Jump to content

Pico 4 Ultra: Difference between revisions

From VR & AR Wiki
← Older editNewer edit →
VisualWikitext
Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =  
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]], [[Mixed Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Subtype = [[Standalone VR]]
|Subtype = [[Standalone MR]]
|Platform = [[PICO OS]]
|Platform = [[PICO OS]]
|Developer = [[ByteDance]]
|Developer = [[PICO]] ([[ByteDance]])
|Manufacturer = [[PICO]]
|Manufacturer = [[PICO]]
|Release Date = September 2, 2024
|Announcement Date = August 2024
|Announcement Date = August 2024
|Release Date = September 2024
|Price = €599 / £529
|Price = €599 / £529
|Website = https://www.picoxr.com/global/products/pico4-ultra
|Website = https://www.picoxr.com/
|OS = PICO OS (Android-based)
|Predecessor = [[Pico 4]]
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2]]
|Chipset = Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
|Storage = 256 GB
|Display = LCD (dual)
|Memory = 12 GB LPDDR5
|Resolution = 2160x2160 per eye
|Display = 2× LCD
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|Resolution = 2160×2160 per eye (4320×2160 combined)
|Refresh Rate = 72 Hz, 90 Hz
|Field of View = 105°
|Field of View = 105°
|Horizontal FoV = 105°
|PPD = ~20 PPD
|IPD Range = 58-72mm
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Pancake lenses
|Passthrough = Full-color (32MP dual cameras)
|Tracking = Inside-out 6DoF (4 cameras)
|Depth Sensing = iToF camera
|Eye Tracking = Yes
|Hand Tracking = Supported
|Hand Tracking = Yes
|Battery = 5700 mAh (45W fast charge)
|Face Tracking = Yes
|Weight = 580g total
|Passthrough = Color (2× 32MP cameras + depth sensor)
|Storage = 256GB
|Passthrough Resolution = 8MP equivalent, 22.5 PPD center
|RAM = 12GB
|Audio = Built-in speakers, 3.5mm jack
|Microphone = Dual microphones
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C
|Battery = 5700 mAh
|Battery Life = 2-4 hours
|Charging = 45W fast charging
|Weight = 580g
|Color = Black/White
}}
}}


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]] (owned by [[ByteDance]]), released September 2, 2024 at €599. PICO's first all-in-one VR and MR headset featuring Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, dual 32MP color passthrough cameras with iToF depth sensing, Wi-Fi 7 support, spatial video capture, iPhone/Vision Pro spatial video compatibility, 5700mAh battery with 45W fast charging, and 256GB storage with 12GB RAM.


== 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>
ByteDance released the Pico 4 Ultra on September 2, 2024 as PICO's first dedicated MR headset. Competing directly with Meta Quest 3, the Ultra introduced significant upgrades including Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 (20% faster), 32MP passthrough cameras, iToF depth sensing for spatial understanding, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. The headset emphasizes mixed reality alongside VR, with Apple spatial video compatibility highlighting cross-ecosystem features.<ref name="pico">{{cite web |url=https://www.picoxr.com/global/products/pico4-ultra |title=PICO 4 Ultra |publisher=PICO |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
An enterprise variant, the [[Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise]], is also available with additional features for business applications.


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


=== Display and Optics ===
=== Display ===


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:
LCD pancake:


* 25% increase in screen brightness
* '''2160x2160 per eye''' resolution
* 62% increase in resolution rendering
* '''Dual 2.56-inch''' displays
* Color correction improvements
* '''90 Hz''' refresh rate
* 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>
* '''105° field of view'''
* Pancake lenses


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 ===


=== Processing and Memory ===
* '''Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2'''
* 20% CPU improvement vs XR2 Gen 1
* '''12GB RAM'''
* '''256GB storage'''


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>
=== Passthrough ===


Internal storage is 256 GB.
High-quality MR:


=== Mixed Reality Cameras ===
* '''Dual 32MP''' color cameras
* '''iToF depth-sensing''' camera
* '''8MP equivalent''' center clarity
* '''22.5 PPD''' center resolution
* Low distortion
* Full-color passthrough
* 3D environment meshing


For mixed reality, the PICO 4 Ultra features:
=== Mixed Reality ===


* Dual 32MP color cameras (up from 16MP on base PICO 4)
* '''72 Hz MR frame alignment'''
* Dedicated depth sensor (not present on base model)
* Real-time environment understanding
* 8MP equivalent passthrough quality
* Spatial anchoring
* 22.5 PPD in center of passthrough image
* Hand tracking integration
* 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>
=== Connectivity ===
 
=== Controllers ===
 
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.


=== Battery and Charging ===
* '''Wi-Fi 7''' support
* '''3.0+ Gbps''' transmission
* '''5ms latency''' wireless streaming
* '''AV1 codec''' for PC streaming
* Bluetooth


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.
=== Spatial Video ===


=== Connectivity ===
* '''2048x1536 capture'''
* '''60 FPS'''
* '''50 Mbps'''
* Spatial audio recording
* '''iPhone compatible'''
* '''Vision Pro compatible'''
* MV-HEVC hardware decoding


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


== Software and Features ==
* '''5700 mAh'''
* '''45W fast charging'''
* Extended session support


=== Mixed Reality Interface ===
=== Comfort ===


PICO has overhauled the user interface to maximize the mixed reality experience:
* '''580g total'''
* 304g front / 276g rear
* Balanced design


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


=== Tracking ===
=== Compatibility ===


The PICO 4 Ultra supports:
* 20+ MR apps
* 6DoF inside-out tracking (no base stations required)
* 552+ games
* Hand tracking
* 778+ VR apps
* Eye tracking
* SteamVR streaming
* Face tracking


== Specifications ==
== Technical Specifications ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Component !! Specification
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
| Display || 2160x2160 LCD x2
|-
|-
| RAM || 12 GB LPDDR5
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
|-
|-
| Storage || 256 GB
| FOV || 105°
|-
|-
| Display || 2160×2160 per eye LCD
| Processor || Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 72 Hz, 90 Hz
| RAM || 12GB
|-
|-
| Field of View || 105°
| Storage || 256GB
|-
|-
| IPD Range || 58-72mm
| Passthrough || 32MP dual cameras
|-
|-
| Passthrough || Color (2× 32MP + depth)
| Depth || iToF camera
|-
|-
| Battery || 5700 mAh
| Battery || 5700 mAh (45W)
|-
|-
| Weight || 580g
| Weight || 580g
|-
|-
| Connectivity || Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.2
| Price || €599
|}
|}


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
The PICO 4 Ultra has received positive reviews, with critics noting it as a strong [[Meta Quest 3]] competitor:


'''Praise:'''
'''Praise:'''
* Better specs than Quest 3 (more RAM, Wi-Fi 7)
* Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 powerful
* High-quality mixed reality passthrough
* 32MP passthrough quality
* Comfortable redesigned controllers
* iToF depth sensing
* Large 256GB storage
* Wi-Fi 7 future-proof
* Strong battery life with fast charging
* Spatial video capture
* Vision Pro compatibility
* 12GB RAM substantial
* 256GB storage
* €599 competitive


'''Criticism:'''
'''Criticism:'''
* Not available in the United States
* Europe/Asia only
* Smaller software library compared to Meta Quest
* No North America
* Meta Quest 3 price cuts reduced value proposition
* Quest 3 ecosystem larger
* Some exclusives not available on PICO platform
* MR app library smaller
 
* ByteDance privacy concerns
"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"/>
* 90Hz lower than Quest 3
 
* Controller design dated
== Availability ==
* Regional limitations<ref name="auganix">{{cite web |url=https://www.auganix.org/vr-news-pico-launches-pico-4-ultra/ |title=Pico Unveils Pico 4 Ultra |publisher=Auganix |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
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 4]]
* [[PICO 4]]
* [[PICO 4 Pro]]
* [[Meta Quest 3]]
* [[Meta Quest 3]]
* [[Apple Vision Pro]]
* [[Meta Quest 3S]]
* [[Meta Quest 3S]]


Line 180: Line 172:


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Standalone VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:Standalone MR]]
[[Category:PICO]]
[[Category:PICO]]
[[Category:ByteDance]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]

Revision as of 18:06, 7 January 2026

Pico 4 Ultra
Basic Info
VR/AR Mixed Reality
Type Head-Mounted Display
Subtype Standalone MR
Platform PICO OS
Developer PICO (ByteDance)
Manufacturer PICO
Announcement Date August 2024
Release Date September 2, 2024
Price €599 / £529
Website https://www.picoxr.com/
Predecessor Pico 4
System
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
Storage
Storage 256GB
Display
Display LCD (dual)
Resolution 2160x2160 per eye
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
Image
Field of View 105°
Optics
Ocularity Binocular
Passthrough Full-color (32MP dual cameras)
Tracking
Hand Tracking Supported
Audio
Connectivity
Device
Weight 580g total

Property "Developer" (as page type) with input value "PICO]] (ByteDance)" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.


The Pico 4 Ultra is a standalone mixed reality head-mounted display developed by PICO (owned by ByteDance), released September 2, 2024 at €599. PICO's first all-in-one VR and MR headset featuring Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, dual 32MP color passthrough cameras with iToF depth sensing, Wi-Fi 7 support, spatial video capture, iPhone/Vision Pro spatial video compatibility, 5700mAh battery with 45W fast charging, and 256GB storage with 12GB RAM.

History and Development

ByteDance released the Pico 4 Ultra on September 2, 2024 as PICO's first dedicated MR headset. Competing directly with Meta Quest 3, the Ultra introduced significant upgrades including Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 (20% faster), 32MP passthrough cameras, iToF depth sensing for spatial understanding, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. The headset emphasizes mixed reality alongside VR, with Apple spatial video compatibility highlighting cross-ecosystem features.[1]

Design and Hardware

Display

LCD pancake:

  • 2160x2160 per eye resolution
  • Dual 2.56-inch displays
  • 90 Hz refresh rate
  • 105° field of view
  • Pancake lenses

Processing

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
  • 20% CPU improvement vs XR2 Gen 1
  • 12GB RAM
  • 256GB storage

Passthrough

High-quality MR:

  • Dual 32MP color cameras
  • iToF depth-sensing camera
  • 8MP equivalent center clarity
  • 22.5 PPD center resolution
  • Low distortion
  • Full-color passthrough
  • 3D environment meshing

Mixed Reality

  • 72 Hz MR frame alignment
  • Real-time environment understanding
  • Spatial anchoring
  • Hand tracking integration

Connectivity

  • Wi-Fi 7 support
  • 3.0+ Gbps transmission
  • 5ms latency wireless streaming
  • AV1 codec for PC streaming
  • Bluetooth

Spatial Video

  • 2048x1536 capture
  • 60 FPS
  • 50 Mbps
  • Spatial audio recording
  • iPhone compatible
  • Vision Pro compatible
  • MV-HEVC hardware decoding

Battery

  • 5700 mAh
  • 45W fast charging
  • Extended session support

Comfort

  • 580g total
  • 304g front / 276g rear
  • Balanced design

Software

Compatibility

  • 20+ MR apps
  • 552+ games
  • 778+ VR apps
  • SteamVR streaming

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Display 2160x2160 LCD x2
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
FOV 105°
Processor Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
RAM 12GB
Storage 256GB
Passthrough 32MP dual cameras
Depth iToF camera
Battery 5700 mAh (45W)
Weight 580g
Price €599

Reception

Praise:

  • Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 powerful
  • 32MP passthrough quality
  • iToF depth sensing
  • Wi-Fi 7 future-proof
  • Spatial video capture
  • Vision Pro compatibility
  • 12GB RAM substantial
  • 256GB storage
  • €599 competitive

Criticism:

  • Europe/Asia only
  • No North America
  • Quest 3 ecosystem larger
  • MR app library smaller
  • ByteDance privacy concerns
  • 90Hz lower than Quest 3
  • Controller design dated
  • Regional limitations[2]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "PICO 4 Ultra". PICO. https://www.picoxr.com/global/products/pico4-ultra.
  2. ↑ "Pico Unveils Pico 4 Ultra". Auganix. https://www.auganix.org/vr-news-pico-launches-pico-4-ultra/.
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/index.php?title=Pico_4_Ultra&oldid=37164"