The easiest and cheapest way to immerse yourself in the virtual world is to use virtual reality glasses for smartphones. Today you can easily purchase both a very inexpensive cardboard model and an advanced VR helmet with a bunch of different settings. How to choose and configure VR glasses? How to check compatibility and choose the right smartphone? In this article we will look at all these issues in detail.
What are VR glasses and virtual reality
Virtual reality (artificial reality, English virtual reality, VR) is an artificial world created by software, demonstrated to a person using technical devices through his senses: vision, hearing, touch, smell. In virtual reality, it is possible to control the actions of a character, move objects, and receive feedback from what is happening.
Virtual reality glasses ( VR BOX) are a VR helmet that is placed on the viewer’s head and transports him to the virtual world. This could be a game in which you need to fight zombies, a virtual tour of a museum, or something else. It’s not for nothing that the technology was called virtual reality; it creates a complete sense of presence. Without leaving your home, you can visit anywhere in the world or find yourself in an imaginary world.
Virtual reality glasses for smartphone
Why do you need VR glasses for a smartphone?
The VR helmet must have a display that shows the image. In the case of a phone, the gadget itself plays the role of the screen. The smartphone is installed in the VR Box, and in total it becomes a device for demonstrating the virtual world. How do virtual reality glasses work? To answer this question, consider their design and principle of operation.
How VR glasses for phones work
To create a virtual reality helmet you will need:
- VR Box for smartphone.
- Smartphone.
- Installing software - application or game.
Let's see how a virtual reality helmet for a mobile phone works:
VR glasses device for phone
Essential elements:
- The slot for installing a phone is located at the farthest part from the eyes. Has fastenings for secure fixation of the gadget.
- Lenses – designed to focus vision on the screen. This detail is necessary because the display is located close to the eyes. There is no way to concentrate your gaze without lenses.
- Housing – prevents light and the appearance of foreign objects from entering the field of view. In simpler models it may be absent.
- Face pad and head mount – for easy fixation on the head. These elements may also not be present in simple models. In this case, the glasses are simply pressed to the face with your hands.
So, the phone is mounted in front of the eyes, and the lenses focus the gaze on the display. The screen displays an image in VR format, which is divided into two parts - for the left and right eyes.
VR viewing mode on a smartphone
Thanks to the design feature, each eye sees only the image intended for it. The human brain processes the information received from each eye and combines it into one image. Thanks to this, a stereoscopic effect is created. We get the same result when watching 3D films in a cinema. Only there the separation of images for the eyes is achieved through filters in 3D glasses.
Interaction with the world of virtual reality occurs through the phone’s built-in sensors - a gyroscope and an accelerometer. Therefore, when you turn or tilt your head, the image in vr glasses moves in the same direction. This gives an additional sense of reality.
Some models of glasses have a functional button that allows you to perform an action - start a game, fire a shot, pause a video. If there is no such button, you can connect a bluetooth remote control or joystick to your phone.
How to choose virtual reality glasses for your smartphone
When choosing vr glasses, first of all you need to pay attention to the supported screen size (diagonal length in inches). In other words, which smartphone will fit into this vr box. Some glasses models are made for specific mobile phones. In this case, they can only be used with one phone model.
There are many offers on the market; our review of the most popular virtual reality glasses for smartphones will help you choose the right model.
Many VR helmets are universal and have the ability to adjust the mount to a given display diagonal. In most cases, a screen size of 4-5.7 inches is suitable. This range makes it possible to use many popular phones.
Universal VR glasses for phones
Otherwise, the functionality of VR glasses is selected to suit your own needs. It can be:
- Built-in acoustics or the ability to connect your own headphones.
- Various smartphone mounts.
- Options for adjusting glasses (more on this below).
- Availability of control buttons.
- Other design features.
By the way, VR glasses like Cardboard from Google can be made independently from cardboard using a template.
Which phone is suitable for VR - tips for choosing
Let us immediately note that all popular operating systems are suitable - Android, iOS, Windows Mobile. When choosing a smartphone, you should pay great attention to the display and the presence of the necessary sensors. A good display is an indicator of a high-quality image when viewing VR content. What should the screen be like?
- The larger the display, the larger the field of view in virtual reality glasses. Just don’t forget about the maximum permissible diagonal size of your VR box.
- The screen resolution must be high. The higher the number of pixels, the less you will notice annoying squares when viewing. A display resolution of 1920×1080 pixels or higher is desirable.
| Phone settings | Optimal VR compatibility | Normal VR compatibility |
| Screen diagonal | 5-5.7 inches | 4-5.7 inches |
| Screen resolution | 1080×1920 (full HD) and higher | 720x1280 (HD) |
| CPU | Quad-core 1.6 GHz and higher | Testing required |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Gyroscope |
Table of optimal smartphone parameters to support VR mode
If only image quality depends on the quality of the screen, then without the necessary sensors, a smartphone is not at all suitable for use in VR mode. What sensors are needed?
- A gyroscope is a device for measuring the angle of inclination relative to three planes.
- An accelerometer is a sensor that measures apparent acceleration. The device signals the smartphone system that it is moving and in what position it is currently located.
Without an accelerometer and gyroscope, the gadget will not be able to track its position in space, which means it will not be possible to read head movement in virtual reality glasses.
How to check your smartphone for virtual reality compatibility
Most likely you already have a touchscreen phone, all that remains is to check whether it is suitable for use with VR glasses or not. To do this, you can use a special application. To find such a program, you need to go to the Play Market (Android) or App Store (iOS - iPhone) and enter the query “VR test” in the search bar. As a result, you will see a range of applications to check compatibility. For example, let’s install the “VR Checker” program on Android.
The operation of the application is extremely simple; after launching, it will automatically perform an analysis and show the result:
Checking your phone for virtual reality compatibility
- Operating system version;
- Display size;
- Screen resolution;
- Availability of necessary sensors.
For testing we used a Xiaomi Redmi 4 pro phone. Even this completely new model produces optimal results.
If the result of your check is positive, you can safely begin choosing suitable VR glasses for your phone.
Selecting VR glasses for individual use
Multifunctional VR glasses are great entertainment for people of all ages. In order not to get confused when making a purchase, you need to study in advance the important characteristics that the model should have. The device kit must be selected based on personal preferences; you should pay attention to the following points:
- Weight.
- Size.
- Lens focus and adjustability.
- Optical quality.
- Availability of face lining.
- There should be minimal or no pressure on the nose.
- Viewing angle.
- The power with which lenses are capable of magnifying.
- Model sound.
- Convenient straps for securing the device on the head.
The price of the product will depend on the set of additional functions and design features, but you cannot save on such equipment, otherwise you will not be able to enjoy your vacation. If you take the purchasing process seriously, virtual reality glasses at home will become one of your favorite leisure activities.
Review of the best models of last year: top 5
The presented brands, as shown by the collection of sales data, became the most popular among consumers. An equally important criterion was the price-quality ratio of the product; user reviews were also taken into account. Thanks to the description of each sample, you can familiarize yourself with the capabilities of a particular device long before going to a specialized store.
HTC Vive
A separate AMOLED display is provided for each eye. When choosing what to watch in VR glasses, the user does not have to worry about the compatibility of the model with the computer OS. Devices from this manufacturer work well with all versions of systems, including Windows, Android and even the PS4 console. Experts consider the product delivery package to be the best in the market in this segment; inside the box you will find all the necessary accessories, including headphones and a high-quality sensor for monitoring a person’s position in space.
New models are always available on the official product websites (the manufacturer may release something new tomorrow).
Lenovo Explorer
To start the process, the owner of the model will need to connect VR glasses to the computer, after which he will be able to enjoy a resolution of 2880×1440, a screen with an indicator of 1440×1440 is allocated for each eye, and the view is 110 degrees. The package includes a maximum set of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity module and magnetometer. For stable and productive work, the manufacturer advises using exclusively powerful personal computers; budget PCs simply cannot handle the device.
Samsung Odyssey line
The main advantage of the gadget was the high video resolution and an almost record-breaking 110-degree picture view. When deciding what you need for VR glasses, it is worth remembering the technical characteristics; it is important that the add-on is perfectly synchronized with the computer OS. In the presented model, you can customize literally everything, from focus to interpupillary distance; the set includes an advanced type headset from AKG.
DJI Goggles
A unique product sample captivates with its stylish design; VR glasses can be used in conjunction with an unmanned vehicle; 2 screens of 1920×1080 each provide good resolution, which reaches a record level of 3840×1080. The viewing angle is not as high as that of previous samples, it is only 85 degrees, and the refresh rate of 60 Hz will also not surprise users. The body has built-in proximity sensors, a gyroscope and an accelerometer; the flight of the drone can be easily controlled by head movements.
Oculus Go
The manufacturer has long established itself as a good product, as evidenced by numerous positive reviews of the device; even the most skeptical fans will be surprised by the performance of the device. The viewing angle is 100 degrees, the overall resolution is 2560x1440, 1280x1440 is allocated for each eye. The device is powered by a Snapdragon 821 chipset and Android 7.1 OS; in addition to the available 32 GB version, there is a 64 GB version.
Official new products are shown here.
Modern virtual reality glasses: a review of today's new products
OCULUS QUEST 2
Vive Pro 2 and Vive Focus 3
Gear VR with joystick
Windows Mixed Reality
How to use VR glasses for your phone
If you already have virtual reality glasses for your smartphone, you just need to follow a few simple steps:
- Download the VR application on your mobile and launch it.
- Place the smartphone in the VR helmet so that the central partition of the glasses is exactly in the middle of the screen. In many applications, special markup appears when launched to facilitate this process.
- Configure your phone for a specific model of VR glasses.
- Set up vr glasses.
- Place the glasses on your head and play.
How to set up a smartphone for virtual reality
Most often you won’t need to set up VR on your phone; you can play and use applications right away. Some programs have the ability to adjust the projection to different models of VR glasses. For example, the Carboard app will require you to specify your version of glasses. Everything happens automatically. To do this, you need to scan the QR code located on the VR box body or in the instructions for use. If there is no code, you can try to find it on the manufacturer's website. After scanning the QR code, all settings will be applied automatically, they are only necessary for Google virtual reality applications.
Example of a QR code for setting up VR on your phone
There is no need to establish a connection between the VR glasses and the smartphone; in fact, they are just a mount for the smartphone on the head. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about how to connect virtual reality glasses to your phone.
How to set up VR glasses
If your VR Box does not have customization options, you can skip this step. In most universal VR glasses, you can use wheels and levers to configure:
Setting up virtual reality glasses for a smartphone
- Distance between lenses.
- Focal length - moving the phone mount or lens forward/backward.
- Changing diopters for different levels of vision.
- Adjusting the head mount.
With these simple steps you can easily adjust virtual reality glasses to your anatomical features.
How to connect a bluetooth gamepad or remote control to VR glasses
You can connect a bluetooth joystick or remote control to your phone. This will make navigation in VR mode much easier. For example, in the player to watch 360 video, you can pause and rewind the video. And in some games, the remote control is simply necessary to perform a number of actions.
Bluetooth remote control for smartphone control in VR mode
Connecting a gamepad is no different from adding any other Bluetooth device. To do this, go to the Bluetooth settings in your mobile, click search for new devices and select the one you need from the list. After pairing, the remote control can be used in VR games and applications.
PC requirements
To connect virtual reality glasses to a computer or laptop, they must have powerful hardware, namely a chipset, video card, RAM, and also have a certain number of specific connectors. Currently, there are models of VR helmets that can work with a built-in graphics adapter, but the functionality is limited to films and photographs. For top-end helmets, the requirements are currently more stringent.
| PC Specifications | HTC Vive | Oculus Rift | Windows Mixed Reality |
| Graphic arts | GeForce GTX 1060 Radeon RX 480 | GeForce GTX 1060 Radeon RX 480 | Intel® HD Graphics 620 |
| Chipset | Intel Core i5-4590 AMD FX 8350 | Intel Core i5-4590 AMD Ryzen 5 1500X | Intel Mobile Core i5 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Interfaces | USB 2.0 (1 output), HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2 | USB 2.0 (1), USB 3.0 (3), HDMI 1.3 | USB 2.0 (1 output), HDMI 1.4, Type-C |
| OS | Windows 7 and above | Windows 7 and above | Windows 7 and above |
| ROM | — | — | HDD 1 Tb or SSD |
Important! It is worth understanding that HTC Vive and Oculus Rift are currently considered the best helmets and place the most stringent requirements on a computer. Therefore, if it has suitable parameters, then other helmet models will be able to interact with it.
Games and applications for VR mode on your phone
To get started, you can watch 360 VR videos on Youtube or download panoramic videos on the Internet and watch them offline through the player application.
The number of applications for VR glasses is growing every day. On Google PLay and the App Store you can easily download both free games and programs for a small fee.
To find an application with VR capabilities, you need to enter “VR” or “Cardboard” in the search bar. As a result, you will see a lot of different programs and games of different genres.
How to use VR glasses on an Android phone:
- Online viewing of VR 180 and 360 videos.
- Players for watching VR videos offline.
- VR games with character control.
- Demo videos and simulators, such as racing, roller coaster rides, etc.
- Virtual travel to sights around the world.
- Educational applications about the structure of the universe and wildlife.
We will devote a separate article to this topic - a review of the most popular games and applications for virtual reality on smartphones.
How to play with VR glasses on a smartphone
In many games, a virtual cursor appears in front of your eyes (a dot in the center of the screen). Management is carried out using it. To make a selection, you need to move the cursor over the desired button or item. Once loaded, the action will be executed.
There are games that require you to tap on the screen. Some models of VR glasses have a button that performs this function. If the glasses do not have a control button, you can use the bluetooth remote control. The action will be performed when you press the corresponding button on the gamepad.
Pros and cons of VR headsets for phones
Pros:
- Low cost compared to virtual reality headsets for computers.
- Easy to use, no need for long connection.
- Compact, all you need is a smartphone and small glasses, such a set can easily be taken with you to visit friends.
Minuses:
- Limited possible actions in virtual reality compared to PC headsets.
- Fewer applications available.
- Nausea and dizziness in sensitive people.
Types of VR glasses
VR virtual reality glasses are divided into three groups. The criterion is the purpose of the devices. The following categories have been developed for 2021:
- Virtual reality helmets for computers and consoles – Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR, Pimax 4K, Deepoon E2, etc.
- Standalone devices – Uranus VR One, Sulon Q, Magicsee M1, VR PRO, etc.
- Phone device – virtual reality glasses VR Shinecon, Baofeng, VR Space, Xiaomi Mi VR, Google Cardboard, Fit VR, VR BOX, Ritech, etc.
conclusions
Given their accessibility and ease of use, VR glasses for smartphones definitely deserve attention. For a small price, you will experience the mysterious world of virtual reality. Virtual reality glasses will become a gaming novelty for you and will involve children in the educational process with interactive opportunities. If you are still wondering whether it is worth buying a VR headset for your smartphone, our answer is YES. By the way, you can make such VR glasses with your own hands, but more on that another time.
Have fun experimenting in the virtual world!
