Apple has made its long-awaited entry into the AR market with the introduction of the Vision Pro, a spatial computer that enables users to engage with virtual objects and environments within the physical world. Unveiled at WWDC 2023, this groundbreaking device carries a substantial price tag of $3,500, placing it among the most expensive consumer gadgets ever released.

Now, let's compare the Vision Pro to its competitor, the Microsoft HoloLens 2, which shares the same price point and offers a mixed reality experience. The HoloLens 2, launched in 2019, represents the culmination of Microsoft's extensive expertise in the field of augmented reality. In this brief comparison, we will compare them under 4 areas:

* Design and Comfort

* Display and Audio

* Interaction and Control

* Batery Life

Vision Pro Vs HoloLens 2: Design and Comfort

Design

The Apple Vision Pro boasts an elegant and futuristic design that immediately captivates attention. Crafted from aluminum, it features a curved glass display. Notably, the headset showcases a sleek black exterior that becomes partially transparent when someone approaches, thanks to the innovative EyeSight feature. This unique attribute allows others to see the user's eyes through the device, imparting a more human touch and reducing feelings of detachment. Moreover, this functionality proves useful for signaling when the user is capturing photos or videos with the headset.

(image: apple.com)

In contrast, the HoloLens 2 presents a bulkier and more industrial aesthetic. Constructed primarily from plastic, it encompasses a visor that covers the wearer's eyes and forehead, accompanied by a headband that securely wraps around the head. The device is further equipped with cameras and sensors positioned on the front and sides, lending it a more robotic semblance.

(image: wired)

Comfort

Both devices are designed to be comfortable and adjustable for different head sizes and shapes. The Apple Vision Pro weighs about 300 grams, while the HoloLens 2 weighs about 566 grams. The weight difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the user’s comfort and fatigue over long periods of use.

Vision Pro Vs HoloLens 2: Display and Audio

Both devices showcase impressive and innovative displays and audio capabilities, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Display

(image: clubic)

* The Apple Vision Pro excels in offering a higher resolution and wider field of view (FOV), resulting in enhanced visual realism and immersion. However, these features may consume more battery power and necessitate more processing power compared to the HoloLens 2.

* The HoloLens 2 provides a lower resolution and narrower FOV, which may limit the visual realism and immersion but can conserve battery power and require less processing power.

Audio Quality

Both devices provide audio of excellent quality with spatial characteristics, but they diverge in terms of their systems and the effects they produce.

HoloLens 2 hardware (image: Microsoft Learn)

* The Apple Vision Pro boasts eight speakers that envelop the user's ears, creating more directional and immersive sound effects.

* The HoloLens 2 features two speakers positioned above the ears, resulting in less directional and immersive sound effects.

Let's explore the opinions and experiences of experts and reviewers regarding the audio quality of these devices:

* “The audio on the Apple Vision Pro is amazing. It feels like you are in a movie theater or a concert hall, with sound coming from all directions. You can also hear people’s voices clearly and naturally, even when they are far away or behind you.” – TechCrunch

* “The audio on the HoloLens 2 is decent. It creates some spatial sound effects, but they are not very immersive or realistic. You can also hear people’s voices, but they sound muffled and distorted, especially when they are far away or behind you.” – The Verge

Vision Pro Vs HoloLens 2: Interaction and Control

(image: apple.com)

The Apple Vision Pro stands out from the HoloLens 2 due to its eye-tracking feature. With this feature, you can conveniently control the icons on the virtual desktop by simply directing your gaze, resulting in easier and faster access to apps and functions. Moreover, eye contact can be utilized for communication with other users or avatars in social or collaborative apps.

(image: techradar)

The HoloLens 2 employs hand-tracking technology, providing a more familiar and conventional method that aligns with user habits and preferences.

Vision Pro Vs HoloLens 2: Battery Life

Both the Apple Vision Pro and the HoloLens 2 come with external battery packs that connect to the headsets using USB-C cables. However, they differ in terms of battery capacity and usage duration.

(image: iStock)

The Apple Vision Pro features a 10,000 mAh battery pack that can support up to two hours of usage on a full charge. Additionally, the battery pack supports wireless charging, allowing you to charge it using any Qi-compatible charger. It's also possible to use the device while it's connected to a power source, providing extended usage throughout the day.

(image: The Verge)

The HoloLens 2 is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery pack that can support up to three hours of usage on a full charge. Unlike the Apple Vision Pro, the battery pack for the HoloLens 2 does not support wireless charging. To charge it, you will need to connect it to a power source using a USB-C cable. Similar to the Apple Vision Pro, the HoloLens 2 can also be used while it's connected to a power source, allowing for all-day usage.

Conclusion: Vision Pro Vs HoloLens 2

Here is a summary outlining the main advantages and disadvantages of each device:

(Source: digitalkuldeep.com)

Based on the information provided, here is our recommendation:

* If you prioritize style, aesthetics, comfort, visual realism, immersion, efficiency, engagement, innovation, and exclusivity, the Apple Vision Pro would be the ideal choice. This device offers a sleek design, high-quality display, impressive audio, intuitive interaction, eye contact feature, compatibility with iOS, and the AirPlay feature. However, please note that you must wait for its release in 2024.

* On the other hand, if durability, functionality, familiarity, accuracy, responsiveness, and availability are more important to you, the HoloLens 2 is a suitable option. This device features a sturdy design, decent display, good audio, conventional interaction, compatibility with Windows, and the Miracast feature. However, it is worth considering that you may need to compromise on factors such as weight, comfort, visual realism, immersion, sound effects, or potential lag and glitches.

We hope this article helps you decide on your AR headset choice. Please feel free to share your thoughts below.

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