Being so extravagantly expensive for purchasing the Apple Vision Pro in India and check for its fragility or durability, we have to rely on an expert hardware reviewer from YouTube, Zack Nelson in his YouTube Channel “JerryRigEverything”, and his inputs for understanding the nitty-gritties of the visionary Apple Vision Pro. Though, visionary, it’s still a first Gen product from Apple in its foray into the Virtual and Augmented reality. So Let’s dive in and breakdown Zack’s attempt at Apple Vision Pro’s hardware review.
When Apple first unveiled its Vision Pro virtual reality headset, tech reviewer and YouTube personality Zack Nelson was highly sceptical it could succeed. However, after extensive testing, even this self-proclaimed “diehard Android user” was won over by the exceptionally immersive experience the Vision Pro provides.
Nelson, who reviews tech products on his popular JerryRigEverything YouTube channel, used the Vision Pro for about 2 hours in total. While he focused his analysis on hardware quality and durability, leaving in-depth software testing to other prominent reviewers like iJustine and MKBHD, Nelson came away thoroughly impressed by the Vision Pro’s ability to convince users they are present in virtual environments.
The Video is out on Zack Nelson’s official YouTube channel and can be wacted here:
The key hardware components of the Apple Vision Pro headset
- Dual high-resolution OLED microdisplays with 23 million total pixels for immersive visuals
- M2 and R1 chips to enable responsive tracking and graphics – the R1 chip processes camera/sensor inputs to recreate the real world view inside the headset
- Array of exterior cameras covered by glass shields and interior cameras covered by scratchable plastic laminate
- Removable 3166 mAh battery providing around 2 hours of use per charge before needing to be recharged via a proprietary port
- Internal cooling system with dual turbo fans and metal plates to disperse heat
- Headset frame milled from a single block of aluminum for durability
- Automated motorized lens adjustment mechanism to set interpupillary distance
- Soft knitted detachable headband strap made from 70% recycled yarn
Striking Design Compromised by Fragile Front Screen
Nelson praised the Vision Pro’s comfortable fit courtesy of a soft, cuddly knitted head strap band made from 70% recycled yarn. He described the fabric as extraordinarily plush, akin to being lovingly knitted by “a thousand grandmas.” The Vision Pro’s sturdy yet detachable aluminium frame also houses sizable cooling fans to prevent internal components from overheating during intensive use.
However, Nelson expressed disappointment with the scratchability of the Vision Pro’s front “glass” screen covering the exterior cameras. Rigorous scratch testing revealed this is actually plastic laminated onto glass, not true glass. The laminate scratched at just a Mohs hardness level 3 using items like keys or coins, indicating it could easily sustain permanent damage during everyday use.
Replacing just the front plastic piece costs over $300 even with AppleCare protection. Nelson felt Apple should have used more durable materials given the $3,500 price tag. At minimum, the Vision Pro should ship with a removable screen protector to shield the fragile laminate.
The silver anodized aluminium body itself is precision-milled from a single metal block for maximum durability. The array of exterior cameras feature durable glass shields while the front-facing cameras are covered by the aforementioned scratch-prone plastic laminate.
Powerful Hardware Enables Immersive, High-Fidelity Visuals
Inside, the Vision Pro headset leverages Apple’s latest M2 and R1 silicon to deliver responsive tracking and high-fidelity graphics. The custom R1 chip processes inputs from the device’s multitude of cameras and sensors to digitally recreate the user’s real-world surroundings inside the headset’s dual high-resolution OLED micro displays within just 12 milliseconds.
This lag-free virtual view enables highly convincing experiences like visiting the moon or Mars. Nelson explained that the first time he stood up while wearing the Vision Pro, he instinctively ducked to avoid hitting the virtual displays seemingly hanging just inches in front of his eyes. This involuntary reaction demonstrates how immersive the Vision Pro’s virtual worlds feel compared to previous generations of VR and AR.
Battery Life and Repairability Undermine Premium Cost
However, the Vision Pro’s compact 3,166 mAh removable battery only lasts around 2 hours on a full charge. The proprietary charging port also limits options for third-party battery expansion accessories. Nelson suggests portable power banks from sponsor Anker as one workaround, but having to frequently recharge while immersed in VR diminishes the overall user experience.
Nelson also critiqued Apple’s lack of repairability design given the lofty $3,500 price tag. He discovered no visible exterior screws during his teardown and internally components like the automated lens adjustment mechanism feature tightly integrated parts secured by over a dozen uniquely sized screws.
Professional repair would require painstaking removal of these oddly positioned mini screws. While the Vision Pro delivers a uniquely futuristic user experience today, Nelson believes Apple must address these flaws in future product generations to achieve mainstream success. Accessibility for those with physical impairments should also be improved in future versions with additional input options beyond fingertip taps.
Impressive Yet Polarizing First Step into Immersive Tech
In conclusion, while the Vision Pro has clear room for improvement when it comes to battery life, durability, and repairability, it represents an impressive and polarizing first step for Apple into uncharted product categories beyond smartphones and personal computers.
For Nelson, the Vision Pro’s ability to convince even sceptical long time Android loyalists they are present in virtual environments points to the broader potential of immersive technologies. If Apple can refine the experience and form factor in future iterations to address current compromises, Nelson believes the Vision Pro could revolutionize work and entertainment in unprecedented ways as adoption expands. For now, it offers a compelling glimpse into this emerging frontier.
FAQs on the Apple Vision Pro
What is the Apple Vision Pro?
The Apple Vision Pro is Apple’s first virtual reality/augmented reality headset. It features dual high-resolution displays and spatial audio for an immersive experience.
How much does the Apple Vision Pro cost?
The Apple Vision Pro is priced at $3,500 USD. This includes the headset itself along with the battery pack and charger.
What can you do with the Apple Vision Pro?
The Vision Pro enables virtual reality experiences like visiting new places or playing games. It also has augmented reality capabilities that overlay digital information onto the real world. Examples include visual directions appearing on roads or information about objects around you.
What are the Vision Pro’s display specs?
It has dual OLED microdisplays with a resolution of 23 million pixels total, delivering sharp visuals. The field of view is unspecified but reported to be over 100 degrees for full immersion.
How long does the battery last?
The small 3,166 mAh removable battery provides around 2 hours of use on a full charge. The proprietary charging port unfortunately limits options for battery expansion.
Is the Vision Pro durable?
The aluminum body and headband strap feel premium, but the scratchable plastic front “glass” over the cameras compromises durability. Keys or coins can permanently mark this front piece, which costs over $300 to replace.
Is the Vision Pro repairable?
No. There are no visible screws. Repairing individual components like the lenses requires painstaking removal of over a dozen hidden tiny screws.
