Apple Vision Pro vs PSVR 2

Picking between Apple and Sony, we see how their headsets compare

Table of Contents Table of Contents

Now with the competition spurring up in the mainstream, VR seems to be getting another resurgence. And with WWDC 2023 just gone by, we see how the Apple Vision Pro vs PSVR2 compares. Although they might target quite a different target audience they will still occupy a similar place in the market.

The Apple Vision Pro release date is not quite set, but it is supposedly coming in early 2024. This means it is still some time away before we get a proper look at its capabilities. Whilst the PSVR 2 had a shipping date early on in 2024, in particular in February. So it is a lot more accessible to use with your console.

Sony PSVR 2

Weight

560g/19.8oz

Cameras

4 embedded cameras for headset and controller tracking​ IR camera for eye tracking per eye

Sensors

Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer)​ Attachment Sensor: IR Proximity sensor

Display resolution

2000 x 2040 per eye OLED panels

FOV (field of view)

Approx. 110 degrees

Refresh rate

90Hz, 120Hz

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Apple Vision Pro vs PSVR 2 specs

AR vs VR

The first big difference between the two is that the PSVR2 is solely a VR headset. It only has a black and white pass through and not a full colorway to apply the augmented reality feature. As the Vision Pro allows for the mixed reality features it has enabled. And others will be able to see your eyes through the screen so it’s like they’re not even there.

But what this means is that cameras are not much more useful than just seeing a bit of your surroundings. Saving you from walls or being able to find your controllers. Compared to the mixed reality that Apple has on offer. As that will allow full VR or AR so either taking you out of the world in its own immersive display or mixing in features to your room.

Displays

For the screens inside, we know that the PSVR 2 has two 2000×2040 OLED displays for the eyes to look at. With 4K HDR capabilities up to 90/120 Hz. Whilst Apple Vision is said to be using micro-OLED displays with more than a 4K TV to each eye, although not specifically saying the resolution or refresh rate, these are crucial to the experience.

Although it suggests 23 million pixels across the two, which would suggest much more than the PSVR2 and could lead to a better look and experience of the displays. Especially as it offers prescription lenses for the headset and so you don’t have to fit your specs inside and is a more seamless experience for those of us without perfect vision.

Immersive audio

Both are specced to provide immersive audio to your experience using the headsets. With Sony branding it with Tempest 3D AudioTech it does require a separate headset for the audio. Whereas the Vision Pro has two audio pods by your ears and offers Audio ray tracing. Which just like light ray tracing in games aims for immersion by more realistic implementation of audio. But also uses the cameras to look at your space and materials to alter the audio as if adapting to your room for the extra immersion.

Processing

Another difference is how they do processing and work. As the PSVR2 relies ofn your PS5 and that does all the hard work. The headset displays that and provides input for the experience. Whereas the Apple headset is standalone, with dual processors to get the job done. With an M2 and R1 on it, it is a computer in one. Allowing it to be taken around without the need of being connected to any other device.

Power

Since the PSVR2 is not standalone, it gets all its power from the PS5 via USB C and so there is no worry about battery power. Whilst the Vision Pro can be used with a battery or plugged in. Which will give you two hours of running with a pack and cable you have to carry or an infinite run time.

Controls

The PSVR2 has the new Sense controllers for great control within your games and makes it more immersive with how you use them and how they function in the games. Compared to simple controls on the headset or voice commands on the Apple products it shows the difference in use cases.

Usage

A significant difference between the two is who they are targeting. As the PSVR2 is obviously for gamers, specifically on the PS5 and so playing the likes of Beat Saber, No Man’s Sky, or Job Simulator are accessible on it. Whereas Apple targets casual or business users, those looking to enhance their video viewing or meeting experiences. Although it has been mentioned that Apple Arcade gaming is available, no 3D VR functionality will be available.

Price

The big difference is the price points of the two headsets. The PSVR2 has an MSRP of $549. Whereas Apple has priced its Vision Pro at a staggering $3,499. Nearly $3,000 more, it is much easier to compare it to the Meta Quest Pro as you have to have serious money to afford the Apple one and not be after a gaming headset.