Hi there! As an experienced data analyst and tech specialist, I‘m going to give you an in-depth look at how Apple‘s new Vision Pro headset stacks up against the popular HP Reverb G2 virtual reality headset. This guide will compare all the key specs and real-world performance factors to help you decide which advanced VR solution best fits your needs and budget.
Overview
The Vision Pro markets itself as an ultra-high end portable VR headset integrated seamlessly with Apple‘s ecosystem. It claims specs like 23 million pixels total resolution across dual 3800×3000 pixel displays.
The Reverb G2 has earned praise as one of the best mid-range PC-based VR headsets. For $599 it delivers crisp 2160×2160 resolution per eye, spatial audio, and works perfectly with Windows Mixed Reality and SteamVR gaming content.
Below I break down how these very different headsets compare on price, compatibility, visuals, audio, design, controls and more based on early Vision Pro details. Let‘s dive in!
Detailed Side-By-Side Spec Comparison
First let‘s directly compare the published specs between the Vision Pro and Reverb G2:
| Apple Vision Pro | HP Reverb G2 | |
| Displays | Dual 3800×3000, 23MP total | Dual 2160×2160, 4.7MP each |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz |
| Weight | 1.03 pounds | 1.2 pounds |
| Battery Life | 2 hours | N/A (tethered) |
| Controllers | Hand/eye/voice | Separate motion controllers |
| Starting Price | $3,499 | $599 |
Some immediate takeaways:
- The Vision Pro‘s screens are incredibly sharp – offering nearly 5x as many total pixels as the Reverb G2
- Both headsets refresh at a very solid 90Hz for smooth visuals
- The Vision Pro weighs slightly less than the Reverb G2
- No surprise that the Apple headset costs nearly 6x more!
Obviously there‘s tons more comparison points beyond this spec sheet. Next let‘s do a deeper dive on the key differentiation areas.
Display and Optics Showdown
Optical display technology makes or breaks the VR experience, dictating how clear and smooth visuals appear. The Reverb G2 already delivers best-in-class optics for its price range – so how might Apple‘s offering compare?
Each Reverb G2 display packs 2160 horizontal pixels across a 2.89 inch diagonal, producing extremely sharp images. Reducing distracting "screen door effect" was a design priority. The fast switching LCDs also eliminate motion blur.
Impressively, Apple may nearly double this clarity. At 3800 pixels wide per display, running at 90Hz, the sheer detail seems unmatched by any rival VR headset currently announced.
If realized, the "23 million pixel" claim means the Vision Pro offers over 5 times as many total pixels. That‘s an astonishing degree of detail that could enable photorealistic virtual environments.
Of course, resolution isn‘t everything. But combined with Apple‘s renowned display engineering expertise I anticipate exceptional VR visual fidelity from the Vision Pro.
Gaming Content and Compatibility
A VR headset is only as immersive as the content it can access – an area where these two products have vastly different approaches.
Reverb G2 – Designed purely for Windows 10 and 11 PCs, it seamlessly runs Windows Mixed Reality and SteamVR apps. The catalog includes thousands of AAA game titles plus creative tools. Requires a gaming desktop or laptop.
Vision Pro – Promises unique integration with Apple‘s ecosystem including spatial anchoring between devices. Likely focused on bespoke VR/AR apps rather than traditional gaming. Powered by the new visionOS.
If you primarily want to access cutting-edge games, the Reverb G2 is likely the better pick thanks to mature Windows/SteamVR support. Apple‘s headset may prioritize creative and productivity scenarios instead.
Sound: Spatial Audio vs. Built-In 3D
Sound is nearly as important as visuals for immersive VR experiences. Both headsets promise advanced spatial sound support:
Reverb G2 – Integrated headphones with rotating ear cups feature spatial audio that adds depth and dimension to VR gameplay. Effective at delivering directional and 3D audio. Also has dual built-in mics.
Vision Pro – Array of 8 total speakers combined with advanced head and hand tracking allows for what Apple calls "spatial audio." This can replicate how sounds behave in real-world spaces, with reflections etc. Also has 6-mic array for voice input.
Here Apple‘s audio proposition seems extremely advanced, taking cues from their surround-sound efforts on devices like the Apple TV. The described ability to render sound "textures" seems unmatched. But both deliver excellent spatial audio at different tiers.
Design, Weight and Ergonomics
Let‘s move on to comfort and wearability factors:
I‘ve used the Reverb G2 extensively and found it reasonably comfy for 1-2 hour VR sessions thanks to light weight at 1.2 pounds. The rigid headband helps take pressure off the face. It fits over regular glasses.
Apple has clearly prioritized ergonomics on the Vision Pro, an essential area for their envisioned all-day wearable AR usage. At a wispy 1.03 pounds including battery, they minimized size while improving weight distribution and breathability. An "hovering" visor takes weight off your nose/cheeks as well.
For longer term comfort and glasses compatibility, the Vision Pro looks to have a strong advantage over most competitors including the Reverb G2. Clever design choices really pay dividends here.
Tracking and Controls
Precise tracking of your movements and inputs is what transforms a VR headset into a truly magical extension of your senses. Here‘s how the Reverb G2 and Vision Pro compare:
Reverb G2 – Includes two ergonomic hand controllers for gesture and finger tracking. Four external cameras provide wide area head and controller monitoring without the need for external base stations. Solid inside-out tracking.
Vision Pro – Incorporates advanced hand skeletal tracking via 12 on-board cameras and sensors. Also tracks eye movements and facial expressions. Multi-speaker array provides spatial mapping. Voice control via Siri. No dedicated controllers needed.
I‘m particularly impressed by the Vision Pro‘s cameras and sensors – they should enable unparalleled hand presence and environment integration compared to PC-based alternatives relying on more basic gyroscopic tracking.
Portability and Battery Life
While desktop VR headsets offer unmatched performance, mobile-based options open new possibilities for easy transport and wire-free operation.
The Reverb G2 is very much tethered to your gaming PC and plugins, limiting where you can readily use it and requiring enough space to wave those controllers around. The long cable compromises mobility.
Meanwhile Apple is emphasizing 2 hours of fully untethered usage per charge on the Vision Pro. That opens the doorway to new contexts like outdoor VR/AR. The lack of dedicated controllers also enhances mobility.
For cord-cutters who want to easily throw their headset in a bag and use it anywhere, the Vision Pro looks extremely capable as an all-in-one solution.
Availability and Cost
Last but certainly not least – when can you actually get one of these advanced headsets, and how much money will they set you back?
The HP Reverb G2 launched in Fall 2020, so it‘s readily available for order today from a variety of major retailers like Amazon and BestBuy for its ~$600 MSRP. Discounts happen occasionally too.
Meanwhile the Apple Vision Pro doesn‘t yet have a concrete launch date, with "Spring 2023" being the loose timeframe. And it commands an eye-watering $3,499 starting price as a luxury product.
If money is no object the Vision Pro pre-order wait may be worth it for fans invested in Apple‘s ecosystem. But the Reverb G2 offers tremendous value today for budget-focused shoppers who still want quality VR.
The Bottom Line
So where does this in-depth comparison of the Apple Vision Pro and HP Reverb G2 VR headsets leave us? Here‘s the key questions to consider:
Video Quality? – Vision Pro likely superior thanks to Apple display and optical expertise combined with 5x higher pixel density.
Content Access? – Reverb G2 gives you full Windows Mixed Reality and SteamVR libraries. Vision Pro more of a question mark.
Comfort and Tracking? – Slight edge to Vision Pro for prolonged wear and controller-less hand presence.
Audio and Motion? – Both promise advanced spatial audio. Vision Pro‘s eye/face tracking may be more seamless.
Price and Availability? – Reverb G2 available now starting at 1/6th the price. Vision Pro not out until mid-2023.
Overall if you want affordable access to top-tier VR gaming today via Windows desktops, I highly recommend the demonstrated quality of the Reverb G2. But for Apple loyalists who can afford a premium for next-generation wearable mixed reality, keep your eyes peeled for the game-changing Vision Pro.
I hope this detailed technical overview helped provide valuable context around what these two category-leading headsets each bring to the table! Let me know if you have any other questions.
