Samsung Gear VR - 2017

Overview

For VR newcomers, the new Gear VR with controller is one of the best options on the market and one of the most affordable, at that. If you own the latest Samsung phone, or one released two years ago, this headset/controller combo is the best option available.

-- As reviewed by TechRadar

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 5 expert reviews

Excellent:

2
Good:

2
Average:

1
Bad:

0

7.6

User Score

Based on 186 reviews
as rated by users

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Last revision on November 30, 2021

Reviewers Liked

Excellent, well-made controller
Compatible with Galaxy S6, S7, S8, and Note 5
Highly detailed & crisp visuals using the Galaxy S8
Innovative voice command
Clean, easy-to-use interface
Great head tracking
Affordable

Reviewers Didn't Like

Locked into Oculus' mobile Gear VR software library
Requires a Samsung phone
Few apps officially support controller
Lacks place to store the controller
Non rechargeable controller
"Unfinished" look with the phone strapped into the headset
Lacks any ability to track movement in a room
Larger and more expensive than the Google Daydream View

Competitors and Related Products

Our editors hand-pick related products using a variety of criteria: direct competitors targeting the same market segment, or devices that are similar in size, performance, or feature sets.

Expert reviews and ratings

The revamped Gear VR feels similar to Google's Daydream View VR headset, but its impressive library and software design still make it great for entry-level VR viewing on the go.

By cnet on April 26, 2017

Samsung's Gear VR headset becomes much more usable with a handheld controller, but finding good virtual reality content is frustrating.

By PCMag on April 20, 2017

The Samsung Gear VR offers an easy to-use controller, voice commands and an updated interface for a more immersive virtual reality experience.

By TomsGuide on April 20, 2017

By TechRadar on April 18, 2017

The Gear VR Controller gives Samsung a leg-up over Google’s DayDream View headset -- for now. And as an inexpensive upgrade, it’s something every Gear VR owner will want.

By Engadget on April 18, 2017

For now, keep the faith: Samsung continues to make some of the biggest investments in smartphone-based VR of any manufacturer around, and the experience you enjoy with its Gear VR system only gets better and better as new hardware and software arrives. This latest Controller offers no indication that it will break from that pattern, and we've just got to wait for the apps to catch up with it.

By PhoneArena on April 25, 2017

At the end of the day, the Gear VR continues to be a great platform for those that don’t want to invest in more expensive VR solutions but are looking for something a bit more immersive than you’d get with platforms like Google Cardboard.

By AndroidAuthority on April 18, 2017

Developers will need some time to adapt to the new controller — which itself is compatible going back to the S6 — but it is a very welcome addition especially with that trigger. Multiplayer worlds represent some of the biggest potential lure of VR headsets and Facebook is undoubtedly ahead here. Google is doing some incredible stuff with its apps, but for now Oculus continues to be the best mobile VR solution.

By UploadVR on April 18, 2017

In the core and crust, it is a good move and should be appreciated by everyone or the gamers at least for giving in the perfect virtual experience, easy and handy!

By Pro Geeks Blog on March 30, 2017

Samsung Gear VR - 2017

Overview

Pros & Cons

Reviews

Price: $90

TechSpot Metascore

User Score

Reviewers Liked

Reviewers Didn't Like

Competitors and Related Products

Oculus Rift

HTC Vive

LG 360 VR

PlayStation VR

Expert reviews and ratings