Compare Apple Vision Pro M5 vs Pico 4
In this technical comparison between the Apple Vision Pro M5 and the Pico 4, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 23 million pixels total (approx. 3660×3200 per eye) for the Vision Pro M5 versus 2160 × 2160 per eye (4320 × 2160 combined) for the 4.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around 3499 USD and $349 - $399 USD.
| Specifications |
Apple Vision Pro M5 |
Pico 4 |
|---|---|---|
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| Launch | ||
| Version | October, 2025 | October 2022 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Micro-OLED (3D display system) | Dual 2.56-inch Fast-LCD Panels |
| Resolution | 23 million pixels total (approx. 3660×3200 per eye) | 2160 × 2160 per eye (4320 × 2160 combined) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz, 96Hz, 100Hz, and 120Hz | 72Hz / 90Hz |
| Field of view | ~100° Horizontal | 105° (Diagonal) |
| Brightness | ~5,000 nits (internal) / ~100 nits (perceived) | 1200 PPI (Pixels Per Degree); 20.6 PPD |
| HDR | Yes (Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG) | No |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Custom Three-element Catadioptric (Pancake-style) | Pancake Lenses |
| IPD adjustment | Automatic/Electronic (51mm–75mm) | Motorized stepless adjustment via software menu (62mm - 72mm) |
| Eye relief | Adjustable via Light Seal sizes & magnetic ZEISS inserts | Includes a glasses spacer; slim profile allows for close fit |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | 6DoF Inside-out (12 cameras, 5 sensors) | 6-DOF Inside-out tracking via 4 monochrome cameras |
| Controller tracking | No physical controllers (Supports PS/Xbox gamepads) | 6-DOF PICO 4 Haptic Controllers (Infrared ring design) |
| Hand tracking | Yes (High-precision gesture system) | Yes |
| Eye tracking | Yes (High-performance LED/IR camera system) | No |
| Facial tracking | Yes (Used for "Persona" avatars and EyeSight) | No |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | Apple M5 chip + Apple R1 chip (12ms latency) | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 |
| RAM | 16 GB Unified Memory | 8GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB | 128GB or 256GB |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Real-time 4K Stereoscopic Color Passthrough | Single 16MP RGB Camera (Color Passthrough, but monoscopic / flat) |
| Depth sensing | LiDAR Scanner + TrueDepth camera system | No (Uses software-based environmental mapping) |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Dual-driver Spatial Audio pods | Dual stereo speakers integrated into the headstrap (Spatial Audio support) |
| 3.5mm jack | No (Supports AirPods Pro with H2 ultra-low latency) | No |
| Mic | Six-microphone array with directional beamforming | Dual microphones with noise reduction |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | Proprietary Battery Connector (USB-C on the battery) | USB-C (Supports data, charging, and wired streaming) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (Dual-band 2.4/5GHz) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| PCVR support | Official Mac Virtual Display (Supports Ultra-wide 4K/5K) | Yes (via PICO Connect or Virtual Desktop over Wi-Fi/USB) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | App Store (visionOS), iPad/iPhone App Support | PICO Store, SteamVR (via PC link) |
| Supported OS | visionOS 2.0 or later | PICO OS 5.0 (Based on Android) |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | 750 – 800 g (with Light Seal and Head Band) | 586g (Total with strap); front unit is remarkably light at 295g |
| Strap type | Solo Knit Band and Dual Knit Band (Included) | Rigid strap with rear-mounted battery for balanced weight distribution |
| Face interface | Magnetic "Light Seal" (Various sizes) | Breathable fabric; includes a removable nose pad for light leakage |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 2.5 hours general use / 3 hours video | Approx. 2.5 - 3 hours |
| Charging method | USB-C (via external battery pack) | USB-C (20W Fast Charging) |
| External battery support | Required (Headset is tethered to external pack) | Yes (Compatible with external power banks and battery straps) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Headset, Battery, Solo/Dual Bands, Light Seal, Cover | PICO 4 Headset, 2x Controllers, 4x AA Batteries, Glasses Spacer, Nose Pad, USB-C Cable, Power Adapter |
| Price | 3499 USD | $349 - $399 USD |
| Full Details | Vision Pro M5 - Full Specifications | 4 - Full Specifications |