HP's original Reverb was HP's second WMR headset, and it brought a crisp resolution, comfortable build, and robust audio. Now, HP is back with a redesigned Reverb G2 that was created in conjunction with Valve and Microsoft. Let's take a look at its tech specifications and how they compare to some other popular VR systems available now.
HP Reverb G2
Expected Fall 2020
With a crisp, high resolution, comfortable fit, and redesigned audio, the HP Reverb G2 is no doubt an attractive option for anyone who wants the clearest picture possible.
HP Reverb G2 tech specs comparison
HP Reverb G2
| Category | Reverb G2 |
|---|---|
| Display | Dual 2.89-inch LCD |
| Resolution | 4320x2160 (combined) 2160x2160 (per eye) |
| FOV | Approx. 114 degrees |
| Refresh rate | Up to 90Hz |
| IPD | Manual |
| Audio | Integrated |
| Tracking | Inside-out Four cameras 6DoF |
| Cable | Six meters DisplayPort, USB |
| Weight | From 1.1 pounds (0.50kg) |
| Price | $600 |
| Release | Fall 2020 |
Valve Index
| Category | Reverb G2 | Valve Index |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Dual 2.89-inch LCD | Dual 3.5-inch LCD |
| Resolution | 4320x2160 (combined) 2160x2160 (per eye) | 2880x1600 (combined) 1440x1600 (per eye) |
| FOV | Approx. 114 degrees | Approx. 130 degrees |
| Refresh rate | Up to 90Hz | Up to 144Hz |
| IPD | Manual | Manual |
| Audio | Integrated Physical headphones | Integrated Physical headphones |
| Tracking | Inside-out Four cameras 6DoF | External SteamVR Tracking 2.0 Up to 33x33 feet 6DoF |
| Cable | Six meters DisplayPort, USB | Six meters DisplayPort, USB |
| Weight | From 1.1 pounds (0.50kg) | From 1.78 pounds (0.81kg) |
| Price | $600 | From $499 |
Samsung Odyssey+
| Category | Reverb G2 | Samsung Odyssey+ |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Dual 2.89-inch LCD | Dual 3.5-inch AMOLED |
| Resolution | 4320x2160 (combined) 2160x2160 (per eye) | 2880x1600 (combined) 1440x1600 (per eye) |
| FOV | Approx. 114 degrees | Approx. 110 degrees |
| Refresh rate | Up to 90Hz | Up to 90Hz |
| IPD | Manual | Manual |
| Audio | Integrated Physical headphones | Integrated Physical headphones |
| Tracking | Inside-out Four cameras 6DoF | Inside-out Two cameras 6DoF |
| Cable | Six meters DisplayPort, USB | Four meters HDMI, USB |
| Weight | From 1.1 pounds (0.50kg) | From 1.31 pounds (0.59kg) |
| Price | $600 | $535 |
Oculus Rift S
| Category | Reverb G2 | Oculus Rift S |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Dual 2.89-inch LCD | Single LCD |
| Resolution | 4320x2160 (combined) 2160x2160 (per eye) | 2560x1440 (combined) 1280x1440 (per eye) |
| FOV | Approx. 114 degrees | Approx. 90 degrees |
| Refresh rate | Up to 90Hz | Up to 80Hz |
| IPD | Manual | Software |
| Audio | Integrated Physical headphones | Integrated Headband |
| Tracking | Inside-out Four cameras 6DoF | Inside-out Five cameras 6DoF |
| Cable | Six meters DisplayPort, USB | Five meters DisplayPort, USB |
| Weight | From 1.1 pounds (0.50kg) | From 1.1 pounds (0.50kg) |
| Price | $600 | $399 |
Oculus Quest
| Category | Reverb G2 | Oculus Quest |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Dual 2.89-inch LCD | Dual 3.5-inch OLED |
| Resolution | 4320x2160 (combined) 2160x2160 (per eye) | 3200x1440 (combined) 1600x1440 (per eye) |
| FOV | Approx. 114 degrees | Approx. 90 degrees |
| Refresh rate | Up to 90Hz | Up to 72Hz |
| IPD | Manual | Manual |
| Audio | Integrated Physical headphones | Integrated Headband |
| Tracking | Inside-out Four cameras 6DoF | Inside-out Four cameras 6DoF |
| Cable | Six meters DisplayPort, USB | Standalone |
| Weight | From 1.1 pounds (0.50kg) | 1.26 pounds (0.57kg) |
| Price | $599 | $399 |
HTC Vive Cosmos
| Category | Reverb G2 | HTC Vive Cosmos |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Dual 2.89-inch LCD | Dual 3.5-inch LCD |
| Resolution | 4320x2160 (combined) 2160x2160 (per eye) | 2880x1700 (combined) 1440x1700 (per eye) |
| FOV | Approx. 114 degrees | Approx 110 degrees |
| Refresh rate | Up to 90Hz | Up to 90Hz |
| IPD | Manual | Manual |
| Audio | Integrated Physical headphones | Integrated Physical headphones |
| Tracking | Inside-out Four cameras 6DoF | Inside-out Six cameras External SteamVR Tracking 6DoF |
| Cable | Six meters DisplayPort, USB | 4.5 meters DisplayPort, USB |
| Weight | From 1.1 pounds (0.50kg) | 1.55 pounds (0.7kg) |
| Price | $599 | $899 |
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Compared to the original Reverb, the Reverb G2 has a bunch of improvements designed in tandem with Valve and Microsoft. From Executive Editor Daniel Rubino's announcement post, here are some of the major improvements you can expect:
- Valve-designed lenses: Valve is bringing its expertise in VR lens making to the Reverb G2, delivering reduced mural, 2160 x 2160 LCD panels per eye at 90Hz. Text and textures are supposed to be more precise with a 114-degree field of view (FOV).
- Manual IPD adjust: Users can now use a wheel to adjust the interpupillary distance (IPD).
- Four-camera tracking: two new cameras on the side aide in motion detection and the two front-facing ones. This change gives 1.4x more movement capture over Reverb G1.
- New controllers: New optimized button layout that more closely resembles a gaming controller. The design is more ergonomic, and is it supposed to be more natural.
- New headphones: Reverb G2 has built-in headphones like the previous model, but these are newly designed and sit 10mm off the ear for more comfort, making them "more spatial audio ready." HP claims they use its new spatial audio format "anchored in artificial intelligence, new signal processing, and psychoacoustics." The headphones are still removable, too, in case you want to use your own. Microphones are still built-in and unchanged.
The HP Reverb G2 is expected to be released Fall 2020. Preorders are available now for about $600. This price includes the headset and two motion controllers. If you're looking for a deeper comparison dive, be sure to have a look at our Valve Index vs. HP Reverb G2 post with much more information.
HP Reverb G2
Expected Fall 2020
With a crisp, high resolution, comfortable fit, and redesigned audio, the HP Reverb G2 is no doubt an attractive option for anyone who wants the clearest picture possible.
Cale Hunt is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on laptop reviews, news, and accessory coverage. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.
