In this article we will compare the differences between RealWear Navigator 500 vs Navigator 520 AR headsets, going through the specifications, use cases and overall key differences.
RealWear Navigator 500 | RealWear Navigator 520 | |
Display Type | LCD | LCD |
Resolution | 854 x 480 | 1280 x 720 |
Field of View | 20° horizontal | 24° horizontal |
Camera | 48MP, 1080p 60fps video | 48MP, 1080p 60fps video |
CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 |
Memory | 4 GB | 4 GB |
Storage | 64 GB | 64 GB |
Battery life | 8 hours | 8 hours |
The biggest difference between RealWear Navigator 500 and RealWear Navigator 520 is the improved visual performance of the 520. The newer AR device features a wider color contrast in a 20% larger Field of View compared to the Navigator 500. Furthermore, the resolution density is almost 25% higher on Navigator 520 with 53.3 pixels per degree (PPD) compared to Navigator 500’s 42.7 PPD. This means you can identify malfunctioning parts quicker in root-cause analysis scenarios on the Navigator 520.
Both smart glasses are made for rugged and hazardous industrial environments featuring IP66 certification for water resistance against high-pressure water jets and heavy rain and drop resistance of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet).
The newer RealWear Navigator 520 began shipping to industrial partners on January 3, 2023, compared to the Navigator 500’s release date of December 30, 2021. This recent date, combined with the 520’s improved display, means the RealWear Navigator 520 price is €2.499, compared to Navigator 500’s €2.129 price tag.
Jakob Pii is Writer at VR Expert and currently lives in the UK. He started his career in VR gaming in 2015 and has stayed in XR since, from exposure therapy in VR to 360-degree video documentaries. He is fascinated by how emerging technologies change how we live, play and work.