In the Samsung Gear VR vs Google Daydream battle, Gear VR, powered by Oculus, gets a nod for its extensive device support and immersive experiences offered. However, Daydream shines for simplicity, comfort, and intuitive controller. Choose Gear VR for engaging VR experiences across multiple Samsung devices; Daydream for an easy-to-use, comfy VR package.
Key Differences Between Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream
- Compatibility: Gear VR supports multiple Samsung devices, while Daydream works with Android Nougat and up.
- Controller: Gear VR incorporates a touchpad and back button. Daydream’s controller sports a touch-sensitive area, action button and tilt-sensing.
- Comfort: Daydream’s felt construction makes it comfortable and breathable; Gear VR relies on the docked device’s power.
- Services: While Samsung ended XR services, Oculus continues to support VR apps for Gear VR. Daydream’s apps have expanded over time.
| Comparison | Samsung Gear VR | Google Daydream |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Release Date | November 27, 2015 | May 2016(Announced) |
| Discontinued | XR service ended September 30, 2020 | October 15, 2019 |
| Compatible devices | Supports specific Samsung Galaxy devices up to S7, S7 edge | Compatible with Android (Nougat and up) |
| Device Requirement | Requires a Samsung Galaxy device as the headset’s display and processor | Standalone devices or phone-based headset |
| Functionality | Has custom inertial measurement unit for rotational tracking, touchpad and back button | Controller with accelerometer for tilt-sensing, navigation. Features Google’s WorldSense tracking technology for movement in 3D space. |
| Field of Vision | Defined, depends on Gear VR Model | Limited and causes visual discomfort |
| Software | Oculus Gear VR app with experiences, games and more | Daydream app, YouTube, Google Street View, Google Photos |
| Construction | Plastic | Felt |
What Is Samsung Gear VR and Who’s It For?
Samsung Gear VR is an advanced virtual reality headset, developed collaboratively by Samsung Electronics and Oculus VR, released in November 2015. The headset uses a compatible Samsung Galaxy device as its brain and screen. Gear VR is perfect for die-hard fans of virtual reality and tech enthusiasts who own a compatible Galaxy device. It provides a stunning, immersive VR environment, supported with hundreds of apps and experiences through the Oculus Gear VR app.
Pros of Samsung Gear VR
- Utilizes existing Galaxy device’s display and processing power.
- Custom IMU allows precise rotational tracking.
- Offers a broad range of supported Galaxy devices.
Cons of Samsung Gear VR
- No longer supports newer models like Galaxy Note10 and later versions.
- Service for XR applications by Samsung ended in September 2020.
- Dependent on a specific brand and model of smartphones.
What Is Google Daydream and Who’s It For?
Google Daydream was a VR platform offering experiences through mobile and standalone devices. Revealed at the Google I/O conference in May 2016, the headset, Daydream View, debuted later that year. This technology was perfect for Android users interested in a foray into virtual reality with minimal set-up or additional equipment. Easy to use and reasonably affordable, the Daydream era was a real treat for the Android community embarked on VR journeys.
Pros of Google Daydream
- Compatible with Android Nougat and up.
- Easy setup, with phones inserted directly into the headset.
- Felt construction gave a comfortable user experience.
Cons of Google Daydream
- Narrow field of view and visible pixels limited visuals.
- Battery drains quickly, leading to overheating phones.
- Limited app selection at launch.
The Final Verdict: Samsung Gear VR vs Google Daydream
As we round up the face-off between Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream, the alleyways of the tech world crave an unambiguous winner. Let’s dig into specific audience segments, and unravel the victor.
Developers and Game Makers
If you’re a developer or game maker looking for a platform with a wide range of supported devices, the Samsung Gear VR is your bet. Its adaptive nature and extensive compatibility, along with sourced support from Oculus on Google Play, guarantee a constant flow of VR experiences, games, and apps.
AR/VR Creators
For AR/VR creators, the decision leans towards the platform offering the best field of view and tracking capabilities. Here, the Samsung Gear VR’s custom inertial measurement unit for rotational tracking takes the cake, due to exhaustive, immersive XR applications.
Tech Enthusiasts
Tech enthusiasts, particularly those seeking comfort and ease of use, might favor Google Daydream. With its breathable, felt construction, intuitive controller, and simple setup, it provides casual users a smooth, user-friendly VR experience despite its narrower field of view.
Though Google Daydream offers comfort and simplistic control, Samsung Gear VR, backed by a robust Oculus framework, powers versatile compatibility and superior tracking capabilities. For developers, creators, and tech-enthusiasts dipping their toes in the limitless pool of VR, Gear VR emerges as the better bet.
