In a VR training simulation, it’s crucial for the experience to look and feel as close to the real environment as possible, particularly in potentially dangerous situations where safety or precision is top of mind.
Choosing the right VR headset that offers that capability is paramount for delivering realistic immersive scenarios where trainees can safely and accurately build critical skills.
The PICO 4 Ultra promises just that — an enhanced mixed-reality experience designed to adapt to a company’s specific XR requirements. What makes it a good fit for enterprise?
The PICO 4 Ultra is one of the most comfortable headsets on the market, perfect for longer training sessions. Visually, it has some of the highest resolution, low distortion, and minimal lag. The seamless user experience is ideal for companies that call for detailed XR experiences. The latest release from PICO rivals the Meta Quest 3 headset as one of the top choices for immersive enterprise training.
In this ArborXR review, we’ll walk through the key features and considerations businesses should keep in mind about the PICO 4 Ultra.
Key Features
- Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 processor (comparable to Quest 3)
- Wi-Fi 7 supports low latency and fast data transfer
- Dual 32 MP color pass-through cameras with improved depth perception
- Rear-mounted battery, creating a comfortable, well-balanced fit
- Improved display calibration (larger “sweet spot”)
A Detailed Look at the PICO 4 Ultra
PICO 4 Ultra’s Visual Quality
VR training programs that teach manufacturing skills, healthcare techniques, and countless other hard skills need a headset that renders complicated 3D scenarios seamlessly. Whether it’s construction tutorials, patient care, or any number of scenarios that require safety training, you need to provide realistic immersive experiences. It’s essential that the visuals in-headset are as detailed as they are in real life while allowing the user to track their own movement with ease.
That said, the PICO 4 Ultra hits the mark. It’s powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 processor, which means a quicker response time, clearer visuals, and even more power efficiency—ideal for VR training that requires significant 3D detail.
The device’s mixed reality pass-through seamlessly blends VR and the surrounding environment, allowing the user to feel grounded during long training sessions. This is thanks to the dual 32 MP color passthrough camera (an upgrade from the PICO 4 Enterprise device). Based on our experience, this feature is comparable to the Meta Quest 3.
Additionally, The PICO 4 Ultra’s low latency, higher depth perception, and improved contrast/color rendering allow for very smooth performance of tasks that require precise movements and hand-eye coordination.
Another factor we take into consideration is the display quality. The “sweet spot,” as we call it, is the section in the user’s field of view where visuals are clear and sharp without having to shift the device. We noticed that the PICO 4 Ultra has a wide sweet spot, offering a more realistic and immersive experience that is perfect for enterprise training.
PICO 4 Ultra’s Comfort and Design
The comfort of a headset can make or break a person’s VR experience. Poor comfort can disrupt training, interrupt immersion, and even cause fatigue. The PICO 4 Ultra features a rear-mounted battery, which helps distribute the weight more evenly across the user’s head. This can potentially reduce fatigue in longer sessions. It’s also worth noting the headset has a smaller facebox (165 mm), which enhances immersion, but may not be the best fit for people with larger faces.
PICO 4 Ultra Notable Features
When choosing a headset for enterprise training, there are certain features that can make the experience more seamless and intuitive for users. Let’s review a couple notable factors that differentiate the PICO 4 Ultra from other headsets on the market.
Wi-Fi 7
The PICO 4 Ultra supports Wi-Fi 7 technology – enabling businesses to take advantage of fast data transfer rates and low latency. This should make for a more reliable, speedy experience for users with demanding high-bandwidth VR applications, as opposed to the Meta Quest 3 and HTC VIVE, which only supports Wi-Fi 6E.
Battery Life
The extended battery life of the PICO 4 Ultra (around 3 hours per charge) is ideal for enterprise training programs that call for longer, uninterrupted sessions, comparable to most HTC VIVE headsets. It enables users to experience mixed reality training without the need for frequent charging. The Meta Quest 3 battery life hovers around 2 hours for more intensive applications.
Pancake Lenses
Pancake lenses allow for less distortion, which is critical for detailed, realistic training environments. For technical skills in industries like healthcare, industrial, and more – pancake lenses provide clear visuals, which can impact learning outcomes. Additionally, pancake lenses are positioned closer to the display, which reduces the size and weight of the headset. The compact design lessens fatigue during long VR training sessions. The PICO 4 Ultra and Meta Quest 3 both utilize pancake lenses, which also creates a slimmer design compared to older headsets. The lighter-weight headset reduces fatigue in longer training sessions.
Controller & Hand Tracking
The PICO 4 Ultra controllers are slimmer and more lightweight than competitors like the Meta Quest 3, which features a bulkier design. PICO’s enhanced ergonomics create a more comfortable grip during long training sessions. In regards to hand tracking, the PICO features advanced haptic feedback and positional tracking for more realistic interactions, similar to the Meta Quest.
Motion Tracker Accessory
The Motion Trackers, designed as ankle attachments, are one of the most exciting accessories offered by PICO. The trackers are simple and intuitive to set up, and yield fast and accurate response times. It works seamlessly with PICO’s infrared tracking, making them well-suited for full-body VR training experiences.
Technical Specifications
Below is a table featuring all of the technical features of the headset.
| Feature | Specifications |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| RAM & Storage | 12 GB RAM (LPDDR5) + 256 GB Storage (UFS 3.1) |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be), Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Mixed Reality Sensors | 2x 32 MP color passthrough cameras, 1x iToF depth-sensing camera, 4x environment tracking cameras |
| Display | 2x 2.56-inch screens at 2,160 × 2,160 pixels, 1200 PPI |
| Rendering Resolution | 1920 × 1920 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Optics | Pancake lenses, 105° FOV, 20.6 PPD |
| IPD Adjustment | 58 mm–72 mm |
| Audio | Dual stereo speakers, 4 microphones, spatial audio recording support |
| Battery | 5,700 mAh rated capacity (5774 mAh typical) |
| Charging | QC 4.0 / PD 3.0 support, 45W fast charging |
| Controllers & Tracking | Supports hand tracking; controllers have a ring free design powered by the Centaur multi-modal algorithm and HyperSense broadband linear motors. |
PICO 4 Ultra Pricing Compared
PICO 4 Ultra
On average, the PICO 4 Ultra ranges from $950 to $1,050 depending on region.
Meta Quest 3
The Meta Quest 3 is $499.99 USD with controllers for the 128GB model, and $649 for the 512GB model.
Lenovo ThinkReality VRX
The Lenovo ThinkReality VRX generally costs between $1,299 and $1,499.
HTC VIVE Pro 2
The HTC VIVE Pro 2 costs around $799 to $1,199.
PICO 4 Ultra on ArborXR
Scaling VR Deployments
Enterprise companies need an MDM solution like ArborXR when launching a fleet of PICO devices for centralized control, remote management, installing content and more.
Supported Capabilities
Here are a few support features offered for PICO devices on the ArborXR platform.
Supported Settings in ArborXR Home & ArborXR Kiosk Mode
- Shortcut to launch boundary
- Wi-Fi settings
- Shortcut to launch device native casting
- Shortcut to launch device native Bluetooth
Supported Features in ArborXR Home & ArborXR Kiosk Mode
Supported Input Methods in ArborXR Home & ArborXR Kiosk Mode
- Controllers
- Gaze
Remote Management & Configuration: Content
- App installs & uninstalls, including .obb support
- File installs & uninstalls
- WebXR Links
- Schedule Content Updates
Remote Management & Configuration: Settings
Remote Management & Configuration: Actions
For the full list of features supported on ArborXR, visit our Help Center.
ArborXR Takeaways
To recap, the PICO 4 Ultra is a powerful, cutting-edge headset. It’s a compelling option for businesses looking to launch a VR pilot or scale their existing training program. The seamless blend of mixed realities makes it easier for users to navigate their physical surroundings while in the headset. It uses the most advanced processor on the market today, the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, allowing users to enjoy sharper visuals and minimal lag. While some companies may not have WiFi 7 infra, those that do, will benefit from ultra-fast wireless capability and extremely low latency. All of that, plus the top-tier passthrough features make it a versatile headset for business applications across several industries.
If you need help procuring PICO devices for your enterprise training program, set up a meeting with one of our XR solutions specialists.