Vive XR Elite
| Vive XR Elite | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Mixed Reality |
| Type | Head-Mounted Display |
| Subtype | Standalone MR |
| Platform | Android (VIVE OS) |
| Developer | HTC |
| Manufacturer | HTC |
| Announcement Date | January 2023 (CES) |
| Release Date | February 2023 |
| Price | ~$1,099 USD |
| Website | https://www.vive.com/us/product/vive-xr-elite/overview/ |
| Predecessor | Vive Focus 3 |
| Successor | Vive Focus Vision |
| System | |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| Memory | 12 GB RAM |
| Display | |
| Display | LCD (pancake lenses) |
| Resolution | 1920x1920 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 110° |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Passthrough | Full color + depth sensor |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out) |
| Hand Tracking | Yes |
| Audio | |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6/6E, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C |
| Device | |
| Weight | 625g (with battery) |
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The VIVE XR Elite is a convertible mixed reality head-mounted display developed by HTC, announced at CES in January 2023 and released in February 2023. The XR Elite features an innovative modular design allowing the battery cradle to be removed for a glasses-like form factor, 1920x1920 per eye resolution with 110° field of view, Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor, 12 GB RAM, full-color passthrough with depth sensor, built-in diopter adjustment (-6 to 0), and both standalone and PC VR capabilities via Wi-Fi 6E. At approximately $1,099, the XR Elite targets consumers and professionals seeking versatile XR experiences.
History and Development
HTC introduced the VIVE XR Elite at CES 2023 in Las Vegas on January 2023, releasing it the following month. The headset represents HTC's entry into the convertible XR category, competing with Meta Quest Pro and Quest 3. The innovative removable battery design allows transformation from a full VR headset to lightweight glasses-style device. The XR Elite supports both standalone operation and PC VR via cable or Wi-Fi 6E streaming without base stations.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
High-resolution pancake optics:
- 1920x1920 per eye resolution
- 3840x1920 combined
- 19 PPD (pixels per degree)
- Pancake lenses
- 90 Hz refresh rate
- 110° field of view
- Compact optical module
Diopter Adjustment
Built-in vision correction:
- Adjustable diopter dials
- -6 to 0 diopter range
- Individual eye adjustment
- No prescription inserts needed
- Nearsightedness correction
IPD
- Stepless IPD adjustment
- Fine-tune eye spacing
- Continuous adjustment
- Wide range support
Processing
- Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
- 12 GB RAM
- 128 GB storage
- Standalone capable
- PC VR streaming support
Tracking
Inside-out 6DoF:
- 6DoF inside-out tracking
- No base stations required
- Hand tracking
- Controller tracking
- Room-scale support
Mixed Reality
- Full-color passthrough
- Depth sensor
- Virtual object interaction
- Physical/virtual blending
- MR application support
Build
Convertible modular design:
- 625g with battery
- Removable battery cradle
- Glasses-like mode (without battery)
- Ergonomic design
- Long-term comfort
- Portable form factor
Battery
- 2 hours continuous
- Hot-swappable
- Replaceable battery cradle
- Extended use with swapping
- Rear-mounted balance
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 6 + 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2 + BLE
- USB 3.2 Gen-1 Type-C (x2)
- Low-latency PC VR streaming
- No base stations for PC VR
Operation Modes
Standalone Mode
- No PC required
- Android-based VIVE OS
- VIVEPORT content
- Self-contained VR/MR
PC VR Mode
- USB-C cable connection
- Wi-Fi 6E streaming
- SteamVR compatible
- High-fidelity graphics
- No base stations
Glasses Mode
- Battery cradle removed
- Lightweight form factor
- Quick VR access
- Portable use
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 1920x1920 per eye (pancake) |
| PPD | 19 |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| FOV | 110° |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 |
| RAM | 12 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| Diopter | -6 to 0 |
| Battery | 2 hours (hot-swap) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6/6E, BT 5.2 |
| Weight | 625g (with battery) |
| Price | ~$1,099 |
Reception
Praise:
- Convertible modular design innovative
- 110° FOV wide
- 12GB RAM generous
- Built-in diopter adjustment
- No prescription inserts needed
- Wi-Fi 6E PC VR streaming
- No base stations required
- Full-color passthrough
- Depth sensor included
- Hot-swappable battery
- Glasses mode portable
Criticism:
- ~$1,099 premium pricing
- 2 hours battery limited
- 90Hz only (no 120Hz)
- 1920x1920 moderate resolution
- Snapdragon XR2 vs newer chips
- Competition from Quest 3
- VIVE ecosystem smaller
- Heavy with battery (625g)
- Battery extra cost for swapping[2]