Headset: Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise

Manufacturer: PICO

Price point: Competitive

Our verdict: 

“The Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise is a great update on the already reliable Pico 4 headset. It’s got all the qualities of its predecessor (from the long battery life to the handy motorised IPD adjustment), but with the added benefits of better passthrough cameras and smaller controllers.” 

Nick Culley, Managing Director at ExR Education

About the Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise

The Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise has been available to purchase in the UK for just over a month. Fresh from its September 2024 release, our Managing Director, Nick Culley, put the upgraded headset to the test – and his thoughts are in.

With 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, there’s no surprise that the Ultra feels nippier. Weighing in at 580g, the headset is slightly lighter than its predecessor but still heavier than its main rival, the Meta Quest 3. With a counterbalanced design, the Ultra offers the same comfort as before, affirming its ‘Designed for Comfort All Day Long’ tagline.

Pico 4 Ultra Review: Key Features

Taking inspiration from the Meta Quest 3, controllers for the Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise come without tracking rings (found on the previous model). It's a particular highlight for Nick.

“The updated, ringless controllers enable even more fidelity with small virtual objects. They retain all the usual buttons you need in VR controllers, plus some extras for in-game menus.”

When reviewing the Pico 4 Ultra, Nick also picked up on:

1. A more realistic sense of depth within the mixed reality content 

“The stereo passthrough cameras offer better clarity when using the headset for activities other than in full VR immersion.”

2. Its ease of use

You can’t deny that the Ultra’s straightforward to use. But it brings so much more than simple set up and a fast-loading OS. 

“Compared to similar headsets on the market, its 5700mAh battery is great. Low battery didn’t cross my mind – it's set up to run for between two and four hours, depending on what you’re using it for.”

3. Value for money

“Given its specifications, the Ultra 4 isn’t priced outrageously. It's come to market with a price tag of just over £600, which feels both appropriate and competitive.”

Using the Pico 4 Ultra for Medical VR Experiences

With easy setup, control, and use, there’s not a lot to dislike about the Pico 4 Ultra. In fact, we'd favour it for live demonstrations of our healthcare VR training films. Firstly, thanks to the ringless controllers which allow much more fidelity when interacting with smaller items, like syringes and needles. Secondly, because its casting feature is so easy. 

“Casting on the Ultra is incredibly robust. Once you’ve set it up correctly, you can trigger it outside the headset. Using a local webpage, a remote viewer can jump into what the primary user is seeing, rather than having to navigate through menus. It’s these smaller, but no less significant, details that stand the Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise apart.”

What We Don't Like

Yes, there’s not a lot to dislike. But that doesn’t mean the headset comes without its qualms. 

“Like HTC, PICO keep their consumer and enterprise stores separate. So, the Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise's app library feels considerably limited.  It's certainly a tool for work.”

If you’re looking to use the Pico 4 Ultra for the sole purpose of gaming, then it’s a consideration not to take lightly. But in the case of ExR Education, the headset is there to immerse users in medical VR training and scenarios (they’re free if you have an NHS login, too).

Is the Pico 4 Ultra Worth it?

“In a word, absolutely.”

The Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise is an all-round headset that can be used for a variety of applications and comes with an attractive price tag. Though it’s only recently become available in the UK, conversation around the headset largely celebrates it as a competitor to the advanced Meta Quest 3 – something that’s needed in the world of VR headsets.

“Competition drives innovation, so the years (if not months) to come should bring an era of VR technology we can only begin to imagine.”

What’s Next for VR?

The future of VR is certainly bright, and we’re proud to be at the fore of it within the healthcare and medical sectors. Learn more about what we do by speaking to our friendly team.