The Smart Evolution: Pico 4 Ultra
You know, I’ve always believed that innovation doesn’t always mean reinventing the wheel. Sometimes, it’s about perfecting what already works—and that’s exactly where the Pico 4 Ultra caught my attention. When the VR world buzzed with rumors about a possible Pico 5, I was curious but cautious. And honestly? I think Pico made the right call by skipping a rushed sequel and focusing instead on refining their existing platform.
The Pico 4 Ultra isn’t here to shake the foundations of virtual reality, but rather to smooth out the cracks left by its predecessor. As someone who’s spent countless hours fiddling with VR headsets—both for gaming marathons and productivity hacks—I can tell you firsthand that this kind of thoughtful upgrade often delivers a better user experience than flashy, half-baked innovations.
Why Pico 4 Ultra Deserves Your Attention
When I first heard about the Pico 4 Ultra, I thought, “Here we go, another mid-gen refresh.” But after digging deeper, I realized this wasn’t just a minor tweak. It’s a well-calculated response to what users actually want. And trust me, as someone who’s wrestled with clunky headsets and laggy PCVR connections, these upgrades aren’t just specs on paper—they solve real problems.
Why Cancelling Pico 5 Was a Brilliant Move
Some might see the cancellation of the Pico 5 as a setback. I see it as a sign of maturity. Instead of chasing headlines, Pico doubled down on making their current tech better. And frankly, after the underwhelming sales of the original Pico 4, this was a no-brainer. Why leap forward when you can first fix what held you back?
I appreciate companies that listen. The Pico 4 Ultra feels like a headset designed by people who read every Reddit thread and support ticket.
Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2: The Engine Behind Pico 4 Ultra
Let’s talk power. The heart of the Pico 4 Ultra is the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip—the same beast driving the Meta Quest 3. But here’s where Pico flexes a bit: they paired it with 12 GB of RAM. Now, I know some will say, “Do we really need that much RAM in a VR headset?” My answer? Absolutely.
I’ve tested VR setups where switching between apps felt like dragging a boulder uphill. With 12 GB, multitasking becomes seamless. You can run a fitness app, stream music, and still have a browser floating nearby without your system gasping for air.
The Real-World Impact of 12 GB RAM
Numbers on a spec sheet are one thing, but feeling the difference? That’s where it counts. I opened multiple apps, jumped between VRChat and YouTube, and the Pico 4 Ultra didn’t even flinch. It’s the kind of smooth experience that makes you forget you’re pushing hardware limits.
Design Tweaks That Actually Matter
At first glance, you might mistake the Pico 4 Ultra for its older sibling. But once you strap it on, the difference is clear—literally on your face. The balanced weight distribution is a game-changer. I’ve had sessions where front-heavy headsets made me feel like I was doing neck workouts. Not here. That 580-gram balance feels just right.
Comfort: The Unsung Hero of VR
Comfort isn’t sexy, but it’s crucial. A headset can have all the fancy specs in the world, but if it’s uncomfortable, you won’t use it for long. The Pico 4 Ultra nails this aspect, and as someone who values long VR sessions without constant adjustments, I’m genuinely impressed.
256 GB Storage: The Sweet Spot
I often get asked, “Is 256 GB enough for VR?” For most users—absolutely. Unless you’re hoarding every VR title under the sun, this storage size hits the balance between practicality and price. I installed several large games, stored media files, and still had breathing room.
WiFi 7: The Silent Revolution in VR Streaming
Here’s where I really geeked out—WiFi 7 support. If you’ve ever cursed at laggy PCVR streaming, you’ll know why this matters. The Pico 4 Ultra offers buttery-smooth wireless connections, making cable-free VR not just possible, but enjoyable.
Display Enhancements You Can Actually See
Sure, the resolution per eye didn’t skyrocket, but that 25% brightness boost and higher native rendering resolution? Oh, you notice it. Colors pop more, and details feel sharper. It’s not Apple Vision Pro territory, but for the price, it’s darn impressive.
Mixed Reality That Finally Feels… Real
The leap in pass-through quality blew me away. Those dual 32 MP cameras offer depth perception that makes MR experiences far more immersive. I tested some mixed reality apps, and for once, I didn’t feel like I was peering through a grainy filter.
Controllers Without Rings: Sleek and Practical
Ditching the tracking rings was a bold move, but after using the new controllers, I’m sold. They feel natural in hand, and the tracking didn’t miss a beat during my tests.
Body Tracking: A Hidden Gem
I didn’t expect to care much about the body trackers—until I tried them in VRChat and fitness games. They add a whole new layer of immersion. Plus, getting them free with preorders? That’s a win in my book.
The Missing Pieces: Eye and Hand Tracking
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—no eye or hand tracking at launch. Does it sting? A little. But honestly, unless you’re into niche productivity apps or advanced VR interfaces, most casual users won’t miss it right away.
Productivity in VR: More Than Just Games
I’ve been using VR for more than gaming lately—floating browsers, watching videos, managing tasks. The Pico 4 Ultra with its revamped UI makes this surprisingly pleasant. It’s no desktop replacement yet, but it’s getting there.
macOS-Inspired UI: Familiar, but Functional
I chuckled when I saw the dock. Yes, it’s a clear nod to macOS, but you know what? It works. Navigation feels intuitive, and if borrowing ideas makes the user experience smoother, I’m all for it.
PCVR Without DisplayPort: A Risky Bet?
No DisplayPort support raised my eyebrows. Relying solely on WiFi 7 and USB-C is bold. While my streaming tests were solid, I know some purists will miss that wired reliability.
Standalone Gaming: Temper Your Expectations
If you’re buying the Pico 4 Ultra for standalone gaming alone, keep your expectations realistic. It handles casual games well, but the real powerhouse experience still comes from PCVR.
Preorder Bonuses: A Deal Worth Grabbing
Two body trackers and four solid games bundled in? For €599, that’s a compelling offer. If you’re on the fence, this might tip the scales.
Apple Spatial Video Compatibility: A Nice Surprise
As someone who loves capturing moments, being able to view spatial videos recorded on my iPhone 15 directly in VR felt magical. It’s a small feature, but one that adds real value.
Hands-On Impressions: Solid Start, Room to Grow
After spending half an hour testing, I walked away impressed but aware of areas needing polish. The UI could be smoother, and some multitasking felt clunky—but overall, it’s a solid step forward.
Pico 4 Ultra vs Meta Quest 3: My Verdict
Both headsets have strengths, but if you value extra RAM, better MR, and WiFi 7, the Pico 4 Ultra edges ahead. However, if hand tracking is crucial, the Quest 3 still holds an advantage.
Who Should Consider the Pico 4 Ultra?
If you’re an enthusiast wanting more than basic VR but not ready to splurge on ultra-premium headsets, this is your sweet spot. It’s ideal for social VR fans, fitness gamers, and anyone curious about mixed reality.
FAQs
Is the Pico 4 Ultra better than the Meta Quest 3?
It depends on your needs. The Pico 4 Ultra offers better RAM and WiFi 7, but lacks hand tracking at launch.
Does the Pico 4 Ultra support PCVR gaming?
Yes, via WiFi 7 or USB-C. However, there’s no native DisplayPort support.
Are the body trackers compatible with all games?
They work well with social VR apps like VRChat and fitness titles, but not universally supported yet.
Will hand tracking be added to the Pico 4 Ultra?
Pico has hinted at future updates, but there’s no confirmed release date.
Is 256 GB storage enough for VR gaming?
For most users, yes. Unless you install dozens of large games, it should suffice.
Can I use the Pico 4 Ultra for productivity?
Yes, with floating windows, browser access, and media apps, it’s suited for light productivity tasks.
The Pico 4 Ultra doesn’t promise to revolutionize VR—but it delivers where it counts. With thoughtful upgrades, a balanced design, and forward-thinking features like WiFi 7, it’s a headset that feels built for today’s VR user. Sure, it’s not perfect, but in a market often obsessed with chasing the next big thing, Pico chose to listen, refine, and improve—and I respect that.