Compare HTC Vive Focus 3 vs HTC Vive XR Elite
In this technical comparison between the HTC Vive Focus 3 and the HTC Vive XR Elite, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 2448 × 2448 per eye (5K total resolution) for the Vive Focus 3 versus 1920 × 1920 per eye (3840 × 1920 combined) for the Vive XR Elite.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around Originally $1,300; currently retails for ~$999 USD and $899 – $1,099 USD (depending on bundle/Business edition).
| Specifications |
HTC Vive Focus 3 |
HTC Vive XR Elite |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | June 2021 | February 2023 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Dual 2.88-inch LCD Panels | Dual LCD Panels |
| Resolution | 2448 × 2448 per eye (5K total resolution) | 1920 × 1920 per eye (3840 × 1920 combined) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 90Hz |
| Field of view | Up to 120° (Horizontal) | Up to 110° |
| Brightness | High-luminance LCD with active cooling to prevent dimming | Optimized for clear passthrough; 19 PPD (Pixels Per Degree) |
| HDR | No | No |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Bespoke Dual-element Fresnel Lenses | Pancake Lenses |
| IPD adjustment | Manual dial (57mm - 72mm) | Manual stepless slider (54mm - 73mm) |
| Eye relief | 150mm wide interface | Includes Diopter Dials (adjustable focus for each eye, allowing most nearsighted users to go glasses-free) |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | 6-DOF Inside-out via 4 wide-angle tracking cameras | 6-DOF Inside-out via 4 wide-FOV tracking cameras |
| Controller tracking | 6-DOF VIVE Focus 3 Controllers (Rechargeable via USB-C) | 6-DOF VIVE XR Controllers (included) |
| Hand tracking | Yes (26-point skeletal tracking) | Yes (Skeletal-level tracking) |
| Eye tracking | Optional (via add-on accessory) | Optional (via VIVE Full Face Tracker accessory) |
| Facial tracking | Optional (via add-on accessory) | Optional (via VIVE Full Face Tracker accessory) |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 (Active-cooled with copper heat pipes) | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Mono Grayscale (Black and White) | 16MP RGB Camera (Full-Color Passthrough) |
| Depth sensing | No | Built-in Depth Sensor for improved spatial mapping |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Open-back dual-driver speakers | Dual integrated speakers with directional sound |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes (Hi-Res certified) | No (supports USB-C and Bluetooth 5.2) |
| Mic | Dual microphones with echo cancellation | Dual microphones with echo cancellation |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen-1 ports (one for peripherals, one for charging/data) | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen-1 (Peripheral), 1x USB-C (Power) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 / Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 + Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 + BLE | Bluetooth 5.2 + BLE |
| PCVR support | Yes (via VIVE Business Streaming over Wi-Fi 6E or USB-C cable) | Yes (VIVE Streaming via USB-C or Wireless Wi-Fi 6E) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | VIVE Business Store, SteamVR (via PC), VIVE Sync | VIVERSE, SteamVR, Viveport |
| Supported OS | VIVE OS (Android-based) | VIVE XR (Android-based) |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | 785g (Total with battery); near 50-50 balance front-to-back | 625g (with battery cradle) / 260g (in Glasses Mode) |
| Strap type | Rigid strap with rear-mounted battery and adjustment dial | Rigid battery cradle (standalone) or Temple arms (glasses mode) |
| Face interface | Magnetic PU leather cushions (Moisture-resistant and easy to wipe) | Magnetic fabric gasket (Face Gasket 2.0 included in Deluxe Pack) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Approx. 2 hours | Up to 2 hours (Hot-swappable) |
| Charging method | USB-C | USB-C (30W Fast Charging) |
| External battery support | Hot-swappable | Yes (Headset has a built-in 20-minute reserve for swapping) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Focus 3 Headset, 2x Controllers, Battery Pack, 30W AC Adapter, Charging Splitter Cable, Cleaning Cloth | XR Elite Headset, Battery Cradle, 2x Controllers, Deluxe Strap, Face Gasket 2.0, MR Gasket, USB-C Cables, Microfiber Pouch |
| Price | Originally $1,300; currently retails for ~$999 USD | $899 – $1,099 USD (depending on bundle/Business edition) |
| Full Details | Vive Focus 3 - Full Specifications | Vive XR Elite - Full Specifications |