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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =  
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]], [[Mixed Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]], [[Mixed Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[Standalone VR]]
|Subtype = Standalone VR/MR
|Platform = [[PICO OS]]
|Platform = [[Android]]
|Developer = [[ByteDance]]
|Creator = [[Pico Interactive]] (ByteDance)
|Manufacturer = [[PICO]]
|Announced = September 2024
|Announcement Date = August 2024
|Release = September 2, 2024
|Release Date = September 2024
|Price = €549
|Price = €599 / £529
|Website = https://www.picoxr.com
|Website = https://www.picoxr.com/global/products/pico4-ultra
|OS = Android
|OS = PICO OS (Android-based)
|CPU = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2]]
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2]]
|GPU = Adreno 740
|Storage = 256 GB
|Storage = 256 GB
|Memory = 12 GB LPDDR5
|RAM = 12 GB
|Display = LCD
|Display = 2 x 2.56" LCD
|Resolution = 2160×2160 per eye (4320×2160 combined)
|Resolution = 4320 x 2160 (2160 x 2160 per eye)
|Refresh Rate = 72 Hz, 90 Hz
|Refresh = 90 Hz
|Field of View = 105°
|Brightness = 25% brighter than Pico 4
|Horizontal FoV = 105°
|FOV = 105°
|PPD = ~20 PPD
|PPD =
|IPD Range = 58-72mm
|Lenses = Pancake
|Ocularity = Binocular
|IPD = Adjustable
|Optics = Pancake lenses
|Eye Tracking =
|Tracking = Inside-out 6DoF (4 cameras)
|Eye Tracking = Yes
|Hand Tracking = Yes
|Hand Tracking = Yes
|Face Tracking = Yes
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out, 4 cameras)
|Passthrough = Color (2× 32MP cameras + depth sensor)
|Spatial Mapping = iTOF depth sensor
|Passthrough Resolution = 8MP equivalent, 22.5 PPD center
|Speakers = Integrated spatial
|Audio = Built-in speakers, 3.5mm jack
|Microphone = Yes
|Microphone = Dual microphones
|Audio Jack = 3.5mm
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
|Battery = 5700 mAh
|Ports = USB-C
|Battery Life = 2-4 hours
|Battery = 5700 mAh (45W fast charge)
|Charging = 45W fast charging
|Weight = 580g (304g front + 276g rear)
|Weight = 580g
|Materials =
|Color = Black/White
|Colors = White
|Sensors = 2x 32MP passthrough cameras, iTOF depth, 4 tracking cameras
|Input = Ringless controllers
}}
}}


The '''PICO 4 Ultra''' is a standalone [[virtual reality]] and [[mixed reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[PICO]] (a subsidiary of [[ByteDance]]), released in September 2024. It is positioned as a direct competitor to the [[Meta Quest 3]], featuring the [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2]] processor, high-resolution color passthrough cameras, and a comprehensive mixed reality feature set. The headset is available in Europe and Asia but not in the United States.
The '''Pico 4 Ultra''' is a standalone [[mixed reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pico Interactive]], a subsidiary of [[ByteDance]]. Released on September 2, 2024 in Europe at €549, the Pico 4 Ultra features the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor (same as Meta Quest 3) with 12 GB RAM, dual 32-megapixel color passthrough cameras, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity—making it the first VR headset to support this wireless standard. The device offers 2160 x 2160 per eye resolution, 105-degree field of view, and can capture and playback spatial videos compatible with Apple devices.<ref name="pico">{{cite web|url=https://www.picoxr.com/global/products/pico4-ultra|title=PICO 4 Ultra|publisher=Pico}}</ref>


== History and Development ==
== History and Development ==


The PICO 4 Ultra is an upgraded version of the [[PICO 4]], representing PICO's first all-in-one VR and mixed reality headset with advanced passthrough capabilities. PICO, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, positioned the Ultra as a premium offering designed to compete directly with Meta's Quest 3.<ref name="pico">{{cite web |url=https://www.picoxr.com/global/about/newsroom/pico-4-ultra-mixed-reality-headset |title=PICO launches its first all-in-one VR & Mixed Reality headset |publisher=PICO |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== September 2024 Release ===
ByteDance released the Pico 4 Ultra on September 2, 2024.


An enterprise variant, the [[Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise]], is also available with additional features for business applications.
=== Quest 3 Competitor ===
Positioned as a direct competitor to Meta Quest 3 with similar processor and superior RAM.
 
=== First Wi-Fi 7 VR Headset ===
First headset to support the new Wi-Fi 7 standard.


== Design and Hardware ==
== Design and Hardware ==


=== Display and Optics ===
=== Display System ===
 
* '''Panel Size:''' 2 x 2.56 inches
The PICO 4 Ultra features dual LCD panels with 2160×2160 resolution per eye (4320×2160 combined), delivering approximately 20 pixels per degree. Compared to the previous PICO 4 model, the Ultra offers:
* '''Resolution:''' 2160 x 2160 per eye (4320 x 2160 total)
 
* '''Refresh Rate:''' Up to 90 Hz
* 25% increase in screen brightness
* '''Field of View:''' 105 degrees
* 62% increase in resolution rendering
* '''Brightness:''' 25% brighter than Pico 4
* Color correction improvements
* '''Rendering:''' 62% resolution increase
* Pancake lens design for a compact form factor<ref name="techradar">{{cite web |url=https://www.techradar.com/computing/virtual-reality-augmented-reality/pico-4-ultra-review |title=Pico 4 Ultra review: powerful, but second fiddle to the Meta Quest 3 VR headset |publisher=TechRadar |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
The field of view is 105 degrees, and the refresh rate supports 72 Hz and 90 Hz modes. IPD adjustment ranges from 58mm to 72mm.
 
=== Processing and Memory ===
 
The headset is powered by the [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2]] processor with 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM—4 GB more than the Meta Quest 3's 8 GB. This additional memory provides better futureproofing for larger game levels and more complex applications.<ref name="gamesradar">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/hardware/vr/pico-4-ultra-review/ |title=Pico 4 Ultra review: "The Quest 3 competitor the industry needs" |publisher=GamesRadar+ |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
Internal storage is 256 GB.


=== Mixed Reality Cameras ===
=== Processor ===
* '''SoC:''' Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
* '''RAM:''' 12 GB (vs Quest 3's 8 GB)
* '''Storage:''' 256 GB


For mixed reality, the PICO 4 Ultra features:
=== Weight Distribution ===
* '''Front:''' 304g (including foam pad)
* '''Rear:''' 276g (straps, battery, cushion)


* Dual 32MP color cameras (up from 16MP on base PICO 4)
== Mixed Reality ==
* Dedicated depth sensor (not present on base model)
* 8MP equivalent passthrough quality
* 22.5 PPD in center of passthrough image
* Low distortion passthrough
* MR frame alignment up to 72 Hz


This camera system enables high-quality color seethrough that's "incredibly smooth and natural."<ref name="pcgamer">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/vr-hardware/pico-4-ultra-review/ |title=Pico 4 Ultra review |publisher=PC Gamer |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Passthrough Cameras ===
* '''Resolution:''' 2 x 32 megapixels
* '''Effective:''' 8MP in passthrough mode
* '''Refresh:''' Up to 72 Hz


=== Controllers ===
=== Depth Sensing ===
iTOF (indirect Time of Flight) depth sensor for spatial awareness.


The PICO 4 Ultra includes redesigned controllers with an innovative ring-free design that is 50% shorter in height compared to the previous generation. The ergonomic improvements offer a more comfortable grip during extended use.
=== Environment Tracking ===
4 dedicated tracking cameras.


=== Battery and Charging ===
== Spatial Video ==


The 5700 mAh battery provides 2-4 hours of use depending on activity type. The headset supports 45W fast charging for quick turnaround between sessions.
=== Capture ===
* '''Resolution:''' 2048 x 1536 pixels
* '''Frame Rate:''' 60 FPS
* '''Bitrate:''' 50 Mbps


=== Connectivity ===
=== Playback ===
* Native Apple spatial video decoding
* iPhone and Vision Pro compatibility


* Wi-Fi 7 for fast wireless streaming and downloads
== Connectivity ==
* Bluetooth 5.2 for accessories
* USB-C for wired PC VR and charging


== Software and Features ==
=== Wi-Fi 7 ===
* First VR headset with Wi-Fi 7
* '''Speed:''' Over 3.0 Gbps
* '''Latency:''' As low as 5ms (wireless streaming)


=== Mixed Reality Interface ===
== Controllers ==


PICO has overhauled the user interface to maximize the mixed reality experience:
=== Ringless Design ===
* New compact controllers
* 50% weight reduction vs Pico 4
* No tracking rings


* Shortcut on main menu to toggle between MR and VR modes
== Battery ==
* Freeform window placement—drag and drop windows around the environment
* More flexible than Meta's carousel layout approach


=== Tracking ===
* '''Capacity:''' 5,700 mAh
 
* '''Fast Charging:''' 45W
The PICO 4 Ultra supports:
* 6DoF inside-out tracking (no base stations required)
* Hand tracking
* Eye tracking
* Face tracking


== Specifications ==
== Specifications ==
Line 116: Line 119:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Component !! Specification
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || 2 x 2.56" LCD
|-
| Resolution || 2160 x 2160 per eye
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
|-
| Field of View || 105°
|-
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
| Processor || Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
|-
|-
| RAM || 12 GB LPDDR5
| RAM || 12 GB
|-
|-
| Storage || 256 GB
| Storage || 256 GB
|-
|-
| Display || 2160×2160 per eye LCD
| Passthrough || 2x 32MP cameras
|-
| Refresh Rate || 72 Hz, 90 Hz
|-
| Field of View || 105°
|-
|-
| IPD Range || 58-72mm
| Depth || iTOF sensor
|-
|-
| Passthrough || Color (2× 32MP + depth)
| Wi-Fi || Wi-Fi 7
|-
|-
| Battery || 5700 mAh
| Battery || 5700 mAh (45W)
|-
|-
| Weight || 580g
| Weight || 580g total
|-
|-
| Connectivity || Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.2
| Price || €549
|}
|}
== Reception ==
The PICO 4 Ultra has received positive reviews, with critics noting it as a strong [[Meta Quest 3]] competitor:
'''Praise:'''
* Better specs than Quest 3 (more RAM, Wi-Fi 7)
* High-quality mixed reality passthrough
* Comfortable redesigned controllers
* Large 256GB storage
* Strong battery life with fast charging
'''Criticism:'''
* Not available in the United States
* Smaller software library compared to Meta Quest
* Meta Quest 3 price cuts reduced value proposition
* Some exclusives not available on PICO platform
"It's a shame the Pico 4 Ultra isn't available in the US, because it's the Quest 3 competitor the industry needs" - GamesRadar+<ref name="gamesradar"/>
== Availability ==
The PICO 4 Ultra is available in:
* Europe (€599)
* United Kingdom (£529)
* Asia Pacific markets
The headset is '''not available''' in the United States due to regulatory and market considerations.


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise]]
* [[Pico Interactive]]
* [[PICO 4]]
* [[ByteDance]]
* [[PICO 4 Pro]]
* [[Pico 4]]
* [[Meta Quest 3]]
* [[Meta Quest 3]]
* [[Meta Quest 3S]]
* [[Mixed reality]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Mixed reality]]
[[Category:Standalone VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:PICO]]
[[Category:Standalone VR]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]
[[Category:Snapdragon XR2]]
[[Category:Pico Interactive]]
[[Category:ByteDance]]
[[Category:2020s VR]]