Many people thought that VR headsets were a trend, but the virtual reality world is booming. Companies like HTC and Oculus are producing exceptional headsets like the HTC Vive Focus that give customers an unbelievable VR experience.
The HTC Vive Focus is one of the top VR headsets available. When used in conjunction with hand controllers, it allows you to explore beautiful VR worlds in comfort. If you are serious about VR and want to explore the different games available, this headset is definitely a top choice.
Main Features
First, let’s delve into the specifications and features of this VR headset. The HTC Vive Focus is a premium headset that does have an expensive price tag. For this price, however, you receive the ultimate technology and a robust device packed full of useful features:
- Dimensions: 15 x 12 x 7 inches
- Weight: 5.42lbs
- Screen resolution: 2880 x 1600 pixels combined
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
- Memory: 4GM RAM
- Refresh rate: 75Hz
- Power: Rechargeable battery
- Connectivity: WiFi 5Ghz
The headset itself is relatively lightweight and compact. In addition, it has exceptional quality 3K resolution HD AMOLED screens.
Furthermore, the technology and systems inside the headset provide a powerful VR experience. These come in the form of 4GB of RAM, and an advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor specifically built for VR use.
The rechargeable battery has an long life, and the high-speed WiFi connection allows you to easily connect to external devices. Overall, the basic features of the HTC Vive Focus are excellent.
Design
Long gone are the days where VR headsets look ungainly and are uncomfortable to wear. The HTC Vive Focus looks sleek and stylish with smooth curves and edges. It looks futuristic but elegant at the same time.
The top head strap is adjustable and allows you to quickly reposition it to provide a comfortable fit to your head. It is made from cushioned materials which put minimal strain on the top of your head.
The rear strap and support has a padded section that fits snugly against the back of your head – this is also fully adjustable.
Inside, the screens are surrounded by a comfortable but durable padded cushioning to protect your face when using for long periods. Some VR devices have these, but the material is cheap and wears away quickly – this is not true of the HTC Vive Focus.
Overall, the design of the HTC Vive Focus is outstanding. Its shape, size, and materials are built to be ergonomic, but aesthetically pleasing too. It is a comfortable headset to use.
Performance
As mentioned above, the HTC Vive Focus is comfortable to wear, even for long periods. It is always recommended, however, that you regulate how long you use VR headsets for as some people can get headaches and motion sickness.
The screen provides a crystal clear display and really brings the VR worlds and games to life. This is enhanced by the high quality, accurate controllers.
This headset has inside-out 6D0F tracking and an impressive 110-degree field of view. Inside, the device is packed with various proximity sensors which give users a wire-free experience that is accurate and immersive.
In addition, the tracking is positional-based, therefore users are not limited to using the HTC Vive Focus in one area – you can move freely about and use the headset anywhere at any time.
HTC Vive Focus vs. Oculus Rift S
For several years, the main two competitors within the VR headset landscape have been the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift. Therefore, let us compare two of the latest iterations of both devices – the HTC Vive Focus, and the Oculus Rift S.
Both devices feature hand controllers that are ergonomic and provide great control in the virtual world. There are some noticeable differences between the two devices which you can see in the specifications table below:
| HTC Vive Focus | Oculus Rift S | |
| Weight | 5.42lbs | 1.87lbs |
| Dimensions | 15 x 12 x 7 inches | 10 x 6 x 8 inches |
| Screen resolution | 2880 x 1600 | 1280 x 1440 |
| Battery | Rechargeable | Rechargeable |
| VR controllers | Yes | Yes |
| Tethering | Not required | Required |
As you can see, the HTC Vive Focus is the larger device – it is heavier and has a larger overall size. This, however, comes at the expense of the quality of the Oculus Rift S.
The HTC Vive Focus offers a superior screen resolution of 2880 x 1600, compared to the 1280 x 1440 resolution of the Oculus Rift S. In addition, the Oculus Rift S requires tethering to a computer, whereas the HTC Vive Focus can be used as a standalone device.
It should also be noted that the Oculus Rift S runs on standard AA batteries whereas you can simply recharge the battery pack of the HTC Vive Focus.
The main thing to remember here is the price difference. The HTC Vive Focus is nearly double the cost of the Oculus Rift S. However, it does offer far greater quality and usability.
Is the HTC Vive Focus a Good Choice?
If you want to fully venture into the world of virtual reality, the HTC Vive Focus is a must-have headset. HTC has continually produced outstanding VR headsets and this particular model has it all.
First and foremost, it is comfortable to use for prolonged periods. The face cushion and lightweight design ensure that the headset does not put too much pressure on your head. Moreover, the hand controllers are comfortable to use.
Secondly, the performance and quality of the VR experience are second to none. This device can function freely without the need for tethering. Moreover, the 2880 x 1600 resolution display brings the virtual world to life in great detail.
