Initially known for its social virtual reality platform, Somnium Space, the Czech startup Somnium has been making waves with its ambitious dive into hardware. Back in late 2021, they announced their high-spec VR headset, the Somnium VR1, developed alongside VRgineers—who are renowned for their premium XTAL headsets targeting enterprise users. Originally, the VR1 was envisioned as a hybrid headset featuring standalone functionality powered by a Snapdragon XR2 chipset. However, as 2022 unfolded, that vision shifted, and the team decided to devote their efforts to creating a headset purely for PC VR.
Somnium VR1 showcases impressive 2880×2880 QD-LCD panels with Mini-LED technology, identical to those found in the Pimax Crystal. Capable of delivering a striking 20000:1 contrast ratio through local dimming and a full 100% NTSC color gamut, these displays are versatile with support for refresh rates of 72Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz. For tech enthusiasts eager for more, there’s even an “experimental” 144Hz mode to explore. With a brightness output of 210 nits, it outshines the likes of Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro.
To complement these advanced displays, the headset is equipped with dual-element aspheric lenses, which Somnium asserts provide an astonishing field of view—approximately 130° horizontally and 105° vertically. This is wider than what’s currently available in the market. Although the Pimax “5K” and “8K” models had previously boasted wider views, they are no longer available and were known for peripheral distortion issues.
The focus on achieving an expansive field of view results in the Somnium VR1 being noticeably bulkier, especially at a time when more compact designs using pancake lenses are trending.
