Samsung Gear VR FAQs
The virtual reality headset in the middle of the very low end Google Cardboard and the high end Oculus Rift. Samsung’s Gear VR is a mobile VR headset to get.
How is Samsung Gear VR different from Google Cardboard?
Google Cardboard is just an easy introduction to virtual reality with little to no cost in making or getting the device. It heavily relies on a smartphone’s capabilities and processing to render VR. The Samsung Gear VR on the other hand have it’s own helping accurate sensors.
Because of the Gear VR’s accuracy and speed in tracking, what you see looks as if it exists outside the headset, whereas with Cardboard, you know you’re looking at images that exist only in the headset. The Gear VR is much more immersive.
How is Samsung Gear VR different from Google Daydream?
Google Daydream is a virtual reality platform from Google. It is the same with Samsung Gear VR but Google Daydream seems to have no positional tracking.
Which phones are compatible with Samsung Gear VR?
Only Samsung smartphones are compatible with the Samsung Gear VR. They are:
- Samsung Galaxy S7
- Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5
- Samsung Galaxy S6
- Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge
S6 Active and S7 Active are not compatible with any Gear VR.
Can I use other Android smartphones or an iPhone with Samsung Gear VR?
No. The Samsung Gear VR uses the micro USB port to access the phone when it’s inside the headset. iPhones and other smartphones with the same size as the listed Samsung Galaxy smartphone may fit inside the Gear VR, it won’t work as well.
Can I use a smartphone with a case inside the Samsung Gear VR?
No. You have to remove the case/armor first. This is why Galaxy Active versions of Samsung Smartphones won’t be able to fit because of the space restrictions.
How do I get the best experience with Gear VR?
- If using the Consumer Edition, make sure the phone is perfectly level on the headset. If it is not level, you will feel cross-eyed.
- Use a swivel chair
- Use earbuds or headphones
- Put in airplane mode; activate do not disturb
- Close all the apps
- DO NOT use power saving mode on your phone. It will noticeably degrade the Gear VR’s performance.
How do you avoid overheating?
The Gear VR is processor intensive and your phone will heat up when you use the Gear VR. When the phone is nearly overheating, you’ll notice that there is occasional judder. If you keep going, you’ll see a popup message warning you that the phone is overheating.
To avoid overheating, do either of these:
- Remove the cover and play with a fan blowing at you; or
- If you have the Consumer edition (or the Note 4 Innovator), you can insert a refrigerated 3×5 cold gel pack in between the phone and the front cover. You may need to switch out the gel pack to a fresh one now and then.
How do you avoid the phone battery getting depleted?
Plug in your USB charger to the bottom of the Gear VR, where there is a pass-through USB port (on both the Innovator S6 and the Consumer; not sure about the Innovator Note4). While using the Gear VR with a charger, it won’t deplete your phone’s battery. The pass-through port requires an original Samsung charger or else it won’t charge.
