Samsung Odyssey+ Review
- 3K anti-sde AMOLED display (2880x1600) with wide 110O field of view
- Direct Full Array Backlight 4X: Concentrated Zones of Precision-Controlled LEDs Auto-Adjust Contrast Between Pure Whites and Ultra-Deep Blacks, Revealing Hidden Details in Even the Darkest Scenes
- Access to Windows mr store and steamer libraries for thousands of games & experiences
- Premium, built-in AKG headphones w/360O spatial Sound and Mic
- Adjustable headband, now 10% lighter with improved comfortable materials
Samsung Odyssey+: Quick Overview
Samsung has, over past years, shown its prowess in innovating forward-looking tech products. Lately, it has ventured into the VR field, and its creations are awesome. Unlike Vive and Oculus, Odyssey+ supports the use of Windows Mixed Reality.
The HMD Odyssey+ addresses 2 major complaints about VR and mixed-reality head-mounted displays: comfort and display issues that can cause dizziness and nausea.
High-end VR users have been looking for what Samsung Odyssey+ headset can now offer. In addition to the headband size, the Odyssey Plus allows you to adjust the space between the screens to better align with your vision. The more accurately you set the lenses, the more pleasant your VR experience will be.
It follows after the original Odyssey with the improvement mainly on display. A few ounces lighter, it is available for purchase from Microsoft, Amazon.com and Samsung’s online store. Despite the price, its features compared to HTC Vive or Oculus are way better. Its lightweight design makes it comfortable to wear and it’s easy to setup.
Features: 4.7/5
Controls: 4.8/5
Resolution: 5/5
Price: 4.5/5
What We Like
- Redesigned nose fitting
- Improved resolution
- AKG 360° spatial sound
- Easy to handle controls
- Anti-fog feature
- Native SteamVR support
- In-built audio support
What We Don’t Like
- Price may be expensive for some users
- Physical design is not appealing
- Short wires
The Samsung Odyssey+ becomes the latest VR headset to join the Windows Mixed Reality world. The 110-degree angle and an update rate of up to 90 FPS lets you really soak up your surroundings.
Odyssey+ lacks the flip-up visor but contains the flashlight feature for a quick glimpse through the headset to check on the surrounding. For VR users that frequently need to shift from headset to traditional keyboard/monitor setup, this aspect is a plus for you.
Overall, the Samsung Odyssey+ is a great VR product having been configured with Microsoft’s Mixed Reality platform.
Who is this Product for?
If you’re new to VR, the Samsung HMD Odyssey+ is a great gateway headset. The improved dual-AMOLED display tackles the screen-door effect. You will also appreciate the 2880 x 1600 total resolution that lets you enjoy clear pictures and indistinguishable pixels. Another plus is for those that may not be having external earphones for the 3D sound. Its built-in headphones will let you enjoy high quality sound and remove the need to buy external headphones.
For those with visual eye problems, it becomes a challenge for you when using the VR headset without the glasses. Odyssey’s wide design leaves some space for glasses though not those with large frames. If you are driven by design and external appearance, then the Odyssey Plus may not be for you.
What’s included?
The box is the normal one made of cardboard with a handle. Samsung’s Odyssey+ kit comes with a complete combination of the virtual experience features. Inside the kit, there is the paired wireless motion controllers with 4 AA batteries. The headset has built-in headphones such that you don’t need external headphones. You’ll also get 1 user manual, 1 warranty, 1 cleaning cloth and HDMI/USB 3.0 cables built into the headset. setting up is easy, no additional cameras or base stations with brackets are needed.
Overview of Features
HMD Odyssey is the best complete option you can opt for in the Windows MR family. Compared to the Acer MR Head mount display and the Dell Visor, Odyssey Plus is undoubtedly the best in terms of additional features, graphics and build. All the features that make it stand out make you feel contented with the $499 spend.
In terms of design, Odyssey closely resembles LG Stream VR headset. It doesn’t look very appealing in its black color accents. The headset case is completely made of plastic. However, in wearing, it feels lightweight and comfortable despite its 645g weight that makes it the largest gadget in the Windows Mixed Reality range. This is due to the correct weight distribution.
Odyssey+ supports flashlight feature that helps you to have a quick glimpse of your surroundings. It works differently from other headsets that allow you to flip-up the headset. The quick glimpse, however, is not convenient compared to the visor flip up.
The Samsung Odyssey+ has built-in AKG headphones with dynamic 360 spatial sound. This ensures an immersive experience as you experience the game worlds with sound coming at you from all directions. There are also 2 microphones for voice communication.
It comes with two controllers matching the Windows Mixed Reality standard supporting a trigger, menu button, fabric loop for safety, trackpad and thumb stick. The controllers are powered by two AA batteries each. Compared to the Vive controllers, they are more comfortable but do not reach the efficiency of the Oculus Touch.
Samsung is the best in terms of display. The dual AMOLED display of 1440 X 1600 resolution of the original Odyssey matches that of HTC Vive Pro which is way too expensive than Odyssey+. The display, therefore, becomes the selling feature of the headset.
You may have used other headsets like Oculus Go or PSVR and experienced nausea and dizziness after few days of use. This downside limits many users that are sensitive to such issues. However, using Odyssey+ to play games such as Superhot VR, Talos Principle VR or DOOM VFR, you will not feel dizzy when navigating in virtual rooms.
Using Odyssey+ doesn’t need extra sensors. It has built-in cameras on the headset, ensuring you feel the 6 degrees of freedom on your head. Additionally, there is Bluetooth connectivity for easy connections.
All you have to do to step into the virtual world is plug the HDMI and USB cables into the appropriate computer ports in a Windows 10 compatible PC and you’re all set!
Alternatives
- Top VR gaming library: Blast, slash and soar your way through the top library in VR gaming. Oculus Rift S lets you play hundreds of games and exclusives already available in the Oculus store, with so much more to come.
- Improved optics: Stare down the competition with next-generation lenses and a sharper display. Improved optics deliver bright, vivid colors and reduced “screen-door” effect.
- Ergonomic design: Keep your head in the game thanks to a Halo headband redesigned with speed in mind. Rift S stays securely and comfortably in place with a quick twist of the fit wheel, so it can take-or double take-your fastest reactions.
- Oculus touch controllers: Arm yourself with our updated Oculus touch controllers. Your slashes, throws and grab appear in VR with intuitive, realistic precision, transporting your hands and gestures right into the game.
- Oculus insight tracking: take a step forward with Oculus insight. It translates your movements into VR No matter which way you're facing and provides room-scale tracking without external sensors.
Samsung is a reputable brand takes user experience seriously, and a result receives fewer complains. But it doesn’t mean that their products are perfect. The Odyssey may be the flagship headset on the WMR system, but compared to Rift or Vive, it may fall short of the wide-area tracking. However, when it comes to immersion for a smooth VR experience, Odyssey tops the list. For connections, it supports Bluetooth connectivity, thereby doesn’t require wires that may hinder your gameplay moments.
Oculus Rift and Vive are the best alternatives for a PC connection VR experience considering the modern features, comfortability and design. Oculus Rifts weighs 470 grams, has a 110 degrees viewing angle, built in headphones, 1080×1200 resolution for each eye and a constant 90 FPS for a legitimate VR experience. HTC Vive has almost similar features but lacks built-in headphones and weighs 550 grams.
Tutorial
To support this review of the Samsung Odyssey+ experience, here is a video tutorial for you to learn how to use the product (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLCv8xACTGQ ).
Conclusion
Odyssey+ is the best offer for visual and audio experience compared to the current HTC Vive and the original Odyssey. It is in close competition with Acer Mixed Reality HMD, considering the displays and visuals. What limits Odyssey in comparison to HTC Vive is the room-scale tracking aspect. The overall verdict is that Samsung’s Odyssey+ is the best headset for a beginner with a powerful PC and more to spare.