the autonomous VR headset with Daydream smart health innovation

Discover here the Review of the Lenovo Mirage Solo, the new fully autonomous virtual reality headset. No need for a competition PC or smartphone to operate. In the genre, the Oculus Go is king, but can this new machine face it? The answer in our Review.

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• Last name : Lenovo Mirage Solo

• Mark : Lenovo

• Category: Standalone VR headset

• Connection: Wi-Fi. Works wirelessly, without smartphone and without computer

• Compatibility: Android, iOS

• Resolution : QHD; 2560 x 1440

• Lenovo Mirage Solo Price: € 399

• Availability: In stock

• Autonomy : two hours and a half

• Microphone: included

• His : Works without a headset. A Jack plug is integrated.

• Dimension : 20.40 cm x 26.95 cm x 17.98 cm

• Weight: 645 g

• Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon 835

While many virtual reality systems still take up a lot of space, the era of autonomy begins. After the release of a very efficient Oculus Go, the Lenovo Mirage Solo is trying its luck in this new market. No more computer or smartphone needed to operate here, just a VR headset. Does it have the assets to stand out from the competition? Find out in our full Review.

Lenovo Mirage Solo Unboxing

If he skillfully mixes white and color, it is mainly because of her size that we keep the box of the Lenovo Mirage Solo. This is indeed very imposing, which is not really a good point. Indeed, if you want to bring your VR headset with you when traveling, it will be difficult to fit it into a bag or suitcase.

Inside, we find all the usual material of this kind of product. The helmet of course, as well as a manual and a USB-C charger. Headphones are also provided, which is rare enough to be emphasized.

Lenovo Mirage Solo design and ergonomics Review

Helmet :

A first look at the Lenovo Mirage Solo reveals the influence of the PSVR on its design. Just like the Sony machine, there is a “headband” in order to fix the VR headset to his skull. If it works well on the Playstation side, hard to say the same here. The device is well built, but its support quickly becomes uncomfortable. You end up having the choice between two solutions for installation: having a crushed nose if you don't use enough, or tightening the helmet too tight. In both cases, wearing is far from pleasant. To this is added the heat problem. The foam protection is effective and blocks outside light well, but it quickly sweats. Suffice to say that comfort is not really present.

The battery has a autonomy from 2h to 2h30, which is good, but the weight of the machine (645 g) is too large. By combining this with the heat quickly felt, you don't last an hour at best before you feel the need to breathe. It's not all bad, especially the easy accessibility to an SD port and very good visual isolation. Unfortunately, this is not enough to make the Lenovo Mirage Solo a comfortable helmet.

The remote :

Rather than speaking of a controller, using the term remote control seems more appropriate here. If it is the controller during the game phases, there are buttons only on its face, and no trigger. It reacts well to movement, but gives the impression of limiting immersion. We are content with “Zap” continuously, rather than being immersed in another universe.

Graphic quality and immersion

The Lenovo Mirage Solo review does not work in its favor at the moment. It still has some advantages, including its graphic quality. The image is very pleasing to the eye with its screens 2560 x 1440 pixels. We do not deplore any blurring or slowdown coming to interfere with the experience. Obviously, the Oculus Rift and LTC HT are far superior to him on this point. It should be remembered, however, that this is a stand-alone headset that works without a computer or smartphone. Suffice to say that this is a very good performance. We will also note the possibility to move slightly in space thanks to the integrated sensors. An interesting idea that has been little exploited at the moment, but which could give great things in the future.

Side applications, difficult to be able to get an idea since our access has been limited. Indeed, it was impossible to Review what was not free on the store, and therefore the exclusives specific to Daydream. We note, however, that the navigation was complicated, especially due to the fault of the lack of a search bar in the store. As previously explained, immersion takes a hit because of an overly warm and uncomfortable helmet. Impossible to forget reality when you can feel the weight of the machine on his nose, which is a shame. Finally, the controller and its appearance of a simple remote control do not help to invest in the game or in a virtual world.

Mirage helmet and camera: the prices that lull you into illusions

The Lenovo Mirage Solo surprises even before opening its box. The reason: its price reaching 399 euros, against 269 euros for the Oculus Go, its direct competitor. A very different cost, so the first is superior only visually, and just a little more. But that's not all.

Failing to stand out from the competition thanks to its flagship product, Lenovo has based part of its communication on a gadget. The Mirage camera, which should allow capture 180 ° photos and videos, then transfer them to a smartphone or headset. A nice object therefore, but sold to 299 euros, or more expensive than an Oculus Go. Suffice to say that it is difficult to justify such a price given the capacities of the two machines.

The Lenovo Mirage Solo facing the competition

Currently, the Lenovo Mirage Solo faces only one real competitor. Autonomous VR headsets are indeed not legion, and only one has similar capabilities: the Oculus Go. We can say it directly: the Facebook machine remains the queen in this area. Cheaper and more comfortable, it also offers a controller better suited for playing. If the graphics quality is very slightly lower to that of the Mirage, this is the only point he concedes. Today, it is the benchmark for autonomous VR headsets.

Verdict:

The Lenovo Mirage Solo is full of ideas. The possibility to move slightly is interesting, although under-exploited, and its graphics are very pleasing to the eye. Unfortunately it's hard to forgive him discomfort quickly caused by some design issues and its impractical controller. Faced with competition, its high price also pushes it a little deeper. We can not really advise the purchase of the Lenovo Mirage Solo, especially when the Review reveals that dcheaper and better quality alternatives exist.

Good points

• A fully autonomous helmet

• Quality graphics

• A slight movement in space possible

Negative points

• High price

• Quickly uncomfortable

• An unsuitable controller

• Difficult to navigate the menu

Design – 4

Graphics and immersion – 7

Gameplay and use – 5

Value for money – 3

4.8

Design :Very impressive, the Lenovo Mirage Solo quickly causes some discomfort. Whether it is its weight, its protective foam or its handle, nothing allows to approach a long use with enthusiasm.

Graphics and immersion : The Lenovo Mirage Solo benefits from very good graphics and good ideas in terms of immersion. We are thinking in particular of its sensors which allow it to move slightly in space.

Gameplay and use : The absence of trigger on the controller makes the gameplay of each game less immersive and pleasant. Menu navigation is also a real problem as it is messy, especially since it is impossible to find a search bar.

Value for money : A real problem as the price is high compared to the competition. Knowing that you can find more comfortable helmets with equivalent performance for less, the cost of this device is a real brake.

AB SMART HEALTH REVIEW