Pico 4 Ultra has already been launched two years after Pico 4 was introduced to the public. Is this Ultra version worth owning or should I just stick with the old generation? After using the Pico 4 Ultra for a week, I found the Pico to try to give the Apple Vision Pro experience in a more affordable package. In this article I will share my experience and determine if the Pro price for the headset is worth buying?
Specifications And Design
Screen 2x Screen 2.56″, 2160 × 2160, 1200 PPI,
90Hz, Pancake lens,
Pupil distance adjustable 58mm - 72mm
CPU/GPU Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 (4nm)
4x Kryo (2.36 GHz)
2x Kryo (2.05 GHz)
Adreno 740 (2x 3K, 90 Hz)
Memory/Storage 12GB, LPDDR5
256GB, UFS 3.1
Sensor/Camera 2x 32MP, color camera
1x iToF, depth sensor
4x Environment tracking cameras
Audio 2x Stereo speakers
4x Microphones, spatial recording
Wi-Fi connection 7
Bluetooth 5.3
USB-C
Battery Device Battery
5700mAh
QC 4.0 / PD 3.0, 45W
Control Device Battery
2x AA Batteries
Price RM2,799
I'm sure, the presence of Apple Vision Pro makes people want to try the mixed reality headset. The features offered seemed so advanced that Meta and Pico tried to introduce alternative features on the set to them. Pico 4 Ultra has these features, among which is recording 3D videos with immersive audio or taking 3D photos. Then gesture control using only fingers is also supported with very smooth and almost perfect control.
The Pico 4 Ultra also now has a color camera for augmented reality features with a view into the real world with virtual elements such as floating apps. The 32MP camera provides a fairly realistic visual effect if it has enough light sources, Movement also does not have a fast time lag that causes motion sickness.
The quality of two 2K 90Hz screens provides a bright and beautiful 4K view. It has a fairly balanced brightness, beautiful colors, good details when watching videos and 3D graphics that look neater. Pico 4 Ultra is also designed to be easier to use with resizing capabilities like PS VR2 and Apple Vision Pro. It also remains light and comfortable to use from the start until the battery runs out.
Usage Experience
The Pico 4 Ultra runs Pico OS 5.11.1.U operating system based on Android 14. Android is still Android, so any apps and video games will have graphics with what Android can handle along with its Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processing chip.
Pico OS 5.11.1.U brings a very easy to use interface. If it's your first time using a mixed reality headset, it definitely won't be a problem. All icons, features, functions and settings are clearly visible with proper explanations. How to set up this headset for best use is also easy to do.
For virtual play areas that can be played with Pico 4 Ultra, it is smarter to define virtual floors and walls for safety. Not only that, this time it can also detect furniture to make it easier to set up a virtual office if you want to broadcast the content of the computer screen directly to the virtual monitor.
Then for a private virtual room, like a living room that usually can choose various themes such as space, futuristic, retro and so on – now Pico OS offers an environment that can be generated with AI. Some credits are given for free and if used up the rest have to be purchased.
I also love the color see-through feature that now allows me to see the phone screen while wearing the headset. As far as my use, I can say that 99% of the experience is similar to the Pico 4. The most noticeable difference is the quality of the screen and the Internet connection. This includes the streaming quality of Pico 4 Ultra content broadcast to a monitor or phone.
Complementing the use of the Pico 4 Ultra is the additional sensor Pico Motion Tracker which can now translate the movements of the user's feet into the virtual world. With this sensor, any avatar created will have virtual legs that can be moved unlike Meta Quest which uses completely virtual legs. Not only that, these feet can also be used to play various video games with most focusing on exercise and moving activities for a healthier body.
This brand new Pico OS is more concerned with the user's health with movements being tracked and the number of calories burned being constantly monitored. Many applications constantly monitor my movements and the health applications provided are easy for me to match with the data on the smart watch to better understand the status of my own body.
What I dislike the most is the Pico app in smartphones and the Pico app store. The application is not very user-friendly with concerns that personal data may be leaked. For the app store, many apps from unknown developers are offered at high prices with user data to worry about because there is no security system like in Meta Quest or the Apple App Store.
For gaming, how you play first on an Android device is the experience with the Pico 4 Ultra. The difference is, if it's an Android flagship device - the playing experience feels satisfying. For this headset, even in the flagship category the experience of playing games is as if with a mid-range device only.
The graphics of the game are not very realistic and the game support is not much. There is no Beat Saber but there is a clone version that seems to have been developed by a trainee. The games look great mostly paid and streaming apps are very limited. Despite this, performance for the majority of activities is very fast and smooth with almost no lag issues occurring.
I also don't like that after using the Pico Motion Tracker which needs to be purchased separately, many apps that can take advantage of this feature also need to be purchased. Imagine that to use the full immersive experience, I need to buy a physical product and a digital product.
Battery
Due to the new generation of chips, the power consumption on the Pico 4 Ultra is better and this contributes to a longer battery life. In my usage, one continuous day playing 3-4 games it can last around 3 hours.
While light use such as productivity and watching videos can last around 4 hours. 45W charging is quite fast and adequate for a headset, with 0% to 100% only taking about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Accessories
Each Pico 4 Ultra purchase comes with 1x headset, 2x AA battery powered controllers, 1x USB-C cable and 1x 45W charger. Some safety documents and guides are also included. The strap for the controller was provided for free, but I still miss the first generation controller with the protective coil.
The quality of the controller this time is A+. Every button feels good to press, the grip is comfortable and does not quickly make the hands sweat and the grip feels very good with the finish of a premium flagship device.
Conclusion
Because Pico OS developed with touch focuses on consistent performance on both Pico 4 and Pico 4 Ultra, RM2,799 is not worth the price to upgrade if you already use Pico 4. Pico Motion Tracker is still supported on both headsets .
If you're serious about an Android-based mixed reality platform that's a little more flexible and want future-proof specs – the Pico 4 Ultra is for you. If you just want to give it a try, the Pico 4 will suffice. Either way, the Pico 4 Ultra's easy-to-use Apple Vision Pro-like features are a credit. If only there was Beat Saber game support, I would definitely buy it because it's worth posting content and sharing with friends.
Pro
Fast, smooth and consistent Pico OS performance.
User friendly interface design.
Lightweight, comfortable and easy-to-use headset design.
Longer lasting battery.
A prettier screen and less motion sickness.
Cons
The price is getting more expensive.
Many apps and games for the Pico Motion Tracker need to be purchased.
Face shield with easy to pump cushion pad.
Limited app support and many suspicious ones.