Meta Quest Pro or Apple Vision Pro: Which One is King?

In the rapidly evolving XR industry, two major players, Meta and Apple, have recently introduced their flagship mixed reality headsets: Meta Quest Pro and Apple Vision Pro. Both headsets promise to redefine the way we experience immersion, offering a blend of virtual and real-world elements. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two cutting-edge devices to help you make an informed decision about which one is the best fit for your needs.

Design and Ergonomics

The Meta Quest Pro and Apple Vision Pro share a similar appearance, resembling “ski goggles” more than traditional smart glasses. However, their designs differ in terms of ergonomics and adjustability. The Vision Pro offers a customizable fit with various light seals and headband options, while the Quest Pro provides a one-size-fits-all structure with adjustable headbands and a screen distance dial. Notably, the Quest Pro features a balanced design with its battery at the back, while the Vision Pro has an external battery to reduce weight.

Displays

The Apple Vision Pro takes the lead in display technology, featuring two Micro OLED displays capable of showcasing approximately 23 million pixels, providing a 4K experience for each eye. In contrast, the Meta Quest Pro impresses with its pancake optics, delivering 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye on two LCD panels. While both headsets offer a 90Hz refresh rate, the Vision Pro might offer an optional 96Hz upgrade for specific modes.

Extended Reality Capabilities

Both headsets fall under the category of mixed reality, but they approach it differently. The Vision Pro embraces mixed reality by default, instantly blending digital content with the user’s surroundings. It also introduces the innovative “Eyesight” feature, displaying users’ eyes on the front display for face-to-face interactions. On the other hand, the Meta Quest Pro offers mixed reality options but is primarily a VR-first experience with full-color passthrough capabilities and light-blocking features.

Performance

Although the Apple Vision Pro’s performance is yet to be evaluated since it is not released, Apple boasts a new spatial computing system with M2 and R1 processing chips. The R1 chip aims to minimize input lag to approximately 12ms, while the M2 chip will handle sensor inputs, ensuring fast content delivery. In comparison, the Meta Quest Pro relies on the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ chipset, which has already enabled Meta to push the boundaries of VR.

Software and Content

Both headsets target enterprise users and provide access to a range of apps and content. The Meta Quest Pro offers access to the Quest 2 app store, with specialized apps like the Meta Horizon Workrooms app for collaborative work in the metaverse. On the other hand, the Apple Vision Pro comes with its new operating system, VisionOS, providing access to iOS and iPadOS apps and over 100 games from the Apple Arcade, with exclusive content partnerships in the works.

Battery Life

While the Apple Vision Pro’s specific battery details are yet to be revealed, it is expected to rely on external batteries, offering around 2 hours of power. This aligns it with the Meta Quest Pro, which provides 2.5 hours of performance on its standalone battery. However, some reviewers suggest that the Quest Pro’s battery life may vary based on usage.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Meta Quest Pro and Apple Vision Pro ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. The Vision Pro offers cutting-edge display technology, intuitive mixed reality features, and a brand-new spatial operating system. It is likely to excel in true mixed-reality interactions. On the other hand, the Meta Quest Pro provides a more budget-friendly option with excellent ergonomics and a reliable standalone battery. For pro-level extended reality experiences, both headsets deliver remarkable capabilities, but the Vision Pro may outperform the Quest Pro in terms of specs, features, and innovation.