Introduction: Decoding Pico’s 2024/2025 VR Contenders
ByteDance’s Pico VR lineup offers two compelling headsets: the Pico 4 (€429) and Pico 4 Ultra (€542–€799). Released two years apart, these standalone devices share core DNA—pancake lenses, 105° FOV, and standalone operation—but diverge sharply in mixed reality capabilities, processing power, and professional utility . With the Ultra’s global rollout accelerating in 2025, understanding these differences is critical for consumers and enterprises alike.
🏗️ Design & Build Quality: Near-Identical Ergonomics
- Weight & Balance: Both weigh 580g with rear-battery distribution, reducing neck strain. The Ultra adds an iToF depth sensor but maintains identical dimensions .
- Materials: Identical plastic shells and magnetic foam interfaces. The Ultra’s front panel houses advanced cameras, creating a slightly denser front profile (304g vs. 276g rear) [citation:13].
- Adjustability: Both feature motorized IPD (58–72mm) and include glasses spacers—unlike Meta’s Quest 3, which sells spacers separately .
Takeaway: Comfort is a tie, but the Ultra’s sensor array enables next-gen MR.
👓 Display & Optics: Sharpness vs. Optimization
| Spec | Pico 4 | Pico 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 2160×2160 per eye | 2160×2160 per eye |
| Rendering | ~1,500 × 1,500 | 1920×1920 per eye |
| PPD | 20.6 | 22.5 (center) |
| Passthrough | 16MP grainy | 32MP color + depth |
While both use 1200 PPI LCDs and pancake lenses, the Ultra’s factory color calibration and 8MP processed passthrough (from dual 32MP cameras) deliver clearer text and realistic MR overlays. The Pico 4’s passthrough suffers from VHS-like grain .
⚡ Performance & Hardware: Generational Leap
- Chipset: Pico 4 uses XR2 Gen 1; Ultra upgrades to XR2 Gen 2 with 250% faster GPU .
- Memory: Ultra boasts 12GB RAM (vs. 8GB) and 256GB storage (vs. 128GB), enabling seamless multitasking with 5+ concurrent apps .
- Tracking: Both support 6DoF, but Ultra adds iToF depth sensing and optional full-body motion trackers (€50 each) for <20ms latency .
- Connectivity: Ultra’s Wi-Fi 7 enables 3.0 Gbps speeds—30% faster than Pico 4’s Wi-Fi 6—critical for PC VR streaming .
🌐 Software & Features: Productivity vs. Gaming
- Mixed Reality: Ultra dominates with depth-aware MR apps like Three-Body: Outer Space Exhibition. Its SDK supports spatial anchors for persistent virtual objects .
- Productivity: Ultra’s PanoScreen Workspace supports 280-inch resizable windows and multi-desktop mirroring—ideal for CAD or virtual offices .
- Gaming: Both run 650+ VR titles (Blade & Sorcery, I Am Cat), but Ultra’s AV1 decoding enables lower-latency SteamVR streaming .
- Updates: Pico 4 support ends in 2026; Ultra guarantees updates until 2028 .
🔋 Battery Life & Portability: Same Limits, Faster Refueling
| Metric | Pico 4 | Pico 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5,300 mAh | 5,700 mAh |
| Usage | 2–2.5 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Charging | 18W (90 mins) | 45W (65% in 60 mins) |
Real-world tests show identical drain during Beat Saber sessions. The Ultra’s fast charging is a lifesaver for enterprise users .
💰 Price & Value: Budget vs. Future-Proofing
- Pico 4 (€429): Ideal for casual gaming and PC VR streaming. Bundles like Blade & Sorcery + I Am Cat (free until Aug 2025) add value .
- Pico 4 Ultra (€542–€799): Justifies its premium with MR creation tools, spatial video recording, and enterprise features (e.g., Kiosk Mode, 2-year warranty) .
- Enterprise Ultra: Priced at €799, includes MDM support and business software like Bodyswaps training ($100/year) .
ROI Tip: Developers recoup Ultra’s cost via optimized MR app performance .
✔️ Pros & Cons: Match Your Use Case
Pico 4 Wins If:
- ✅ You prioritize gaming over productivity
- ✅ Budget is <€500
- ✅ PC VR streaming suffices for MR
Pico 4 Ultra Wins If:
- ✅ You develop MR apps or use VR for CAD/design
- ✅ Passthrough clarity is non-negotiable
- ✅ Wi-Fi 7 future-proofing matters
Key Limitations:
- ❌ Both lack 120Hz refresh rates
- ❌ Ultra’s MR apps require well-lit rooms
- ❌ Pico’s ecosystem trails Meta’s 500+ apps
🏁 Conclusion: Who Should Buy What?
Choose Pico 4 If:
You’re a casual gamer or PC VR enthusiast seeking crisp visuals at €429. Its specs still outclass Quest 2, and Wi-Fi 6 handles Virtual Desktop well .
Choose Pico 4 Ultra If:
You’re a prosumer, developer, or enterprise user needing depth-aware MR, multitasking, and Wi-Fi 7. At €542, its passthrough and RAM justify the 26% markup over Pico 4 .
Final Verdict: The Ultra is 2025’s sleeper hit for professionals—but gamers should wait for discounts.
Tried either headset? Share your Pico 4 vs. Pico 4 Ultra experiences below! 👇
Sources:
[1] Pico 4 Ultra Specs
[4] Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise
[5] Pico 4 Ultra Launch Analysis
[6] Pico 4 Ultra Bundle
[8] Pico 4 Ultra vs. Quest 3
[9] Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise Features
[10] Pico 4 Ultra Pricing
