Samsung Gear VR Review
Samsung Gear VR: Quick Overview
Features: 4.5/5
Controls: 5/5
Resolution: 5/5
Price: 4/5
VR newcomers will be delighted with this product from Samsung. A pioneer in the mobile VR market, a lot of improvements have been made to it. The latest VR is now light, super comfortable and more importantly accessible. The Samsung Gear VR is not your ordinary VR headset. It’s designed for immersive gaming and video; it allows you to enjoy 2D, 3D and 360-degree content. The Samsung-made VR headset brings the game to you. It is one of the best and cheapest ways to experiences VR if you already own a Samsung smartphone. And, now that you can pair the headset with a motion controller, it feels much more immersive. The downside to this headset is that the choice of compatible handsets is fairly limited.
What We Like
- Light and comfortable.
- Comes in a stylish and fashionable design.
- Innovative voice command.
- The visuals are extremely impressive.
- Accurate, responsive controller.
- Clean, easy-to-use interface.
- Supports all 4 Galaxy S10 phones.
What We Don’t Like
- Using it requires high-end Samsung Galaxy phones, which are relatively expensive.
- The performance could be better.
- Has limited software library.
- Be transported to amazing new worlds, in games, video and images. 360° experience. Weight 0.76lbs
- Use the intuitive controller that comes in the box to drop, point, select and Drag with a Wave of your wrist
- Hundreds of games and experiences from Oculus. Sensor Type : Accelerometer, Gyro Sensor, Proximity Sensor
- Samsung Galaxy USB Type C models: Note8, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ ; and Micro USB models: Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+
- Galaxy Note9 requires a new adapter to be sourced free of charge from Samsung Customer Service
Samsung has really been pushing its Gear VR mobile headset in recent years. Back in 2016 when Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge were launched, Samsung gave everyone who pre-ordered a free Gear VR. This changed the game for high-end mobile VR. The headset continues to be one of the most popular mobile VR headsets on the market. The latest model of the Samsung Gear VR has a sleeker design and is more comfortable to wear. It gives us a taste of the enticing future and what to expect in the gaming and technology world.
Because the South Korean Smartphone manufacturer likes to keep things in the family, Gear VR only works with Samsung’s flagships from the last couple of years. Phones compatible with this headset include Samsung Type-C models Note 8, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+; and Micro USB models: Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+. If you own newer models, you will need a new adapter that you can get from your nearest Samsung Customer Service center. People who are crazy about games and VR should give it a try.
Who is this product for?
Gaming lovers and movie fans will find the Samsung Gear VR very helpful. The Samsung Gear VR is more than a gaming device. It is perfect for delving into 360 video. Using the Samsung Gear VR is a great way of spending your leisure time and immersing yourself in something when on the go. Age isn’t a limit. Both kids and adults can enjoy the fun and entertainment brought along with the Samsung Gear VR.
What’s included?
To operate the Samsung Gear VR, the set has to be complete. The VR comes with a headset where you place your head to get immersed in the virtual world. There is a wireless motion controller which aids at operating and controlling games. Lastly, are the lighthouse sensors which direct you and draw the boundaries to be reached. Other than these are the accessories which are inclusive of connecting cables, power cords and charging devices.
Overview of features
The new Samsung Gear headset’s design is a little bit larger than the original iteration and measures 12×2×9.9 cm. Its weight is 354 grams as compared to its predecessor 308 grams but that little weight isn’t noticeable and makes no big difference. Its appearance and comfort, however, have been vastly improved over its predecessor. This VR comes in an all black, curvy design that resembles the Oculus. The cushioning around the eyes have been made thicker, more compact and are more supportive allowing you to use the sets for prolonged periods without constraints.
Manufacturers made changes to improve the earlier version. Air vents have been added underneath the lenses to eliminate the fogging problem experienced with the previous version. That’s not all, lens optics can be toggled using buttons found on top of the headsets. You are also now able to charge your phone simultaneously as you use the gear VR thanks to the upgraded plug-and-play port on the headset to USB Type-C.
Another big and noticeable feature that comes with the Samsung Gear VR different from its predecessors is the addition of a controller. It is the highlight of the show. It comes in a black sleek design and is powered using 2 AAA batteries. On it are a circular touchpad, volume buttons, trigger on the back and volume buttons. The controller is smooth and feels nice on the hand. There are several games that offer controller compatibility.
Keeping the light out is something that the Gear VR has always excelled at and the new model doesn’t disappoint. The head tracking is smooth, but lack of a sensor or external camera means that you cannot move about within your virtual environment. The display quality depends on the phone you are using.
Another great feature of this spectacular product is the games playable on the VR. With over 100 of them, you aren’t limited to options. All these games are available in the Oculus store and you can browse them either via the VR or through your phone. Though there aren’t many free games, there are paid games which go for as little as 2.99$. In addition, every 24 hours, a new ‘daily deal’ is made on the popular VR game or app.
Alternative
Despite its popularity, the Gear VR experience is not quite up to that of the latest dedicated VR headsets in the market. If you aren’t into the Samsung Gear for whatever reason, you will want to try out the Oculus Quest. This is the next level gameplay offering its users unmatchable gaming experiences such as the Star Wars VR Series. What’s even better is the gaming space you get. The Oculus Quest is flexible with your environment and is compatible with both large and small rooms. This means that you could always play some little bit in your limited office space.
It contains instant tracking without the need for external accessories and comes with touch controllers. Every game will feel as real as you. Its setup requires an iPhone or an Android 6 Marshmallow or more, the Oculus App and signed in account, and reliable wireless internet access.
Tutorial
Check out the tutorial video to get a better understanding of how the Samsung Gear VR operates.
Conclusion
The 3rd generation Samsung Gear VR caught everyone by surprise. Manufacturers took the downsides of its predecessor and upgraded it to a better and more efficient device. It takes you to another world, and you’ll experience every bit of it as you play games and watch videos. It’s going to be hard to dethrone Samsung from the mobile VR throne. If you’re in search of a new smartphone, then the Samsung Gear VR should be enough reason to point you to Samsung’s direction.