Lenovo Thinkreality VRX vs Lynx R1: Which is the best mixed reality headset?

The competition for the best mixed reality headsets is narrowing, making the decision of the best MR headset hard to find.In this comparison, Lenovo Thinkreality VRX vs Lynx R1 will go head-to-head, helping you determine the right mixed reality headset for you before they release.

In this comparison article, we will cover the following points:

Pros and Cons

Pros of the Lenovo Thinkreality VRX vs Lynx R1

Specifications Comparison

Design and comfort of the Lynx R1 vs Lenovo ThinkReality VRX

Lynx R1 and Lenovo ThinkReality VRX both adopt the Halo strap. A choice that most users prefer for its comfort, look, and convenience of taking the VR headset on and off.

A lot of people don’t want to put it [VR headsets with a top strap] on because it may mess up their hair

Jason McGuigan, Head of Commercial for Virtual Reality for Lenovo

Consequently, Lenovo made it a priority to design their headset using the Halo strap. The downside is the weight can be centralized on the user’s forehead and nose, making the headset uncomfortable for long periods. For now, it is too early to tell if either Lynx R1 or Lenovo ThinkReality VRX suffers from this common issue.

The Lenovo ThinkReality VRX VR headset has a matte black and industrial design, echoing Lenovo’s other products. Interestingly, despite the pancake lens enabling a slimmer form factor, Lenovo chose a boxier look to stand out.

Alternatively, Lynx R1 uses a different lens stack which means that the device isn’t constrained by a certain form factor. As a result, the R1 has a more unique and noticeable open design. Namely, the R1’s open form factor, resembling glasses on your head is perfect for mixed and augmented reality, as its Field-of-View blends together with the real world.

All in all, Lynx R1 is the better designed VR headset for mixed reality.

Display of the Lynx R1 vs ThinkReality VRX

The VR headset with the crispest display is Lenovo ThinkReality VRX with 2280 x 2280 pixels per eye compared to Lynx R1’s 1600 x 1600 pixels per eye. Similarly, ThinkReality VRX also has a slightly wider 5-degree (95˚ vs. 90˚) Field of View compared to the Lynx R1 VR headset.

This translates to ThinkReality VRX having a 33% higher pixel-per-degree density than R1. Yet, where we know Lynx R1 display type of dual LCDs, we don’t know the display type Lenovo ThinkReality VRX will feature. So final judgment is still to be determined. Importantly, ThinkReality VRX uses the pancake lens stack, whereas Lynx utilizes its in-house built and designed optics called catadioptric four-fold, freeform prism. Despite, statements from the Lynx CEO, Stan Larroque, saying its freeform prism delivers a better contrast ratio, light, and brightness efficiency than the pancake stack, we will have to test it upon release.

It is too early to determine the winner in display and visual performance between the two virtual reality headsets. But on the spec sheet, Lenovo ThinkReality VRX has better display performance than Lynx R1.

The processing power of the R1 vs Lenovo VRX VR Headset

Lenovo ThinkReality VRX is the second VR headset featuring the latest processor from Qualcomm called Snapdragon XR2+, compared with Lynx R1 running on the standard virtual reality processor Snapdragon XR2. Additionally, VRX comes with double the RAM than R1 and can therefore run larger applications or more apps at a time.

While we haven’t found significant differences in VR applications between XR2 and XR2+ in prior tests, it is likely because content hasn’t been optimized for the new chipset yet.

As a result, Lenovo ThinkReality VRX is future-proofed with a faster Snapdragon XR2+ processor compared to Lynx R1.

Tracking of the ThinkReality VRX vs Lynx R1

Both all-in-one VR headsets cover the basics with standalone tracking in either 6DoF or 3DoF from four tracking cameras. However, we expect Lynx R1’s lowlight tracking will be superior with its two infrared (IR) tracking sensors, compared to VRX’s optical tracking.

Additionally, Lynx R1 has partnered with pioneer Ultraleap to deliver its hand tracking, and in early testing of R1’s hand tracking, it shows to be smooth, reliable, and responsive. Alternatively, both virtual reality headsets can be interacted with using controllers.

If you are encountering terms or abbreviations that puzzle you, this article will help: The ultimate VR glossary of words, terms and acronyms.

Unfortunately, neither Lynx R1 nor Lenovo ThinkReality VRX feature eye tracking or face tracking. This limits the headsets’ use cases compared to its nearest competition. Despite this, Lynx R1 has the best tracking features than Lenovo ThinkReality VRX.

Mixed reality capabilities of the Lenovo VRX vs R1

Both VR headsets shine is in their mixed reality capabilities compared to their competition. The reason is that Lenovo ThinkReality VRX and Lynx R1 use dual stereoscopic cameras for their video pass-through. This means both MR headsets can mirror how our eyes naturally determine distance and depth. We haven’t tested in-depth the results of dual video pass-through versus mixed reality through a single camera, but we are certain it will deliver a more immersive MR experience.

Lenovo ThinkReality VRX and Lynx R1 are, therefore, tied for their mixed reality performance.

The best content experience between the Lynx R1 vs ThinkReality VRX

Both virtual reality headsets offer an open operating system and SDKs based on Android 12. This means it is easy to sideload customized software onto both the Lynx R1 and Lenovo ThinkReality VRX. While the open operation system also makes it compatible with most Mobile Device Management (MDM) software.

Where the two VR headsets differ is in their stance on privacy. Here Lynx R1 positions itself as the European manufacturer focused on data privacy. This means the user will have full access to Lynx R1’s functions while the R1 also works in offline mode. Lynx will also enable multiple app stores, providing more choices to the user. Lastly, Lynx have stated they won’t be using earnings from their own app store for current or future hardware.

The Lenovo ThinkReality VRX, on the other hand, is aimed at the hybrid worker and general enterprise use cases. This means ThinkReality VRX arrives with its own MDM software and partnership with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Spaces™ platform, for developers to make applications for the VR headset.

Thus, it is difficult to say which headset is the winner when it comes to the content offered. But if you want a wider choice in both enterprise and gaming content, plus access to data aggregated by your VR headset, Lynx R1 is your answer.

Alternatively, if you already own a Lenovo ThinkReality VR headset portfolio and want to stay in Lenovo’s ecosystem of consultation, support, and maintenance, the Lenovo ThinkReality VRX headset is your choice.

Price between Lynx R1 vs ThinkReality VRX

The Lynx R1 is priced at €530 for its standard version and €1.299 for the Pro edition. Comparably we don’t know the price for Lenovo ThinkReality VRX, so no comparison can be made. We will update this article when we have the price.

Preliminary conclusion

Because no pricing has been announced for Lenovo ThinkReality VRX, it is hard to definitively choose a winner between the two mixed reality headsets. As for specifications and capabilities, Lenovo ThinkReality VRX is the superior VR headset with 33% better visuals, wider FoV, higher RAM, and a faster processor.

When it comes to mixed reality performance, the two headsets are similar featuring dual stereoscopic video pass-through. However, the improved IR tracking and Ultraleap hand tracking nudge Lynx R1 ahead.

Similarly, if you seek an open platform and data privacy with multiple software options, choose Lynx R1. Or, if you want a VR headset that works out-the-box with preinstalled MDM and Lenovo support, choose Lenovo ThinkReality VRX.

However, this conclusion might change entirely as it depends on the price of the ThinkReality VRX. So stay tuned until new information is released, as we will update this article into the new year.