Oculus Quest 2 - the best all-in-one VR headset to use

Oculus Quest 2 is a cheaper, more powerful and lighter successor to the popular 1st generation of Oculus Quest VR headset. The device belongs to the so-called all-in-one VR headsets, which means that it works independently - there is no need to connect the headset to any external device for using. Given the performance, price, and capabilities it offers, this headset can currently be considered the best VR headset for everyday use of virtual reality.

Why is Oculus Quest 2 VR headset the perfect choice for VR?

Oculus Quest vr headset from Oculus have built-in all the hardware and software needed for running VR applications just with the use of the headset itself. There is no need to connect the headset to any external components nor investment into external devices. You can imagine the Quest as a smartphone firmly embedded in VR glasses - the device can be used immediately after putting it on your head. No connection to a computer, cables, or station for sensing movement within space - just a small lightweight headset with 2 hand controllers. Nothing more needed.

At the same time, Quest VR headset allows cable as well as wireless connection to a computer - in this case, you can use virtual reality in full visual quality limited only by the used LCD display with a resolution of 1832x1920px per eye. The disadvantage is that applications and games designed to run directly in the headset and via a computer are not identical - it is always a different version of the application (= usually you have to decide whether you prefer to use VR powered by the headset itself or virtual reality powered by a computer which usually allows to achieve higher visual quality).

However, the key added value is availability - Thanks to Oculus Quest device, it is possible to enjoy full virtual reality quite easily and with minimal costs.

Snapdragon XR2 processor in the lead role

The heart of Oculus Quest is in the hardware allowing independent running. Unlike devices designed for connection with PC such as HTC Vive, the Oculus Quest includes, in addition to the display, a processor, memory, data storage and battery. The essential thing is derived from these components - the smooth running of the contents in the glasses, the quality of its display and the operating life of the battery. There is not much to choose from - the customer can only choose between 64GB and 256GB of storage. Of the permanent components, the glasses have an LED display with a resolution of 1832x1920px per eye, 6GB of RAM, batteries with a capacity of 3,640 mAh indicating a battery life of 3-4 hours and, above all, a very powerful Snapdragon XR2 processor from Qualcomm.

The benchmark shown above shows a giant performance leap between Oculus Quest 1 and 2 headsets. This increase in performance, excluding native 5G support, was necessary especially to increase display quality - both resolution quality and display frequency.

The display frequency of the current 90Hz can be considered the minimum optimal in terms of the observation frequencies of the human eye and the efficiency of transmission of this information between the human eye and brain. Of the hardware, it is also worth mentioning the display - with the transition from OLED to LCD technology, a finer display was achieved, but the quality of the color display (especially black) suffered.

Conclusion

Oculus Quest combines the ability to run independently as well as in the connection to a computer. This brings a wide range of uses for the headset. The processor used is very powerful and high quality. It is surprising at what price these glasses are available on the market. This is certainly related to the ownership of Oculus by Facebook - on the one hand, Facebook is trying to gain and confirm dominance in the VR headsets market, and on the other hand, the monetization of the headset by Facebook does not need to be primarily in their sale.

• Sales started on September 15, 2020
• Quest 2 compared to Quest 1:
  • Improved lenses deliver higher resolution and a wider field of view
  • Lower price
  • White variant instead of black
  • A more robust pair of hand controllers with a bit more ergonomic shape
  • Display frequency 90hz (later maybe 120Hz)
  • 10 to 15 percent smaller body
  • 20 percent less weight
  • Replacement of the fabric on the sides of the glasses with plastic
  • Replacement of the material of the spectacle strap for better flexibility

Detailed comparison of Oculus Quest 1 and Oculus Quest 2

Where to buy Oculus Quest 2?

Oculus Quest 2 is available in various versions on Amazon. Choose Amazon localization based on your location.