Samsung Gear VR2 came out last August, while Google Daydream View VR is coming out this November 10. Aside from Samsung's issues about its controversial fire-prone device and its latest with its washing machines, fans and critics are excited to know which is better.
There is an article written at Gotta Be Mobile that compares which is better between the two. Here is a brief comparison:
Google Daydream View VR versus Samsung Gear VR: Design
As you may all know by now, the Google Daydream View is not made of cardboard (Thank God!). The two things that were inspired to the Daydream View design are compatibility and comfort. The device is made up of textured fabric with foam padding. Also, because Google wanted to make it simple and easy to use, all the hardware necessary to run the virtual reality experience for the Daydream View is built into compatible phones and will need no cable connections to be made between the headset and phone.
With the Samsung Gear VR, it made use of the display and sensor inside each phone, but had its own ways for the user to interact with the device. Another thing is that unlike the Daydream View, Gear VR needs to be physically connected through USB.
Again with the Samsung Gear VR, the device is mostly hardware, so it is heavier compared to the Daydream View but it claims to cause no discomfort (assessing whether the Gear VR's weight place on an individual's head is heavy or not solely depends on the person wearing). It is also reported that the Daydream View has a remote for you to adjust the settings, whereas the Gear VR has no mandatory controller and everything you need to adjust is built into the device for easier navigation without extra accessories.
Google Daydream View VR versus Samsung Gear VR: Compatibility
The Samsung Gear VR is only compatible with select Samsung Galaxy phones. With the Google Daydream View VR, it is only currently compatible with the Pixel phones. But it confirmed by Google that upcoming mobile phones from Samsung, Alcatel, Asus, HTC, LG and Xiaomi will be compatible with the Daydream View.
The Verdict
Given that Google Daydream VR is new to the scene, it is the one worth buying because it will offer a wide range of compatibility for the upcoming smartphones for this year and next year, making it gather more customers. But for what Samsung plans for next year could be a different ball game if they don't' suffer again from problems concerning their devices like the Galaxy S7 and their washing machines. To know more about Samsung's latest controversy about their devices, here is the link.
Here are more details about the specs between the two devices according to a written article at Digital Trends:
Optical Lens
Daydream View: TBA
Gear VR 2: 101° field of view
Display
Daydream View: Depends on device
Gear VR 2: 2560 x 1440 pixel Super AMOLED
Refresh Rate
Daydream View: Depends on device
Gear VR 2: 60 Hz
Required Hardware
Daydream View: Google Pixel, Pixel XL, and forthcoming Daydream-compatible phone
Gear VR 2: Galaxy Note 5, Note 7, Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, S7, S7 Edge
Sensor
Daydream View: Accelerator, gyrometer, proximity
Gear VR 2: Accelerator, gyrometer, proximity
Focal Adjustment
Daydream View: TBA
Gear VR 2: Focus adjustment wheel
Interpupillary Distance Coverage
Daydream View: TBA
Gear VR 2: 54~70 mm
Physical UI
Daydream View: Motion controller (included)
Gear VR 2: Touchpad, back button, volume key
Connection
Daydream View: Wireless connection
Gear VR 2: USB-Type C and MicroUSB
Dimensions
Daydream View: TBA
Gear VR 2: 201.9 x 116.4 x 92.6 mm
Weight
Daydream View: TBA
Gear VR 2: 310 grams
Color variants
Daydream View: Slate, snow, and crimson
Gear VR 2: Blue black
Price
Daydream View: $79, plus cost of phone
Gear VR 2: $99, plus cost of phone
Availability
Daydream View: Pre-orders available October 20
Gear VR 2: Available Now
