Pimax Crystal

Pimax Crystal
Basic Info
VR/AR	Virtual Reality
Type	Head-mounted display
Subtype	PC VR, Standalone VR
Platform	SteamVR, Pimax Play
Developer	Pimax
Manufacturer	Pimax
Announcement Date	May 31, 2022
Release Date	May 2023
Price	$1,599 USD
Website	https://pimax.com/pages/crystal
Predecessor	Pimax 8KX
Successor	Pimax Crystal Light
System
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 + Custom PC VR Engine (Dual processor)
Storage
Storage	256 GB
Memory	8 GB
Display
Display	2x QLED + Mini-LED
Resolution	2880x2880 per eye (5760x2880 combined)
Refresh Rate	90 Hz, 120 Hz (144 Hz, 160 Hz experimental)
Image
Field of View	125° horizontal, 140° diagonal (swappable lenses)
Foveated Rendering	Yes
Optics
Optics	Interchangeable glass aspheric lenses
Ocularity	Binocular
IPD Range	58-72mm (automatic)
Tracking
Tracking	6DoF (inside-out, 4 cameras)
Eye Tracking	Yes (120 Hz)
Hand Tracking	Yes
Audio
Audio	Built-in speakers, 3.5mm jack
Connectivity
Connectivity	DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Device
Weight	845g

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The Pimax Crystal is a high-end hybrid PC VR and standalone VR head-mounted display developed by Pimax, released in May 2023. The headset is notable for its exceptional display quality featuring dual 2880x2880 QLED + Mini-LED panels delivering 35 pixels per degree (PPD)—among the highest clarity in consumer VR. Key features include interchangeable glass aspheric lenses with 125° or 140° FOV options, automatic IPD adjustment via eye tracking, refresh rates up to 160 Hz, and dual-processor architecture with Snapdragon XR2 for standalone use and a custom PC VR engine for tethered operation.

History and Development

Pimax announced the Crystal on May 31, 2022 as a more refined follow-up to the wide-FOV Pimax 8K series, focusing on visual clarity over extreme field of view. Originally expected to retail at $1,899, the Crystal launched in May 2023 at $1,599. The headset targets sim racing, flight simulation, and enthusiast VR users who prioritize image quality.^[1]

The Crystal was followed by the Pimax Crystal Light variant, a PC-only version at a lower price point.^[2]

Design and Hardware

Display

Industry-leading clarity:

Dual QLED + Mini-LED panels
2880x2880 resolution per eye
5760x2880 combined resolution
35 PPD (pixels per degree)—exceptional clarity
HDR support via Mini-LED backlight
Wide color gamut
Local dimming zones
Deep blacks with bright highlights

Refresh Rate

Multiple options:

90 Hz (standard)
120 Hz
144 Hz (experimental)
160 Hz (experimental)

Optics

Premium interchangeable glass lenses:

Glass aspheric lenses (not plastic)
Higher transmittance than competitors
Reduced stray light and aberration
Swappable lens modules:
- 120° FOV lenses
- 140° FOV lenses
Edge-to-edge clarity
Minimal sweet spot issues

Field of View

Flexible FOV options:

125° horizontal (standard lenses)
140° diagonal (wide lenses)
Adjustable via lens swap
Balance between clarity and immersion

Processing

Dual-processor hybrid design:

Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 for standalone mode
Custom Pimax PC VR Engine for tethered mode
8 GB RAM
256 GB storage
Dedicated processing for each mode

Eye Tracking

Advanced eye tracking system:

120 Hz tracking rate
Automatic IPD adjustment
Foveated rendering support
Dynamic resolution optimization
Natural eye-based interaction

IPD Adjustment

58-72mm range
Automatic motorized adjustment
Eye tracking-based calibration
Software fine-tuning

Tracking

Inside-out tracking system:

4 cameras
6 Degrees of Freedom (6DoF)
SLAM-based tracking
No external base stations required (standalone)
SteamVR Lighthouse compatible (optional)

Build

845g weight
Premium build quality
Adjustable headstrap
Face gasket options

Battery

For standalone mode:

6,000 mAh capacity
Approximately 2.5-3 hours use
Hot-swappable battery option

Audio

Built-in off-ear speakers
3D spatial audio
3.5mm headphone jack

Operating Modes

PC VR Mode

DisplayPort 1.4 connection
Full resolution at high refresh rates
SteamVR compatible
Lighthouse tracking optional

Standalone Mode

Qualcomm XR2 powered
Android-based apps
Pimax Play store
Wireless PCVR streaming

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Display	QLED + Mini-LED
Resolution	2880x2880 per eye
PPD	35
Refresh Rate	90-160 Hz
Field of View	125° H / 140° diagonal
Lenses	Glass aspheric (interchangeable)
Eye Tracking	Yes (120 Hz)
IPD Range	58-72mm (automatic)
Processor	Snapdragon XR2 + Custom PC Engine
Weight	845g
Price	$1,599

Reception

Praise:

35 PPD exceptional visual clarity
QLED + Mini-LED impressive colors and contrast
Interchangeable lenses unique flexibility
Automatic IPD adjustment convenient
Glass lenses superior optics
High refresh rate options (up to 160 Hz)
Dual standalone and PC modes
Eye tracking enables foveated rendering
Excellent for sim racing/flight sim
HDR support enhances visuals

Criticism:

845g weight quite heavy
$1,599 price premium
Software polish needs improvement
Complex setup for some features
Standalone mode limited vs dedicated devices
Heavy GPU requirements for full resolution
120° FOV narrower than Pimax 8KX
Controllers sold separately^[3]

^[4]

References

[hothardware-1] "Pimax Crystal VR Headset Review: High Res And High-End VR In Need Of Polish". HotHardware. https://hothardware.com/reviews/pimax-crystal-standalone-and-pc-vr-headset-review.

[pimax-2] "Pimax Crystal". Pimax. https://pimax.com/pages/crystal.

[allvr-3] "What is Pimax Crystal VR Headset & Its Specifications?". All Virtual Reality. https://allvirtualreality.com/tutorials/what-pimax-crystal-vr-headset-specifications.html.

[digitaltrends-4] "New mini-LED VR headset to 'take clarity to another level'". Digital Trends. https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/pimax-crystal-vr-headset-take-clarity-to-another-level/.

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