PlayStation VR can be said to an extension of the PlayStation experience. It is able to play games, movies and traditional games in virtual mode and cinema modes that comes with the device. Many games are still in the development stage and are waiting to take full advantage of this headset.
What is the difference between HTC Vive and Sony PlayStation VR?
Display
HTC Vive: The HTC Vive is powered by an OLED display
Sony PlayStation VR: The Sony PlayStation VR is powered by a 5.7 inch OLED Display.
Resolution per Eye
HTC Vive: The HTC Vive comes with a resolution of 1080 X 1200.
Sony PlayStation VR: The Sony PlayStation VR comes with a resolution of 960 X 1080.
The HTC Vive comes with a higher resolution but the PlayStation VR has a new technology to improve with the color accuracy on the device.
Field of View
HTC Vive: The HTC Vive comes with a field of view of 110 degrees.
Sony PlayStation VR: The Sony PlayStation VR comes with a field of view of 100 degrees.
The HTC vive comes with a better field of view which will enable the user to expand on the viewing area he sees.
Refresh Rate
HTC Vive: The HTC Vive comes with a refresh rate of 90 Hz.
Sony PlayStation VR: The Sony PlayStation VR comes with a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
The Sony PlayStation comes with a higher refresh rate.
Latency
HTC Vive: The HTC Vive comes with a latency of 22 ms.
Sony PlayStation VR: The Sony PlayStation VR comes with a latency of 18 ms.
The Sony PlayStation VR is the more responsive of the two devices in comparison.
Hardware and Performance
HTC Vive: The HTC Vive is powered by i5 4590, GTX 970 or R9 290 with 4GB of memory.
Sony PlayStation VR: The Sony PlayStation VR is powered by a play station camera.
Price
HTC Vive: The HTC Vive is priced at 800 dollars.
Sony PlayStation VR: The Sony PlayStation VR is priced at 400 dollars.
The Sony PlayStation VR is the cheaper of the two virtual reality headsets.
Availability
HTC Vive: The HTC Vive is available after 5th of April 2016.
Sony PlayStation VR: The Sony PlayStation VR is available after October 2016.
HTC Vive vs Sony PlayStation VR – Comparison of Specifications
| HTC Vive | Sony PlayStation VR | Prefered | |
| Display | OLED | OLED at 5.7 inches |
– |
| Resolution per Eye | 1080 X 1200 | 960 X 1080 | HTC Vive |
| Field of View | 110 degrees | 100 degrees | HTC Vive |
| Refresh rate | 90 Hz | 120 Hz | PlayStation VR |
| Latency | 22 ms | 18 ms | PlayStation VR |
| Hardware | i5-4590, GTX 970/R9 290 | PS4, PlayStation camera | – |
| RAM | 4GB | – | – |
| Price | $800 | $400 | PlayStation VR |
| Availability | April 2016 | October 2016 | HTC Vive |