Compare Pico 4 vs Valve Steam Frame
In this technical comparison between the Pico 4 and the Valve Steam Frame, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 2160 × 2160 per eye (4320 × 2160 combined) for the 4 versus 2160 × 2160 per eye for the Steam Frame.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $349 - $399 USD and Estimated $599 – $899 USD.
| Specifications |
Pico 4 |
Valve Steam Frame |
|---|---|---|
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|
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| Launch | ||
| Version | October 2022 | 2026 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Dual 2.56-inch Fast-LCD Panels | Dual LCD Panels (RGB Stripe) |
| Resolution | 2160 × 2160 per eye (4320 × 2160 combined) | 2160 × 2160 per eye |
| Refresh rate | 72Hz / 90Hz | 72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz (144Hz Experimental mode) |
| Field of view | 105° (Diagonal) | Up to 110° (Horizontal) |
| Brightness | 1200 PPI (Pixels Per Degree); 20.6 PPD | High-persistence LCD (specific nits TBD, optimized for clarity) |
| HDR | No | - |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Pancake Lenses | Custom Pancake Lenses (Edge-to-edge sharpness) |
| IPD adjustment | Motorized stepless adjustment via software menu (62mm - 72mm) | Physical manual dial |
| Eye relief | Includes a glasses spacer; slim profile allows for close fit | Adjustable (fits glasses up to 140mm wide) |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | 6-DOF Inside-out tracking via 4 monochrome cameras | 6-DOF Inside-out (SLAM) |
| Controller tracking | 6-DOF PICO 4 Haptic Controllers (Infrared ring design) | Tracked via 4 outward-facing monochrome cameras |
| Hand tracking | Yes | Supported (via expansion or software update; focus is on controllers) |
| Eye tracking | No | Yes (2 interior cameras); enables Foveated Streaming |
| Facial tracking | No | Optional (Supported via front expansion port) |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm ARM64) |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR4X | 16GB Unified LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB or 1TB UFS (plus MicroSD slot for expansion) |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Single 16MP RGB Camera (Color Passthrough, but monoscopic / flat) | Monochrome (Grayscale) via 4 tracking cameras (1280× 1024) |
| Depth sensing | No (Uses software-based environmental mapping) | Software-based (Expansion port allows for hardware depth modules) |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Dual stereo speakers integrated into the headstrap (Spatial Audio support) | Dual stereo drivers per ear (Extra-fidelity, vibration-canceling) |
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| Mic | Dual microphones with noise reduction | Dual microphone array |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | USB-C (Supports data, charging, and wired streaming) | USB-C 2.0 (Rear-mounted for charging/data) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 (Dual-band 2.4/5GHz) | Wi-Fi 7 (Dual-radio 5GHz/6GHz for simultaneous internet /streaming) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 (Dedicated 2.4GHz link for controllers) |
| PCVR support | Yes (via PICO Connect or Virtual Desktop over Wi-Fi/USB) | Yes (Includes a 6GHz Wi-Fi 6E USB Adapter for low-latency direct link) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | PICO Store, SteamVR (via PC link) | Steam, SteamVR, Standalone SteamOS |
| Supported OS | PICO OS 5.0 (Based on Android) | SteamOS 3 (Arch-based Linux); runs Windows games via Proton/FEX-Emu |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | 586g (Total with strap); front unit is remarkably light at 295g | 185g (Core module) / 440g (Total with battery strap) |
| Strap type | Rigid strap with rear-mounted battery for balanced weight distribution | Padded retractable strap with rear-mounted battery (counterbalanced) |
| Face interface | Breathable fabric; includes a removable nose pad for light leakage | Fabric/Plastic hybrid (replaceable) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Approx. 2.5 - 3 hours | ~2–3 hours (Standalone) / ~4–5 hours (PC Streaming) |
| Charging method | USB-C (20W Fast Charging) | USB-C (45W Fast Charging supported) |
| External battery support | Yes (Compatible with external power banks and battery straps) | Supported via USB-C |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | PICO 4 Headset, 2x Controllers, 4x AA Batteries, Glasses Spacer, Nose Pad, USB-C Cable, Power Adapter | Headset, 2x Steam Frame Controllers, 6GHz Wireless Adapter, 45W Charger, USB-C Cable |
| Price | $349 - $399 USD | Estimated $599 – $899 USD |
| Full Details | 4 - Full Specifications | Steam Frame - Full Specifications |