View source for HTC Vive XR Elite

{{Device Infobox
|name = HTC Vive XR Elite
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[Standalone VR]], [[PC VR]]
|Platform = [[VIVE OS]], [[SteamVR]]
|Creator = [[HTC]]
|Developer = [[HTC Vive]]
|Manufacturer = [[HTC]]
|Announcement Date = January 5, 2023 (CES 2023)
|Release Date = February 26, 2023
|Price = $1,099
|Website = https://www.vive.com/us/product/vive-xr-elite/
|Versions = VIVE XR Elite, VIVE XR Elite Business Edition
|Requires = VIVE account, optional PC for PCVR
|Predecessor = [[HTC Vive Focus 3]]
|Successor = [[HTC Vive Focus Vision]]
|Operating System = [[VIVE OS]] (Android-based)
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2]]
|CPU = Octa-core Kryo 585 (1× 2.84 GHz + 3× 2.42 GHz + 4× 1.8 GHz)
|GPU = Adreno 650
|HPU =
|Storage = 128GB
|Memory = 12GB LPDDR5
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Dual LCD
|Subpixel Layout = RGB stripe
|Peak Brightness = Not specified
|Resolution = 1920 × 1920 per eye (3840 × 1920 combined)
|Pixel Density = 19 PPD
|Refresh Rate = 90Hz
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Field of View = 110°
|Horizontal FoV = ~110°
|Vertical FoV = ~110°
|Average Pixel Density = 19 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = 19 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = Fixed foveated rendering
|Optics = Pancake lenses
|Ocularity = Binocular
|IPD Range = 54-73mm (continuous adjustment)
|Adjustable Diopter = Yes (built-in, -6.00 to +2.00)
|Passthrough = Yes (full-color stereo)
|Tracking = 6DoF inside-out
|Tracking Frequency = 60Hz
|Base Stations = None required
|Eye Tracking = No (available on Focus Vision)
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = Yes
|Body Tracking = No (accessories available)
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|Update Rate = 90Hz
|Tracking Volume = Room-scale
|Play Space = Roomscale
|Latency = <20ms motion-to-photon
|Audio = Embedded speakers, dual microphones
|Microphone = Yes (dual microphones)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = 4× tracking cameras, RGB passthrough cameras
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C
|Ports = USB-C (DisplayPort capable), 3.5mm audio
|Wired Video = Yes (USB-C DisplayPort)
|Wireless Video = Yes (VIVE Streaming over Wi-Fi 6E)
|WiFi = Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
|Bluetooth = Bluetooth 5.2
|Power = Removable battery pack
|Battery Capacity = 26.6Wh
|Battery Life = Up to 2 hours (standalone)
|Charge Time = ~2 hours
|Dimensions = Convertible form factor
|Weight = 625g (with battery), 273g (glasses only)
|Material = Plastic, magnesium alloy
|Headstrap = Convertible (glasses + battery, or glasses-only with strap)
|Haptics = Controller haptics
|Color = Dark Gray
|Sensors = 4× tracking cameras, depth sensor, proximity sensor, IMU
|Input = VIVE controllers, hand tracking, voice
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}

The '''HTC Vive XR Elite''' is a convertible [[standalone VR|standalone]] and [[PC VR]] [[mixed reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[HTC Vive]], announced at CES 2023 on January 5, 2023, and released on February 26, 2023 at a price of $1,099. The XR Elite introduces a modular design that can transform between a full headset with attached battery for standalone use and lightweight glasses-style form factor when connected to external power—weighing just 273 grams in glasses mode. The headset features pancake lens optics enabling a compact profile, built-in diopter adjustment eliminating the need for prescription inserts for many users (-6.00 to +2.00 diopters), full-color passthrough for mixed reality, and both standalone operation via Snapdragon XR2 and high-fidelity PC VR through VIVE Streaming over Wi-Fi 6E or USB-C DisplayPort. The XR Elite targets consumers and prosumers seeking a premium, versatile VR/MR solution.

== History and Development ==

=== HTC Vive Evolution ===
HTC's VR journey spans multiple product generations:
* '''Vive (2016)''': Original SteamVR headset
* '''Vive Pro (2018)''': Professional upgrade
* '''Vive Cosmos (2019)''': Inside-out tracking
* '''Vive Focus 3 (2021)''': Enterprise standalone
* '''Vive XR Elite (2023)''': Consumer convertible

=== CES 2023 Announcement ===
HTC unveiled the XR Elite targeting a different market than Focus 3:
* Consumer and prosumer focus
* More affordable than enterprise headsets
* Emphasis on versatility and form factor
* Competition with Meta Quest Pro

=== Market Positioning ===
XR Elite bridges multiple categories:
* More premium than Quest 2/3
* More consumer-focused than Focus 3
* Convertible form factor unique in market
* Strong PC VR heritage

== Design Philosophy ==

=== Convertible Architecture ===
The XR Elite's defining feature is its modular design:
* '''Full Mode''': Headset with battery attachment (625g)
* '''Glasses Mode''': Lightweight glasses with strap (273g)
* Quick conversion between modes
* External power enables glasses mode

=== Glasses Mode ===
Removing the battery creates:
* Ultra-light 273g form factor
* Sunglasses-like profile
* Powered via USB-C
* Ideal for long tethered sessions

=== Full Headset Mode ===
With battery attached:
* Self-contained standalone operation
* 2 hours battery life
* No tether required
* Hot-swappable batteries

=== Build Quality ===
Premium construction:
* Magnesium alloy frame
* High-quality plastics
* Professional appearance
* Durable for regular use

== Display Technology ==

=== Dual LCD Panels ===
High-quality displays:
* '''Resolution''': 1920 × 1920 per eye
* '''Total''': 3840 × 1920
* '''Type''': Fast-switching LCD
* '''Pixel Density''': 19 PPD

=== Pancake Lens Optics ===
Compact optical system:
* Folded light path
* Slim form factor enabled
* Clear viewing
* Reduced god rays vs. Fresnel

=== Field of View ===
Wide viewing area:
* 110° diagonal
* Competitive with market leaders
* Good peripheral coverage
* Immersive experience

=== Refresh Rate ===
* 90Hz native
* Smooth VR performance
* Suitable for most content

== Built-In Diopter Adjustment ==

=== Prescription-Free Correction ===
Unique built-in feature:
* '''Range''': -6.00 to +2.00 diopters
* Individual adjustment per eye
* Eliminates need for inserts
* Quick dial adjustment

=== User Benefits ===
* Most users don't need prescription lenses
* Faster sharing between users
* Cost savings
* Cleaner optical path

=== Limitations ===
* Astigmatism not corrected
* Extreme prescriptions need inserts
* Range may not cover all users

== Tracking System ==

=== Inside-Out Tracking ===
Four-camera system:
* 6DoF head tracking
* Controller tracking
* Room-scale capability
* No external hardware

=== Hand Tracking ===
Integrated hand recognition:
* Full articulated hands
* Gesture interaction
* Controller-free experiences
* Continuous improvement

=== Base Station Compatibility ===
Optional precision tracking:
* SteamVR base station support
* Higher accuracy when needed
* Enterprise applications
* Professional simulation

== Mixed Reality ==

=== Full-Color Passthrough ===
RGB camera system:
* Stereoscopic passthrough
* Mixed reality applications
* Environmental awareness
* Real-world integration

=== MR Applications ===
Use cases include:
* AR overlays
* Virtual screens in space
* Productivity applications
* Casual MR experiences

== PC VR Connectivity ==

=== VIVE Streaming ===
Wireless PC VR:
* Wi-Fi 6E for low latency
* Full SteamVR library
* No cables required
* High-quality streaming

=== USB-C DisplayPort ===
Wired connection option:
* Maximum quality
* Zero wireless compression
* Direct GPU connection
* Best for simulation

=== SteamVR Integration ===
Full PC VR ecosystem:
* Native SteamVR support
* OpenXR compatibility
* Viveport content
* Extensive library access

== Standalone Capabilities ==

=== Snapdragon XR2 ===
Capable standalone processor:
* Standalone gaming
* Native VIVE content
* Android application support
* Adequate for most experiences

=== Memory Configuration ===
* '''RAM''': 12GB LPDDR5
* '''Storage''': 128GB
* Good for standalone use

== Audio System ==

=== Embedded Speakers ===
Built-in audio:
* Spatial audio support
* Adequate quality
* Open design

=== 3.5mm Jack ===
* Private listening
* Higher quality option

=== Dual Microphones ===
* Voice input
* Communication
* Voice commands

== Battery System ==

=== Removable Battery ===
Modular power:
* '''Capacity''': 26.6Wh
* '''Runtime''': Up to 2 hours
* '''Hot-swap''': Yes
* '''Charging''': Magnetic dock available

=== Extended Sessions ===
Options for longer use:
* Multiple batteries
* USB-C power in glasses mode
* Power bank compatibility

== Controllers ==

=== VIVE Controllers ===
Included controllers:
* 6DoF tracking
* Standard buttons
* Haptic feedback
* Rechargeable batteries

=== Input Options ===
Multiple input methods:
* Controllers
* Hand tracking
* Third-party accessories

== Accessories ==

=== Official Accessories ===
* Additional batteries
* Charging dock
* Face cushions
* VIVE Wrist Tracker

=== Ecosystem Integration ===
Works with:
* VIVE Facial Tracker
* VIVE Ultimate Tracker (body tracking)
* SteamVR peripherals

== Software Platform ==

=== VIVE OS ===
Android-based platform:
* Native app store
* Standalone experiences
* System hand tracking

=== Dual-Mode Operation ===
Flexible usage:
* Standalone for casual use
* PCVR for high-fidelity
* Mixed reality for productivity

== Enterprise Features ==

=== Business Edition ===
Enterprise variant includes:
* Device management
* Kiosk mode
* Extended warranty
* Business support

== Comparison with Competitors ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! Vive XR Elite !! Meta Quest 3 !! Quest Pro
|-
| Price || $1,099 || $499 || $999 (discontinued)
|-
| Resolution || 1920×1920/eye || 2064×2208/eye || 1800×1920/eye
|-
| Convertible || Yes || No || No
|-
| Built-in Diopter || Yes || No || No
|-
| Eye Tracking || No || No || Yes
|-
| Weight (min) || 273g || 515g || 722g
|}

== Technical Specifications Summary ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || Dual LCD, 1920 × 1920 per eye
|-
| Lenses || Pancake
|-
| FOV || 110°
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90Hz
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon XR2
|-
| Memory || 12GB RAM, 128GB storage
|-
| IPD || 54-73mm (continuous)
|-
| Diopter || -6.00 to +2.00 (built-in)
|-
| Weight || 273g (glasses) / 625g (full)
|-
| Battery || ~2 hours
|-
| PC VR || Wi-Fi 6E + USB-C DP
|-
| Price || $1,099
|}

== See Also ==
* [[HTC Vive]]
* [[HTC Vive Focus 3]]
* [[HTC Vive Focus Vision]]
* [[Standalone VR]]
* [[PC VR]]
* [[Pancake Lenses]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Standalone VR]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality]]
[[Category:HTC]]
[[Category:2020s VR]]