Pico 4 Ultra Review: Is It REALLY an Upgrade?

Summary

The video dives into the features of the Pico 4 Ultra VR headset, highlighting its upgraded specs, including the Qualcomm XR2 Gen 2 processor, 12GB of RAM, and improved mixed reality cameras. The headset maintains a similar design to the previous Pico 4 but adds enhancements like Wi-Fi 7 and faster charging. However, the software experience, especially in mixed reality and multitasking, still trails behind competitors like the Meta Quest 3. Although the Pico 4 Ultra introduces motion trackers and smoother performance, it's hard to recommend over the Quest 3 due to limited exclusive content and slower software development.

Takeaways

• 📱 The P4 Ultra boasts impressive specs: Qualcomm XR2 Gen 2, 12GB memory, Wi-Fi 7, upgraded mixed reality cameras, and a depth sensor.
• 🎮 The P4 Ultra's comfort is comparable to its predecessor, the Pico 4, featuring a balanced weight distribution and the same adjustable strap design.
• 📺 Display remains unchanged with dual 2.56-inch LCDs, a 90Hz refresh rate, 2160x2160 per eye resolution, and a 105° field of view.
• 📡 Wi-Fi 7 and faster Bluetooth are new additions, enhancing the potential for improved PC VR streaming, though performance in this area wasn't fully tested.
• 🔋 The battery has been upgraded to 5,700mAh with fast charging (45W), allowing 80% charge in 38 minutes and full charge in about an hour.
• 🕶️ Mixed reality performance has improved, with better pass-through quality, reduced distortion, and a depth sensor for enhanced room mapping.
• 📱 Multitasking is now supported, with up to 20 windows open simultaneously, but window movement is restricted to a circular pattern around the user.
• 🕹️ The P4 Ultra's controllers are heavier but have improved tracking and haptics, especially beneficial in two-handed actions like archery.
• 🎧 The built-in speakers are loud and clear, but the headset lacks an audio jack, pushing users to rely on Bluetooth.
• 💡 The Pico motion trackers offer basic leg tracking and are easy to set up, though they are not full-body tracking devices.

Q & A

What are the main hardware upgrades in the Pico 4 Ultra compared to the previous Pico 4?

The main hardware upgrades in the Pico 4 Ultra include the Qualcomm XR2 Gen 2 processor, 12GB of RAM, Wi-Fi 7, upgraded mixed reality cameras with a depth sensor, and a 5,700 mAh battery with fast charging up to 45 watts.

How does the Pico 4 Ultra improve the mixed reality experience?

The Pico 4 Ultra improves the mixed reality experience with two 32-megapixel cameras and a depth sensor, which allows for room mapping and a more accurate passthrough view. The stereo image has less distortion and lag, providing a smoother passthrough experience compared to the original Pico 4.

What limitations exist in the multitasking capabilities of the Pico 4 Ultra?

While the Pico 4 Ultra can run up to 20 windows simultaneously thanks to its 12GB of RAM, the windows can only be moved in a circular arrangement around the user. This restricts the ability to move windows closer or farther away, limiting the overall flexibility in multitasking.

How does the Pico 4 Ultra’s passthrough compare to the Quest 3?

The Quest 3 provides a more natural passthrough experience with better depth accuracy, but the Pico 4 Ultra offers sharper images of moving hands, which stay clear even in motion. However, the Pico 4 Ultra lacks hand occlusion, meaning virtual menus appear in front of hands, which can feel unnatural.

What are the Pico motion trackers, and how do they enhance the experience?

The Pico motion trackers are lightweight ankle straps that provide basic leg tracking. While they do not offer full-body tracking, they predict movements based on foot tracking and work well with compatible games like VRChat and some fitness games.

What is the battery life and charging time of the Pico 4 Ultra?

The Pico 4 Ultra has a 5,700 mAh battery with fast charging capabilities, reaching 80% in 38 minutes and 100% in about an hour. The motion trackers have a 25-hour battery life and take around 90 minutes to charge.

How does the Pico 4 Ultra handle PC VR streaming, and what are the limitations?

The Pico 4 Ultra supports wireless PC VR streaming, but using ultra-wide resolutions results in a blurry image. Lowering the resolution to Full HD improves readability, but it lacks the sharpness and integration seen in higher-end headsets like the Vision Pro.

What are the main differences between the Pico 4 Ultra’s displays and the Quest 3?

Both headsets feature similar LCD displays, but the Quest 3 has better optical quality overall. The Pico 4 Ultra’s visuals are still sharp and vibrant with a 105° field of view, though the black levels are not as deep due to the LCD technology.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the new controllers on the Pico 4 Ultra?

The new controllers are heavier but well-built, offering strong vibration and improved tracking even in complex movements like using a bow and arrow. However, they still have minor blind spots due to inside-out tracking.

Is the Pico 4 Ultra recommended over the Quest 3?

The Pico 4 Ultra has made significant improvements but is still hard to recommend over the Quest 3. The Quest 3 offers better value for its price, more consistent software updates, and stronger exclusives. However, the Pico 4 Ultra stands out with its multitasking capabilities and motion trackers.