The Best Smartphones for Virtual and Augmented Reality Experiences

12 January 2025

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have made leaps and bounds. What once seemed like futuristic tech straight out of a sci-fi movie is now accessible in the palm of our hands. If you're as excited about VR and AR as I am, you’re probably wondering which smartphones can best handle these immersive experiences. Well, you’re in luck! Today, I’m going to break down the best smartphones for virtual and augmented reality. Whether you're diving into a fully immersive VR game or blending the digital world with the real one using AR, these devices won’t let you down.

But let’s get one thing straight: not all phones are cut out for the job. You need a device with plenty of power, a high-quality display, solid motion tracking, and, of course, compatibility with VR headsets and AR apps. So, without further ado, here are the top contenders for the best VR and AR experiences.

What Makes a Good Smartphone for VR and AR?

Before we dive into the specific models, let’s quickly touch on what makes a smartphone stand out for VR and AR. It’s not just about having the latest model or the biggest screen. There are a few key factors you need to consider:

1. Processing Power

VR and AR experiences are graphic-intensive. They require a processor that can handle rendering complex scenes without lag. You’ll need a phone with a top-tier chipset, like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen series or Apple’s A-series chips.

2. Display Quality

When it comes to VR, the screen quality is non-negotiable. The higher the resolution, the less pixelated the experience. You want a phone with at least a 1080p display, though 1440p or higher is preferred. OLED or AMOLED displays are also recommended because of their vibrant colors and deep blacks.

3. Refresh Rate

For a smooth, immersive experience, a high refresh rate is a must. A refresh rate of 90Hz or higher will make your VR experience feel fluid and reduce motion sickness, which is a common issue in VR.

4. Battery Life

VR and AR can drain your battery fast. Phones with larger batteries (or optimized battery performance) are going to give you longer play sessions without needing to run for the charger every hour.

5. Motion Sensors

The magic of VR and AR is often in the way they track your movements. A phone with advanced gyroscopes and accelerometers ensures that your motions are accurately reflected in the virtual world.

6. Headset Compatibility

Not every phone works with every VR headset. Make sure that your preferred smartphone is compatible with popular VR headsets like the Oculus Quest, Google Daydream, or Samsung Gear VR.

The Best Smartphones for VR and AR

Now that you know what to look for, here are the top smartphones that offer incredible virtual and augmented reality experiences.

1. iPhone 14 Pro Max

Let’s kick things off with one of the heavyweights. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is a beast when it comes to performance—and not just for everyday tasks. Apple’s A16 Bionic chip delivers lightning-fast processing speeds, making it perfect for VR and AR applications.

With a stunning Super Retina XDR OLED display, you’ll experience vibrant colors and deep blacks. The 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate ensures ultra-smooth visuals, especially important for VR experiences. When it comes to AR, Apple’s ARKit is one of the most advanced augmented reality platforms available, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max utilizes it seamlessly.

And let’s not forget the LiDAR sensor. This tech allows for precise depth mapping, making AR experiences more realistic than ever before. Whether you’re fighting off virtual zombies or placing virtual furniture in your living room, the iPhone 14 Pro Max handles it effortlessly.

Why it’s great for VR/AR:
- A16 Bionic chip for fast performance
- 120Hz ProMotion display
- LiDAR sensor for accurate AR
- Excellent battery life for long sessions

2. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Samsung continues to dominate the Android world, and the Galaxy S22 Ultra is no exception when it comes to VR and AR. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor (or Samsung’s own Exynos 2200 in some regions), so it has all the power you need for demanding VR and AR applications.

The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate makes VR experiences incredibly immersive. With its high resolution, you won’t have to worry about seeing individual pixels while in the virtual world. Samsung’s deep integration with Google’s ARCore platform also ensures excellent AR performance.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra has a massive battery as well (5000mAh), which is perfect for long VR sessions. Plus, it’s compatible with Samsung’s Gear VR headset, making it a solid choice for those who already have Samsung’s VR ecosystem.

Why it’s great for VR/AR:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor
- 6.8-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display
- ARCore support
- 5000mAh battery for extended use

3. Google Pixel 6 Pro

Google’s Pixel series has always been known for its software prowess, and the Pixel 6 Pro is no different, especially when it comes to AR experiences. Google’s ARCore is baked right into the Pixel 6 Pro, providing seamless augmented reality features that are both accurate and impressive.

On the hardware front, the Pixel 6 Pro is powered by Google’s own Tensor chip, which is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks that are essential for AR applications. The 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate delivers smooth and clear visuals—perfect for VR.

Whether you're using Google Lens or exploring AR games, the Pixel 6 Pro’s advanced motion sensors and computational photography features make it an excellent all-around device.

Why it’s great for VR/AR:
- Google Tensor chip for optimized AR
- 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display
- Deep integration with ARCore
- Intelligent motion tracking

4. OnePlus 10 Pro

OnePlus has always been known for delivering flagship-level performance at a slightly more affordable price point, and the OnePlus 10 Pro is no exception. With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and a 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display, this phone can handle even the most demanding VR and AR tasks without breaking a sweat.

The 120Hz refresh rate ensures that your virtual reality experience is smooth and free of stutter. OnePlus has also integrated advanced motion tracking sensors, which make it a solid choice for augmented reality apps.

The OnePlus 10 Pro supports Google’s ARCore, so you can enjoy a wide range of AR experiences. It also comes with a 5000mAh battery, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice while immersed in your VR worlds.

Why it’s great for VR/AR:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor
- 6.7-inch 120Hz Fluid AMOLED display
- Full ARCore support
- Large 5000mAh battery

5. Sony Xperia 1 III

If you're looking for a phone that focuses on display quality, the Sony Xperia 1 III is a top contender. With a 6.5-inch 4K OLED display, it offers one of the highest resolutions available on a smartphone, making it ideal for VR. You’ll experience crisp, clear visuals with vibrant colors that pop out at you.

Powered by the Snapdragon 888 processor and paired with a 120Hz refresh rate, the Xperia 1 III delivers smooth and responsive gameplay for VR and AR applications. Sony’s camera technology also allows for some impressive AR effects, giving you a more immersive experience.

The Xperia 1 III might not be as widely recognized as other brands, but its display and performance make it a solid option for VR enthusiasts.

Why it’s great for VR/AR:
- 6.5-inch 4K OLED display
- Snapdragon 888 processor
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Excellent color accuracy for AR

Honorable Mentions

While the above phones are the top picks, here are a few honorable mentions that still offer great VR and AR capabilities:

- Oppo Find X5 Pro: Another solid choice with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and a 120Hz AMOLED display.
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra: Featuring a 6.81-inch AMOLED display and 120Hz refresh rate, this phone is also great for VR and AR.
- Asus ROG Phone 5: While more of a gaming phone, the ROG Phone 5’s powerful specs and 144Hz display make it a great option for VR.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best smartphone for virtual and augmented reality, the choices can seem overwhelming. But if you focus on the core aspects—processing power, display quality, refresh rates, and battery life—you’ll be well on your way to an immersive experience. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Google Pixel 6 Pro, OnePlus 10 Pro, and Sony Xperia 1 III are all excellent choices that will take your VR and AR experiences to the next level.

So, whether you're diving into a VR game or using AR to enhance your real-world environment, these smartphones have got your back. Ready to jump into the world of virtual reality and augmented reality? Pick up one of these devices, and you’ll be on your way to exploring new dimensions.