PICO 4 Ultra
| PICO 4 Ultra | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Mixed Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | Standalone VR |
| Platform | PICO OS |
| Creator | ByteDance |
| Developer | PICO |
| Manufacturer | PICO |
| Announcement Date | August 2024 |
| Release Date | September 2, 2024 |
| Price | €549 / $599 |
| Website | https://www.picoxr.com/global/products/pico4-ultra |
| Versions | PICO 4 Ultra, PICO 4 Ultra Enterprise |
| Requires | PICO account |
| Predecessor | PICO 4 |
| System | |
| Operating System | PICO OS (Android-based) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| CPU | Octa-core Kryo (1× 3.2 GHz + 3× 2.8 GHz + 4× 2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 740 |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Memory | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Dual LCD |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB stripe |
| Peak Brightness | Improved (25% brighter than PICO 4) |
| Resolution | 2160 × 2160 per eye (4320 × 2160 combined) |
| Pixel Density | 1200 PPI (panel), ~20 PPD (effective) |
| Refresh Rate | 72Hz, 90Hz |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 105° |
| Horizontal FoV | ~96° |
| Vertical FoV | ~96° |
| Average Pixel Density | ~20 PPD |
| Peak Pixel Density | ~20 PPD |
| Foveated Rendering | Fixed foveated rendering |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Pancake lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 62-72mm (stepless adjustment) |
| Adjustable Diopter | No (glasses spacer included) |
| Passthrough | Yes (full-color stereo, 32MP cameras) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF inside-out |
| Tracking Frequency | 72Hz (MR alignment) |
| Base Stations | None required |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | Yes |
| Body Tracking | Yes (via Motion Tracker accessories) |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | Yes |
| Update Rate | 90Hz |
| Tracking Volume | Room-scale |
| Play Space | Roomscale |
| Latency | 5ms (wireless streaming) |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Dual stereo speakers |
| Microphone | Yes (dual microphones) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes |
| Camera | 4× tracking cameras, 2× 32MP color passthrough cameras, 1× iToF depth camera |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ports | USB-C |
| Wired Video | Yes (USB-C DisplayPort) |
| Wireless Video | Yes (Wi-Fi 7 streaming at 3.0 Gbps) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Power | Internal battery |
| Battery Capacity | 5300mAh |
| Battery Life | 2.5-3 hours |
| Charge Time | ~2 hours (45W fast charging) |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | 163mm × 75mm × 310mm |
| Weight | 580g (front: 304g, rear: 276g) |
| Material | Plastic, fabric |
| Headstrap | Halo strap with rear battery |
| Haptics | Controllers with haptic feedback |
| Color | White/Gray |
| Sensors | 4× tracking cameras, 2× 32MP RGB cameras, iToF depth sensor, proximity sensor, IMU |
| Input | Controllers, hand tracking, voice |
| Compliance | CE, FCC |
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The PICO 4 Ultra is a standalone mixed reality head-mounted display developed by PICO, a subsidiary of ByteDance, announced in August 2024 and released on September 2, 2024 in Europe at a price of €549. Positioned as a direct competitor to the Meta Quest 3, the PICO 4 Ultra features the same Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, 12GB of RAM, dual 32-megapixel color passthrough cameras for high-quality mixed reality, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity enabling wireless PC VR streaming at speeds exceeding 3.0 Gbps with latency as low as 5 milliseconds. The balanced weight distribution design places the battery in the rear headband, achieving comfortable 580g total weight with 304g in front and 276g in back.
History and Development
PICO and ByteDance
PICO was founded in 2015 in Beijing, China, as an independent VR hardware company. In 2021, ByteDance—the parent company of TikTok—acquired PICO for approximately $1.4 billion, significantly accelerating the company's R&D investment and global expansion efforts. Under ByteDance ownership, PICO has positioned itself as a primary competitor to Meta in the standalone VR market.
PICO 4 Original Launch
The original PICO 4 launched in September 2022, offering competitive specifications at an attractive price point. With the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1, pancake lens optics, and a balanced design, the PICO 4 established the platform that the Ultra would build upon.
Market Positioning
With the PICO 4 Ultra, ByteDance aimed to match Meta's Quest 3 specification-for-specification while offering competitive pricing, particularly in markets where Meta's presence is limited or restricted. The Ultra specifically addresses the original PICO 4's weaknesses: improved mixed reality capability, faster processor, and better wireless streaming.
Regional Availability
The PICO 4 Ultra launched initially in Europe and Asia, with availability in the United States remaining limited due to geopolitical considerations surrounding ByteDance ownership.
Design Philosophy
Balanced Weight Distribution
The PICO 4 Ultra continues the PICO 4 design philosophy of distributing weight between front and rear:
- Front weight: 304g (optics, displays, cameras)
- Rear weight: 276g (battery, counterweight)
- Total: 580g
- This balance reduces facial pressure and neck strain during extended sessions
Pancake Lens Optics
The pancake lens design enables:
- Compact form factor
- Reduced front-heaviness
- Wide sweet spot for clear viewing
- 105° field of view with minimal distortion
Comfort-Focused Design
- Soft halo strap distributes weight across head
- Adjustable tension system
- Glasses-compatible with included spacer
- Breathable facial interface materials
Display Technology
LCD Panels
Dual fast-switching LCD displays provide:
- Resolution: 2160 × 2160 per eye (4320 × 2160 total)
- Pixel Density: 1200 PPI panel specification
- Refresh Rate: 72Hz and 90Hz modes
- Brightness: 25% improvement over PICO 4
- Color Rendering: 62% improvement in color accuracy
Pancake Optics
The optical system delivers:
- 105° field of view
- Stepless IPD adjustment (62-72mm)
- Clear edge-to-edge viewing
- Reduced glare compared to Fresnel alternatives
Visual Improvements Over PICO 4
The Ultra offers several display enhancements:
- Brighter overall image (25% increase)
- Better color accuracy
- 62% increase in rendered resolution through software improvements
- Improved contrast handling
Processing Power
Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
The Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2—the same chip powering Meta Quest 3—provides significant performance upgrades:
- CPU: Octa-core Kryo (1× 3.2 GHz Prime + 3× 2.8 GHz Performance + 4× 2.0 GHz Efficiency)
- GPU: Adreno 740 (250% improvement over XR2 Gen 1)
- AI Engine: Enhanced for hand tracking and mixed reality
- Process Node: 4nm for improved efficiency
Memory Configuration
Generous memory enables multitasking and demanding applications:
- RAM: 12GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 256GB internal
- No expandable storage: Cloud and PC streaming compensate
Performance Improvements
Compared to original PICO 4:
- 250% GPU performance improvement
- Faster application loading
- Smoother mixed reality passthrough
- Better sustained performance with thermal management
Mixed Reality Capabilities
High-Resolution Passthrough
The PICO 4 Ultra significantly improves mixed reality:
- Cameras: Dual 32-megapixel color passthrough cameras
- Quality: High-resolution full-color stereoscopic view
- Frame Rate: Up to 72Hz MR alignment
- Color Accuracy: Realistic environmental reproduction
iToF Depth Sensing
Time-of-flight depth camera enables:
- Accurate room mapping
- Environment mesh generation
- Occlusion handling (virtual behind real)
- Hand tracking depth accuracy
- Object recognition
MR Application Support
The platform supports various mixed reality experiences:
- AR games overlaid on real environment
- Virtual screens in physical space
- Productivity applications
- Creative tools with environmental awareness
Tracking System
Inside-Out Tracking
Four tracking cameras provide 6DoF head and controller tracking:
- Wide tracking volume coverage
- Works in varied lighting conditions
- No external sensors required
- Room-scale play space support
Hand Tracking
Built-in hand tracking enables controller-free interaction:
- Full articulated hand recognition
- Gesture-based navigation
- Pinch-to-select interaction
- Continuous improvement via software updates
Body Tracking
Optional PICO Motion Tracker accessories enable:
- Full-body tracking for social VR
- Fitness application integration
- Dance and movement games
- Avatar animation in supported apps
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 7 Wireless
The PICO 4 Ultra debuts Wi-Fi 7 in VR headsets:
- Standard: 802.11be
- Speed: Over 3.0 Gbps transmission
- Latency: As low as 5 milliseconds for streaming
- Benefit: Near-wired quality wireless PC VR
Wireless PC VR
PICO Streaming enables:
- Connection to gaming PCs over Wi-Fi
- SteamVR game compatibility
- Low-latency gameplay
- Both standalone and PCVR gaming from single device
USB-C
Wired connectivity for:
- Charging (45W fast charge)
- DisplayPort Alt Mode for PCVR
- Data transfer
- Developer tools
Bluetooth 5.2
For accessories:
- Controllers
- Audio devices
- Fitness peripherals
- Motion trackers
Audio System
Integrated Speakers
Dual stereo speakers provide:
- Spatial audio positioning
- Open design for environmental awareness
- Adequate volume for immersion
- Privacy may require headphones
3.5mm Audio Jack
Standard headphone connectivity:
- Any wired headphones compatible
- Better isolation than speakers
- Improved audio quality option
Microphone Array
Dual microphones enable:
- Voice communication
- Voice commands
- Social VR interaction
Controllers
PICO 4 Controllers
Included controllers feature:
- 6DoF tracking via headset cameras
- Thumbstick and buttons
- Grip and trigger
- Haptic feedback
- AA battery power
Controller-Free Operation
Hand tracking supports many applications without controllers:
- Home navigation
- Media consumption
- Some games and apps
- Accessibility use cases
Software Platform
PICO OS
Android-based operating system provides:
- Custom VR-optimized interface
- Application store (PICO Store)
- System-level hand tracking
- Mixed reality framework
Content Ecosystem
Application availability includes:
- Growing native PICO Store library
- SteamVR games via streaming
- Social platforms (VRChat, etc.)
- Fitness applications
- Productivity tools
Enterprise Support
PICO 4 Ultra Enterprise edition adds:
- Kiosk mode
- MDM support
- Extended warranty options
- Enterprise deployment tools
Battery and Power
Internal Battery
Large capacity enables reasonable session lengths:
- Capacity: 5300mAh
- Runtime: 2.5-3 hours typical use
- Location: Rear compartment (improves balance)
Fast Charging
Quick recharge capability:
- 45W USB-C fast charging
- Approximately 2 hours full charge
- Pass-through charging while playing
Comparison with Competitors
vs. Meta Quest 3
| Feature | PICO 4 Ultra | Meta Quest 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB | 128GB/512GB |
| Resolution | 2160×2160 per eye | 2064×2208 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 72/90Hz | 72/90/120Hz |
| FOV | 105° | 110° |
| Passthrough | 32MP × 2 | Improved (spec unconfirmed) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Weight | 580g | 515g |
| Price | €549 | $499/$649 |
Pricing and Availability
| Edition | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PICO 4 Ultra | €549 / ~$599 | Consumer edition |
| PICO 4 Ultra Enterprise | Contact sales | Business features, MDM |
Limited availability in United States due to ByteDance ownership considerations.
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Dual LCD, 2160 × 2160 per eye |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| Memory | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 256GB |
| FOV | 105° |
| Refresh Rate | 72Hz / 90Hz |
| Passthrough | Dual 32MP color + iToF depth |
| Tracking | 6DoF inside-out |
| Hand Tracking | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
| Battery | 5300mAh, 2.5-3 hours |
| Weight | 580g |
| Price | €549 |