Oculus Rift vs. Google Daydream: Which VR-Platform Is Worth the Buy?
With virtual reality (VR) slowly creeping into mainstream media, more and more hardware get rolled out to make sure that the market has enough choices to suit everybody's unique needs. With Oculus Rift being one of the earlier devices to capitalizes on the functionality, it arguably has a head start in terms of potential buyers' consciousness. That being said, the newer Google Daydream may also be worth looking at depending on the utilization intent. Here's a rundown of both devices, which could hopefully give consumers an idea which one better suits their needs.
As previously mentioned, the Oculus Rift is one of the early incantations of the VR hardware that debuted in 2016. Released as early as March 2016, the device is almost a year old which means more and more people have tried and tested it in terms of reliable reviews. Packing an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display with 1,080 × 1,200-pixel resolution per eye, the headset also incorporates a headset that produces a 3D audio effect as well as positional and rotational tracking. That makes it an all-in-one device despite its pretty bulky and hefty design. It weighs 1.03 pounds or about 467 grams, which could be pretty heavy especially during long gaming hours.
The Google Daydream, on the other hand, offers a resolution of either 1,440 x 1,280 or 1,080 x 960 per eye depending on the mobile phone it is used with. When it was released back in November, it only has a handful of compatible smartphones such as Google's very own Pixel and Pixel XL. And while the company has promised to release a longer list with more phones that are well-suited to the VR platform, the current batch is still very limited which in turn can affect its usability.
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Obviously, the main difference between the two is that the Daydream capitalizes on mobility while the Rift focuses on power. Since the former can be used with various smartphones, granted that it is compatible with it, it is easier to pass around. The latter on the other hand is grounded on PC-use. It is also worth noting that both devices have polarizing prices. The Rift retails for a whopping $599 while the Daydream is only for $79, but needs an accompanying phone to be utilized.
In retrospect, the Daydream is a good entry-level gadget for those who are just trying to wet their toes in the VR world. But for those who are more inclined into heavy-feature usage with specific intent on immersing more in VR experience, then the Rift may be worth the investment.
