If we see high-end headsets like the Pimax Vision 8K X or the HTC Vive Focus 3, both for more than 1,400 euros you will believe that the world of Virtual Reality is very expensive, but there are more affordable options like the one we will discuss in this blog: the Oculus Quest 2, a standalone virtual reality glasses, which you can get from 349 euros.
That said, let's see how it performs and what these Virtual Reality glasses offer us in this Oculus Quest 2 blog, now under the name Meta Quest 2.
Characteristics and technical specifications
WEIGHT | 503 grams |
---|---|
PANEL TYPE | LCD |
RESOLUTION | 1.920 x 1.832 per eye |
REFRESH RATE | 90 Hz |
PROCESSOR | Snapdragon XR2 |
WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY | WiFi 6 |
PORTS | USB Type-C |
STORAGE | 128 o 256 GB |
SOUND | 3D |
TRACKING | Internal cameras |
ELEMENTS IN THE PACKAGE | Viewfinder |
PRICE |
Glasses design
Starting with the design, the power button has changed location compared to other versions, now being placed on the right side. At the bottom we have the volume buttons in a comfortable position and on the left side the USB Type-C port and the headphone jack. Although, the sound with the integrated speakers sound good, the experience gains a lot with headphones.
The front is very simple, minimalist and elegant at the same time. In the corners we have the four position cameras that help tracking and warn us through an in-game guide that we are leaving.
The Oculus Quest 2 are made of different plastics that, although they do not transmit an excessively premium feeling as previous versions with fabric finish, they feel robust and resistant. This feature is very positive and important, since being standalone, they cry out to be transported to play anywhere, and with this plastic finish cleaning is much easier.
Although it may seem complicated, the Oculus Quest 2 have managed not to leave marks or generate discomfort.
For the inner area it has a soft and very comfortable foam rubber cover, which can get a little hot when we use it for a long time. The lenses, generous in size, can be moved in three positions to adapt them to the location of our eyes. We can adapt these three positions depending on our IPD (distance between the eyes): the first position of the lenses is for IPDs between 58 and 62 mm, the second 63 and 67 mm and the third 68 and 73 mm, the latter loses between 5 and 10 degrees of vision.
As a last thing to note, Oculus (now Meta) has had the detail to include an adapter, which adds a few millimeters of space so that we can use the helmet with the glasses. This provides a better experience for people who use prescription glasses.
Start-up and operation
Having clarified the more technical features, we continue with the use and operation part. To start up the glasses we have to use the Oculus app, available for iOS and Android. Log in, choose the model of glasses we have and follow the instructions, easy and simple. A priori, it is not necessary to use the computer for anything, since the Oculus Quest 2, are standalone, that is, they do not need to be connected to a computer. However, if desired, they can also be connected to a computer.
They are also accompanied by an internal storage capacity of 128 GB or 256 GB. This will serve to store games in the memory of the glasses themselves, which makes sense, since they are standalone, and we can play without the need for a PC.
First we will analyze the performance when we use them standalone without any lag or frame skipping. The graphics are of a lower quality than the ones we will get by connecting the glasses to the PC, obviously it will depend a lot on each game, but the experience is still very good.
With these viewers we have made a notable leap in resolution, which is appreciated in games. The two LCD panels that we have inside offer a very good image quality, with natural colors.
Add, also, that the distance they have left between the lenses, and the amount of pixels they have, it is difficult to distinguish the pixels of the games. Therefore, the work they have done in terms of operation and technological development of these viewers is very good and enjoy them is a really different feeling.
As a curiosity, these glasses also allow us to watch movies and series on platforms, such as Netflix, selecting it the Oculus Home.
Although the Oculus Quest 2 were certified for 120 Hz, they were released with a refresh rate of 72 Hz, one of the disadvantages of these viewers. Currently, we can already enjoy the 90 Hz despite the fact that the glasses suffer a little when this refresh rate is required.
In this sense, it should be noted that they are sufficient to squeeze the games and get that immersion that so much like Virtual Reality. The game moves at the same time as our head and there is no lag of any kind, even in games with a very high graphic quality.