Back in September, ByteDance which is the parent company of PICO, officially launched the PICO 4 Ultra in the Malaysian market. An upgraded version of the PICO 4 VR headset which was launched in 2022, the PICO 4 Ultra sports various upgrades like the new Qualcomm XR 2 Gen2 chipset.

The PICO 4 Ultra is an excellent choice for a VR headset, as it offers an immersive experience with the latest technology and user-friendly design. But how does it perform, and is it worth buying? Read on to find out.

The standard device only package

Setting up the room capture

The PICO 4 Ultra features a modern and stylish design with a lightweight build. Its weight of about 586 grams makes it comfortable to wear, and suitable for long sessions without causing fatigue. When putting it on for the first time, our first impression was that it felt very comfortable.

The headset has an adjustable headband and soft cushioning around the lens to provide more comfortable wear for those long gaming sessions. Those who wear glasses may feel a little uncomfortable at first though. After adjusting the position of the headset, it gets better. However, those who wear glasses may want to get prescription lenses through PICO for the headset instead. This would mean paying more but could be necessary for the best wear comfort and viewing experience.

Non-prescription lenses are the default

The headset connects to a comfortable cushion for the back of your head

Speaking of lenses, the PICO 4 Ultra's lenses are attached to two high-quality displays with a resolution of 1920 × 2160. The two displays combine to output a 3840 x 2160 resolution screen that provides exceptional clarity and detail. It delivers sharp detail, bright colours and high contrast in games and virtual environments. Overall, we have no complaints about the visual experience.

On top of that, the display has a refresh rate of 90Hz for smoother movement. This makes the visuals in VR games look smoother and reduces any discomfort you may feel if you turn your head too quickly. In addition, the 105-degree viewing angle adds to the sense of immersion, so it really feels like we're in a virtual world.

Immerse yourself in the world of VR

New controller design

This VR headset has features that enhance functionality and usability. An example is Hand Tracking, which allows you to interact more naturally with the virtual environment without needing the controllers. This feature is handy for creativity or social interaction apps, as it feels more intuitive for users.

Now, let's move on to the gaming part. The PICO 4 Ultra supports various games and our experience playing games with it was pretty good. We tried several popular titles including action and adventure games and social simulations. The graphics offered were so good because the headset takes advantage of the display's high resolution in each game.

This Angry Birds VR game has its own special features

Play football with All-in-One VR and the motion trackers!

It's like the hologram tech you'd see in movies! (Game title: Demeo)

One of the games we played with the headset was Angry Bird, which is a casual game but requires precision in movement and strategy. With precise and responsive tracking, you can feel every pull of the slingshot and the satisfaction of releasing it vividly. The spatial audio system also provides realistic sound effects.

We also tried "PICO Worlds", a social game that allows users to interact with other players in a virtual environment. The hand-tracking feature allowed us to move and interact naturally without having to use a controller. This results in a more natural VR experience, making us feel like we're interacting with the virtual world in an 'organic' way.

The PICO Motion Tracker Package costs an extra RM399 though

Motion Tracker when worn

Besides hand tracking, the PICO 4 Ultra has an optional accessory set - the PICO Motion Tracker. Weighing a total of around 27g, the PICO Motion Tracker package uses 12 infrared sensors to provide users with 6 degrees of freedom (6DoF) tracking. It also incorporates an AI tracking algorithm to track 24 different skeleton points. The smooth body tracking allows for free movement in virtual space and makes games more fun.

The Motion Tracker is definitely very useful for games that require precise movements such as dance or fighting games. Since it can better capture every hand and body movement, you can interact with the virtual world more naturally. Of course, this Motion Tracker set comes at an extra cost of RM399. However, it would be worth it if you love games that require more movement.

USB-C port for charging

Now with 2 AA battery slots!

An important aspect of a VR headset is the battery life and the PICO 4 Ultra didn't disappoint in this regard. The headset's battery has a capacity of 5700mAh that can last between 3 to 4 hours with normal use. Of course, the battery life depends on what game you're playing. Since VR gaming uses more energy than traditional gaming, where you play with a keyboard and mouse, the battery life for the PICO 4 Ultra is more than enough.

If that's not enough, the PICO 4 Ultra also has 45W fast charging. This allows for an 80% charge in just 38 minutes and a full charge in about an hour. However, it is important to plan your VR gaming sessions and how much battery charge you would need in advance. After all, you won't want the battery to die when you're getting into the mood.

Power button

Built-in speaker

Lastly, let's discuss some weaknesses in the PICO 4 Ultra headset. Although the PICO ecosystem is growing, it still lags behind established platforms like the Oculus, at least in terms of games and app availability. You may find that some popular titles are not available to the PICO 4 Ultra, which limits your choice of games.

Also, the initial setup of the PICO 4 Ultra can be quite complex for those new to the VR world. You might find it challenging to complete the installation process alone, especially when configuring the device for the first time. A smoother installation process will go a long way to improving the user experience, especially for those less experienced with VR technology, so we can only hope PICO works on that.

Heat vents for the headset

Another heat vent on the bottom

Another con is the price for the PICO 4 Ultra, which now retails for RM2799 for the base set. As it is, this is a premium VR headset that may deter some users with a limited budget. While its features and performance may justify the price for serious gamers and VR enthusiasts, casual users may feel it's too big of an investment compared to more affordable options.

Having said that, the PICO 4 Ultra is an exceptional VR headset with advanced tech and user-friendly features. It's great for its high resolution, smooth performance and innovative capabilities such as hand tracking, which promises a more realistic experience.

Volume control button

The strap is adjustable and the dial on the front can be used to tighten the headset

If you consider those important, then the PICO 4 Ultra is a headset you should consider. However, it does have a smaller game and app library, complex installation, and a relatively heavy price tag of RM2799. Whether it's worth the price is up to you to decide.

Of course, you can also opt for alternatives like the Meta Quest 3, which retails for around RM2299 in Malaysia. There are also options like the HTC Vive series, but those are available here and don't have enough of an advantage in features or value to compete.

The PICO 4 Ultra is not just an ordinary VR headset, it's a device that delivers something you won't get with a PC and standard monitor. Whether you want to explore virtual landscapes, play immersive games or produce creative works, the PICO 4 Ultra can deliver a truly different experience.

Main menu with 3D wallpaper

The view when you have the menu opened

So, what do you think of the PICO 4 Ultra? Would you be interested in picking up this VR headset? Let us know in the comments on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave for more reviews like this.

PICO 4 Ultra tech specs and features:

• A pair of 2.56-inch pancake lenses with 3840 x 2160 pixels (1920 x 2160 pixels for each lens), 90Hz refresh rate
• Mixed reality: 2 x 32MP colour path cameras, iTOF depth sensor and four environment tracking cameras
• 105-degree viewing angle
• Qualcomm XR2 chipset
• 12GB of RAM
• 256GB storage
• Wi-Fi 7 support, dual-band 2.4GHz or 5GHz
• Bluetooth 5.3 support
• Dual stereo speakers, microphone, spatial audio system
• 5700 mAh battery
• 45W fast charging
• PICO OS 5.0 operating system

Pros: Bright and sharp visuals, very comfortable to wear, and excellent tracking capabilities for a more natural gaming experience

Cons: Limited app ecosystem, possible discomfort for users with glasses, and a more premium price tag than before

Conclusion: A worthwhile choice for those who are serious about VR