HTC Vive XR Elite
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| HTC Vive XR Elite | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| 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 |
| System | |
| 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 |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Memory | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| 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 |
| Image | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Audio | Embedded speakers, dual microphones |
| Microphone | Yes (dual microphones) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes |
| Camera | 4× tracking cameras, RGB passthrough cameras |
| Connectivity | |
| 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 |
| Device | |
| 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 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
| 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
| 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 |