Compare HTC Vive vs HTC Vive Focus 3
In this technical comparison between the HTC Vive and the HTC Vive Focus 3, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 2160 × 1200 total (1080 × 1200 per eye) for the Vive versus 2448 × 2448 per eye (5K total resolution) for the Vive Focus 3.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $799 (at launch) and Originally $1,300; currently retails for ~$999 USD.
| Specifications |
HTC Vive |
HTC Vive Focus 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | April 2016 | June 2021 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Dual PenTile OLED | Dual 2.88-inch LCD Panels |
| Resolution | 2160 × 1200 total (1080 × 1200 per eye) | 2448 × 2448 per eye (5K total resolution) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 90Hz |
| Field of view | ~110° | Up to 120° (Horizontal) |
| Brightness | ~200 nits (High-contrast OLED) | High-luminance LCD with active cooling to prevent dimming |
| HDR | No | No |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Fresnel | Bespoke Dual-element Fresnel Lenses |
| IPD adjustment | Hardware-adjustable dial (61mm--72mm) | Manual dial (57mm - 72mm) |
| Eye relief | Lens-to-face distance adjustment (adjusted by pulling and twisting the side knobs) | 150mm wide interface |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | SteamVR Tracking 1.0 (Outside-in via "Lighthouse" Base Stations) | 6-DOF Inside-out via 4 wide-angle tracking cameras |
| Controller tracking | 360-degree tracking via external laser base stations | 6-DOF VIVE Focus 3 Controllers (Rechargeable via USB-C) |
| Hand tracking | No | Yes (26-point skeletal tracking) |
| Eye tracking | No | Optional (via add-on accessory) |
| Facial tracking | No | Optional (via add-on accessory) |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | None (PC-powered) | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 (Active-cooled with copper heat pipes) |
| RAM | PC Dependent (4GB+ minimum) | 8GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | No | 128GB |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Single front-facing VGA camera (used for "Chaperone" safety bounds) | Mono Grayscale (Black and White) |
| Depth sensing | No | No |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | None (Included earbuds were separate) | Open-back dual-driver speakers |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes (Hi-Res certified) |
| Mic | Yes | Dual microphones with echo cancellation |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | 3-in-1 Tether Cable (HDMI 1.4, USB 2.0, and 12V Power) to Link Box | 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen-1 ports (one for peripherals, one for charging/data) |
| Wireless | Supported via optional Vive Wireless Adapter (Intel WiGig) | Wi-Fi 6 / Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Yes (Built into the Link Box for Base Station power management) | Bluetooth 5.2 + BLE |
| PCVR support | Native (SteamVR / Viveport) | Yes (via VIVE Business Streaming over Wi-Fi 6E or USB-C cable) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | SteamVR, Viveport | VIVE Business Store, SteamVR (via PC), VIVE Sync |
| Supported OS | Windows 7 SP1, 8.1, 10, 11 (Linux and macOS support experimental/limited) | VIVE OS (Android-based) |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | ~555g (Original 2016 model); ~470g (2017 weight-reduced revision) | 785g (Total with battery); near 50-50 balance front-to-back |
| Strap type | Elastic Velcro "T-strap" (Rigid Deluxe Audio Strap sold separately) | Rigid strap with rear-mounted battery and adjustment dial |
| Face interface | Replaceable foam gasket | Magnetic PU leather cushions (Moisture-resistant and easy to wipe) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (Headset is wired); Controllers last ~6 hours | Approx. 2 hours |
| Charging method | N/A (Headset); Micro-USB for controllers | USB-C |
| External battery support | N/A | Hot-swappable |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Headset, 2x Wireless Controllers, 2x Base Stations 1.0, Link Box, Earbuds, 3-in-1 Cable, Power adapters, and mounting hardware. | Focus 3 Headset, 2x Controllers, Battery Pack, 30W AC Adapter, Charging Splitter Cable, Cleaning Cloth |
| Price | $799 (at launch) | Originally $1,300; currently retails for ~$999 USD |
| Full Details | Vive - Full Specifications | Vive Focus 3 - Full Specifications |