Pimax Crystal Super VR HEADSET Review

Chinese VR specialist Pimax has established itself as a frontrunner in the high-end VR market, and its latest Crystal Super represents its most ambitious headset to date. Building upon the well-regarded (and well-received!) Crystal Light, the Super pushes boundaries with an astonishing 3840 × 3840 resolution per eye across nearly 30 million pixels total.

At £1,735 (approximately $1,783), this premium headset positions itself as a flagship in the VR headset space.

The Crystal Super arrives with a compelling value proposition: extraordinary visuals, comprehensive tracking, and modular optical engines that promise future-proofing. However, at nearly double the price of the Crystal Light, this headset faces significant scrutiny. Does its performance justify the premium price tag, particularly for sim racing enthusiasts who demand both clarity and reliability?

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

Pimax continues its tradition of secure, comprehensive packaging. The Crystal Super arrives with an impressive array of accessories, including the upgraded DMAS earphones (currently included at no extra charge), dual hand controllers identical to those from the Crystal Light, an extra-soft replacement face cushion, and all necessary cables, including power, USB, and DisplayPort connections.

The setup process proves refreshingly straightforward for anyone with basic technical knowledge. The Pimax Play software installation is intuitive, though the abundance of settings might initially overwhelm VR newcomers. Helpfully, comprehensive tooltips guide users through optimisation choices, despite the interface appearing somewhat cluttered.

Build quality remains consistent with previous Pimax offerings, which means the plastic construction feels somewhat budget-oriented given the premium pricing. At nearly 1kg with DMAS earphones installed, the Super carries substantial weight, though this proves less problematic than anticipated during extended sessions.

Technical Specifications

Crystal Super Optical Engine Options

Pimax offers four distinct optical configurations, each targeting different user priorities:

Engine Type	Ultrawide (Default)	50 PPD	57 PPD	micro-OLED
Pixels-per-degree	50	50	57	TBC
Resolution per eye	3840 × 3840	3840 × 3840	3840 × 3840	3840 × 3552
Max refresh rate	90 Hz	90 Hz	90 Hz	90 Hz
Field of view	140° horizontal	127° horizontal	106° horizontal	116° horizontal
Eye-tracking	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Core Specifications (50 PPD Model Tested)

Display Technology: QLED + MiniLED with Local Dimming
Resolution: 3840 × 3840 per eye (29+ million total pixels)
Pixels per Degree: 50 PPD
Field of View: 127° horizontal
Refresh Rate: 72Hz / 90Hz
Eye Tracking: 120Hz with Dynamic Foveated Rendering
IPD Adjustment: Automatic
Tracking: Inside-out SLAM (4 cameras)
Audio: DMAS earphones included
Weight: 966g (with DMAS earphones)
Connectivity: 5m cable included (DisplayPort + USB)
Controllers: Included (inside-out tracking)
Battery: Not required (tethered only)

System Requirements

My recommendation: RTX 40xx or higher – we had to reduce graphics settings to get a decent FPS with a 4070! My preference is a 4090 or higher – 4090s tend to best the lower-end 50 series so higher, in our case, is a 5090!

Visual Performance and Optical Quality

The Crystal Super’s headline feature remains its extraordinary resolution. The 3840 × 3840 per eye delivers genuinely impressive clarity that surpasses most competing headsets on paper. Text appears crisp, distant objects maintain definition, and the overall visual fidelity represents a noticeable step forward from the Crystal Light.

However, this resolution advantage comes with important caveats. The spherical lenses, while offering what Pimax describes as a “large sweet spot,” don’t match the optical quality of pancake lens systems found in competitors like the Big Screen Beyond 2. Users will notice chromatic aberration and distortion outside the central viewing area, requiring more head movement to maintain clarity compared to pancake lens alternatives.

The modular optical engine system presents an intriguing approach to customisation. Users can choose between different configurations offering varying balances of field of view and pixel density. The default 50 PPD ultrawide option provides 140° horizontal FOV, while the 57 PPD variant offers enhanced clarity across a 106° field. A micro-OLED option promises superior contrast ratios for those prioritising deeper blacks and enhanced colour reproduction.

Sim Racing Performance

For sim racing applications, the Crystal Super delivers genuinely impressive results when properly configured. The high resolution allows drivers to spot brake markers and track details at significant distances, enhancing both immersion and competitive advantage. Dashboard displays appear crisp and readable, eliminating the pixelation that plagues lower-resolution headsets.

The wide field of view provides adequate peripheral vision for racing, though it doesn’t quite match the natural 160° minimum required for racing helmet certification. In practice, this limitation proves irrelevant as drivers adapt to using more head movement for situational awareness.

Performance Requirements and Reality Check

The Crystal Super demands serious hardware commitment that places it firmly in enthusiast territory. Whilst Pimax’s suggested RTX 2080 minimum and RTX 3070 recommendation provide a starting point, (sorry there’s no way that’s going to work!) the reality is that unlocking this headset’s full potential requires substantially more powerful hardware. This isn’t necessarily a limitation, it’s the natural consequence of pushing VR resolution to unprecedented levels.

With proper hardware investment (RTX 4090 or better), the Crystal Super transforms into something truly spectacular. Even with an RTX 4070, careful optimisation delivers reasonable results. With a performance-limited RTX 4070 (yes, I really did just type that) for iRacing, strategic reduction of shadow detail, pit objects, and grandstand complexity maintains smooth performance whilst preserving the stunning visual clarity that makes distant brake markers and track details pop with unprecedented sharpness. Automobilista 2 similarly rewards patient settings adjustment with gorgeous, immersive racing experiences.

The key insight here is that I can’t say that the Crystal Super is designed for casual VR users or those hoping to achieve maximum quality with modest hardware. This is a headset for serious enthusiasts who understand that cutting-edge visuals require cutting-edge hardware investment. For users willing to make that commitment, the rewards are genuinely extraordinary.

The built-in foveated rendering and GPU upscaling features provide welcome performance boosts. GPU upscaling using NVIDIA’s Image Scaling or AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution can improve frame rates by approximately 20%, though with a slight reduction in image quality. For users prioritising smoothness over absolute clarity, these features prove essential.

Le Mans Ultimate performed particularly well, which should reassure users given Pimax’s recent investment in the Motorsport Games-owned title. This suggests continued optimisation efforts for this specific platform.

Software Features and User Experience

The Crystal Super introduces several advanced features that distinguish it from its predecessor, though these capabilities truly shine when paired with enthusiast-level hardware and user commitment. The automatic IPD adjustment system represents a significant convenience improvement, eliminating the manual calibration required on many headsets. The system measures interpupillary distance automatically and adjusts screen positioning accordingly.

Eye tracking enables dynamic foveated rendering, a feature that becomes increasingly impressive as users invest time in proper calibration and application-specific tuning. Whilst implementation varies between applications, dedicated users who take time to optimise settings will find substantial performance improvements. Some titles deliver impressive gains immediately, whilst others reward patient tweaking with exceptional results. This variability isn’t a flaw – it reflects the cutting-edge nature of the technology and the learning curve that comes with pioneering hardware.

The Pimax Play software provides extensive customisation options that will delight enthusiasts whilst potentially overwhelming newcomers. This depth of control is precisely what serious VR users want: the ability to fine-tune every aspect of their experience. Advanced users will appreciate the granular control over rendering settings, whilst those new to high-end VR should expect a learning period as they discover optimal configurations for their preferred applications.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Despite weighing 966g with DMAS earphones, the Crystal Super proves surprisingly manageable during extended sessions. The weight distribution feels more balanced than the Crystal Light, reducing the sliding sensation that plagued the lighter headset. The rear control knob can interfere with high-backed gaming chairs, requiring slight posture adjustments for comfort.

The included Comfort Top Strap provides additional support but proves awkward to fit and less comfortable than the default configuration for many users. Third-party alternatives like the Apache Comfort Strap V3 may offer superior solutions for users requiring enhanced stability.

Heat management proves adequate during intensive sessions, though cooling fans become audible during quieter VR experiences. The integrated cooling system helps prevent overheating but can become noticeable in silent applications.

Audio Performance

The included DMAS earphones provide solid audio quality, though they don’t match dedicated gaming headsets in terms of power and range. For the £99 they typically cost separately, the value proposition appears questionable. However, Pimax’s current promotion includes them at no extra charge, improving the overall package value.

The earphone mounting system uses pogo pin connections that can work loose over time, leading to intermittent audio dropouts. Regular tightening of mounting screws resolves this issue, though it represents an ongoing maintenance consideration.

For users preferring their existing audio solutions, the DMAS system can be easily removed, allowing use of standard headphones or speakers.

Tracking and Controllers

The inside-out SLAM tracking system performs reliably for sim racing applications, where hand tracking demands remain minimal. Four cameras provide comprehensive room scanning and eliminate base station requirements, simplifying setup considerably. Performance remains consistent even in challenging lighting conditions.

However, hand tracking quality for interactive VR experiences proves disappointing. Applications requiring precise hand control suffer from inconsistent tracking, with virtual hands often contorting unnaturally or losing tracking entirely. This limitation makes the Crystal Super less suitable for general VR gaming compared to specialised sim racing use.

The included controllers remain identical to Crystal Light units, providing adequate functionality for VR applications that require them. For users prioritising hand tracking accuracy, the optional Lighthouse faceplate upgrade may provide superior results when it becomes available.

Modular Design Philosophy

One of the Crystal Super’s most intriguing features is its modular optical engine system. The entire display assembly can be removed and replaced, theoretically allowing users to upgrade optics without purchasing a completely new headset. This approach could provide excellent long-term value as new display technologies emerge.

The system includes interchangeable face plates and optical engines, suggesting Pimax envisions this as a platform rather than a single product. Future micro-OLED engines, higher refresh rate options, or even next-generation display technologies could potentially slot into the existing framework.

Pricing and Value Proposition

The Crystal Super’s £1,735 pricing represents a significant premium over the £887 Crystal Light. Pimax’s novel financing approach through their Prime programme allows initial payment of £799 with a 14-day trial period, followed by a £936 balance if users decide to keep the headset. This “try-before-you-pay-in-full” system provides valuable peace of mind, given the substantial investment.

When compared to alternatives like the Big Screen Beyond 2 (£1,019-£1,219 plus base stations and controllers), the Crystal Super’s all-inclusive pricing becomes more competitive. The package includes everything needed for VR operation, whilst competitors often require additional purchases for complete functionality.

Limitations and Considerations

Several factors position the Crystal Super as a specialist tool rather than a mainstream VR headset. The 72Hz/90Hz refresh rate ceiling, whilst disappointing given the premium pricing, becomes less significant when users experience the extraordinary clarity that the headset delivers. For serious sim racers willing to invest in proper hardware, the visual fidelity more than compensates for refresh rate limitations.

The extraordinary resolution demands exceptional hardware performance, but this represents the natural evolution of VR technology rather than a fundamental flaw. Users who understand that cutting-edge visuals require cutting-edge hardware will budget appropriately for high-end graphics cards (RTX 4080 or better). This isn’t a headset for budget-conscious users or those hoping to achieve maximum quality with modest hardware investments.

Hand tracking limitations make the Crystal Super less versatile than competing headsets for general VR applications, but this matters little for its primary audience. Serious sim racers prioritise visual clarity and tracking accuracy over hand gesture recognition, making this limitation irrelevant for the headset’s intended use case.

The Crystal Super succeeds brilliantly as a specialist tool for dedicated enthusiasts who understand that exceptional results require exceptional commitment – both in terms of hardware investment and learning curve acceptance.

Verdict

The Pimax Crystal Super represents a triumphant achievement in VR technology, delivering extraordinary visual experiences that justify its position at the premium end of the market. This isn’t a headset for everyone. It’s specifically designed for serious enthusiasts who understand that pioneering technology requires both substantial hardware investment and patience during the optimisation process.

For dedicated sim racing enthusiasts with serious hardware setups and genuine enthusiasm for cutting-edge VR, the Crystal Super delivers genuinely transformative experiences. The modular design philosophy suggests Pimax is thinking long-term about upgradability and future-proofing, making this an excellent investment for users who view their VR setup as a serious, evolving platform rather than a casual gaming accessory.

The automatic IPD adjustment, eye tracking capabilities, and included premium accessories demonstrate sophisticated engineering that rewards users willing to invest time in proper configuration. Whilst the learning curve exists, enthusiasts who embrace the optimisation process will discover exceptional performance that simply isn’t available elsewhere.

The substantial £900 premium over the Crystal Light reflects the Crystal Super’s position as a flagship product for serious users. For dedicated enthusiasts with appropriate hardware and realistic expectations about the optimisation process, this premium delivers genuine value through unprecedented visual clarity and future-proof modular design.

The Crystal Super succeeds brilliantly as a specialist tool that pushes VR boundaries whilst acknowledging that cutting-edge technology requires cutting-edge commitment. It’s not designed for casual users or those hoping for plug-and-play simplicity – it’s built for enthusiasts who relish the process of extracting maximum performance from premium hardware.