Gear VR

The Gear VR is a Samsung-made virtual reality headset which requires a phone to operate - and specifically a Samsung phone. Because the Gear VR is locked to Samsung devices, the choice of compatible handsets is fairly limited – this is not a problem for the Google Daydream View VR headset, which runs with any smartphone that conforms to Google’s minimum spec. The first version of the Gear VR we reviewed was launched alongside the Samsung Galaxy S7 (you got a Gear VR for free if you pre-ordered), while the most recent upgrade came out with the Samsung Galaxy S8. This model has a sleeker design and, more importantly, is much more comfortable to wear. As mentioned, VR purveyors Oculus manufactured the Gear VR, which is why all the headset’s games are on the Oculus store. Samsung phones compatible with the Samsung Gear VR are as follows: Galaxy S9, S9+, Note8, S8, S8+, S7, S7 edge, Note5, S6 edge+, S6, S6 edge, A8, A8+.
If you’re interested in VR and are looking for a new smartphone, then Gear VR should be sufficient reason to turn your head Samsung’s way. You don’t have to spend a fortune, nor will you need a high-spec PC to run any of its games, unlike with the premium Oculus and HTC headsets. This 3rd generation Gear VR is also much more comfortable than previous editions, which means you can play for longer periods of time, and the addition of a motion controller vastly improves the interactivity of the VR experience. The only problem is that the experience isn’t quite as good as on the Oculus Go. The Gear VR is £80 cheaper and the best way to try out virtual reality gaming and video if you have or plan to have a compatible Samsung phone. If not, Oculus’s own headset is the way to go.