You don't need a Vive or an Oculus Rift. A Galaxy Note 7 will do just fine.
Listen, we get it: You don't have space for an immersive virtual reality experience like the HTC Vive, nor do you want to shell out upwards of $600 for a fancy Oculus Rift setup. Thankfully, you don't have to—at least, not for the headset. If you've already got a high-end flagship in your hands from the likes of Samsung or Google, chances are it's ready for VR.
Right now, Samsung's Gear VR is leading the charge. It's in households and on roller coasters. And it's an affordable $99 for Oculus-blessed virtual reality.
Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
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We have to pick the latest and greatest from Samsung for virtual reality. The Galaxy Note 7 launched alongside Samsung's newly revamped Gear VR headset, which features USB-C, a responsive D-pad button on the unit, and a slightly wider field of view. The Note 7 itself comes with top of the line specifications, including a Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of RAM, as well as a massive 3500 mAh battery. Samsung has also been touting its Vulkan API graphics compatability precisely because it'll make games run more smoothly, which should translate to virtual reality, too. And since it sports a giant 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display, you'll have an easier time with a smartphone that takes up your entire field of vision. The bigger, the better!
Bottom line: If virtual reality is your main concern from your next smartphone, the Note 7 is the one to consider.
One more thing: Samsung is still in the midst of a Note 7 recall. Read up on it before hitting the buy button.
Why the Galaxy Note 7 is the best
Big, beautiful, and well-equipped for virtual reality.
The Galaxy Note 7 is the best precisely because it's fully equipped to deal with all that virtual reality requires: a powerful processor, a capable graphics processor, and enough memory to handle rendering the visuals on screen. It's also worth nothing that Samsung's offers the most established virtual reality ecosystem at the moment. The company has been actively commissioning interactive games and video content for the Gear VR over the years, and it's been pushing headsets as add-ons with every new device launch. The Gear VR will surely be around for a while, and if you're already a Samsung user, it's a great way to become acquainted with virtual reality.
Best battery life
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
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You need a VR machine that can keep you in the zone for a long time. The Galaxy S7 edge's 3600 mAh battery is about two percent larger than the Note 7's, but it lasts that much longer. Every little bit counts when you're in a virtual reality.
Inside, the Galaxy S7 Edge is essentially the same hardware as the rest of the Galaxy family of smartphones that have launched this year. It also offers a beautiful 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display and powerful processor.
Bottom line: If you're scared of the Note 7, try on the Galaxy S7 edge for virtual reality.
One more thing: The Galaxy S7 edge works with the second-gen Gear VR headset, too!
Best Daydream phone
Google Pixel/Pixel XL
We certainly couldn't ignore the fact that Google's Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones are the next big thing to happen to virtual reality. With its launch comes the arrival of Daydream, which is Google's next step into virtual reality. Daydream is a comfortable alternative to Samsung's Gear VR. It's easy to set up, light to wear, and comes in an array of neat colors. You can read more about it here.
The Google Pixel and Pixel XL are the company's newest smartphones. They replace the old Nexus lineup and come with some impressive specifications, including a Snapdragon 821 processor and 4GB of RAM. The biggest difference between the two are their display types. The Pixel features a 5-inch 1080p AMOLED display, while the Pixel XL comes with a 5.5-inch QuadHD AMOLED display. However, both smartphones fit inside the newly announced Daydream VR headset.
Bottom line: We haven't reviewed them yet, but our first impressions were promising. You'd be fine if you decide to be an early adopter of Google's new virtual reality push.
One more thing: If you're curious to try Daydream before the Pixel lands on your doorstep, check to see if your device is already Daydream-ready.
Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
See at AT&T See at T-Mobile See at Verizon See at Sprint See at U.S. Cellular
We have to pick the latest and greatest from Samsung for virtual reality. The Galaxy Note 7 launched alongside Samsung's newly revamped Gear VR headset, which features USB-C, a responsive D-pad button on the unit, and a slightly wider field of view. The Note 7 itself comes with top of the line specifications, including a Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of RAM, as well as a massive 3500 mAh battery. Samsung has also been touting its Vulkan API graphics compatability precisely because it'll make games run more smoothly, which should translate to virtual reality, too. And since it sports a giant 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display, you'll have an easier time with a smartphone that takes up your entire field of vision. The bigger, the better!
Bottom line: If virtual reality is your main concern from your next smartphone, the Note 7 is the one to consider.
One more thing: Samsung is still in the midst of a Note 7 recall. Read up on it before hitting the buy button.
