Steam Frame

Steam Frame

Manufacturer: Valve

The Steam Frame is a VR headset designed to provide a high-quality virtual reality experience. Featuring a 144Hz refresh rate, this model ensures smooth and responsive visuals, making it suitable for various VR applications. Its sleek design incorporates advanced features like adjustable IPD and wireless functionality, offering flexibility and convenience to users.

In terms of performance, the Steam Frame is powered by a 16GB RAM and 1024GB internal storage, ensuring fast processing and ample space for games and applications. The headset also includes a range of sensors for precise tracking, such as 6 tracking sensors and eye tracking. With a 5819 mAh battery, it offers extended playtime, while its compatibility with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 ensures seamless connectivity.

Pros
  • The headset supports wireless functionality, offering more flexibility during use.
  • It features adjustable IPD, allowing users to customize the fit for a more comfortable experience.
  • With a 144Hz refresh rate and 4320 x 4320 px resolution, the display offers smooth and sharp visuals for immersive VR sessions.
  • The inclusion of touch controllers and integrated audio enhances the overall VR experience by providing intuitive interaction and sound without needing external equipment.
  • It includes a 3.5 mm audio jack, offering wired audio connectivity for users who prefer or need it.
Cons
  • The headset is not compatible with iOS devices, limiting its compatibility to Android only.
  • It lacks any laser tracking system, which could affect tracking accuracy in certain environments.
  • No HDMI or DisplayPort outputs are available, limiting direct connections to external displays.
  • It does not support a remote smartphone or come with a remote control, reducing ease of use for certain functions.
  • The headset has no compass, which may limit certain motion tracking capabilities.
Who is this for?

The Steam Frame is well-suited for users seeking an immersive VR experience with smooth, high-quality visuals and intuitive interaction. Its 144Hz refresh rate and 4320 x 4320 px resolution make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize fluid visuals and clarity during extended VR sessions. Additionally, the inclusion of adjustable IPD and touch controllers enhances comfort and ease of use, making it a good fit for both casual and more serious VR users who want a versatile and engaging experience.

Who is this NOT for?

This headset may not be ideal for users who require wide device compatibility, as it is only compatible with Android and lacks iOS support. It also falls short for those needing more precise motion tracking, as it lacks a laser tracking system and compass, which might impact tracking accuracy in complex environments. Furthermore, users who need to connect to external displays via HDMI or DisplayPort will find it limiting, as those ports are not available on this device.

Design:
weight 440 g
Can be used wirelessly
adjustable IPD
battery power 5819 mAh
has a battery level indicator
thickness 110 mm
height 95 mm
volume 1828.75 cm³
release date November 2025
width 175 mm

The Steam Frame is designed with user comfort and convenience in mind. It weighs just 440 g, making it lightweight and easy to wear for extended periods. With adjustable IPD (interpupillary distance), users can fine-tune the fit for a more comfortable and personalized experience. The headset also features a 5819 mAh battery, providing long-lasting power for immersive sessions. Its compact size, with a thickness of 110 mm, height of 95 mm, and width of 175 mm, ensures a streamlined and ergonomic design that fits well for most users. Additionally, it can be used wirelessly, adding flexibility to your VR experience, and includes a battery level indicator for easy monitoring of power status.

Display & Lenses:
resolution 4320 x 4320 px
field of view 110°
refresh rate 144Hz
Display type LCD
Has adjustable lenses
Has a display

The Steam Frame offers a high-quality visual experience with its 4320 x 4320 px resolution and a 110° field of view, providing clear and immersive imagery. The LCD display technology ensures sharp, vibrant visuals, while the 144Hz refresh rate delivers smooth motion for dynamic VR content. Additionally, the headset includes adjustable lenses, allowing users to customize the fit for a more comfortable and personalized viewing experience.

Performance:
CPU speed 8 x 2.89 GHz
RAM 16GB
internal storage 1024GB
has an external memory slot

The Steam Frame is equipped with powerful performance features, including a CPU speed of 8 x 2.89 GHz, providing smooth and efficient processing power. It is backed by 16GB of RAM and 1024GB of internal storage, offering ample space and quick performance for demanding VR applications. Additionally, the headset has an external memory slot, allowing for further storage expansion as needed.

Tracking:
Tracks head movement
has a gyroscope
Has position tracking
Can track 360° head movement
has an accelerometer
Has gesture control
Has an infrared sensor
Has gaze and eye tracking capabilities
tracking sensors 6
Has a laser tracking system
number of cameras 4
has a compass

The Steam Frame offers advanced tracking capabilities to enhance the immersive experience. It features 6 tracking sensors that support head tracking, position tracking, and 360° head movement tracking, ensuring precise and responsive movement detection. The headset also includes eye tracking and gesture control for added interaction, while an infrared sensor and gyroscope further improve motion accuracy. With 4 cameras, the system provides comprehensive tracking coverage, although it does not utilize a laser tracking system or compass.

Connectivity:
Has USB Type-C
Bluetooth version 5.3
Is compatible with Android
Is compatible with iOS
DisplayPort outputs 0
mini DisplayPort outputs 0
HDMI ports 0
USB version 2
supports Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

The Steam Frame offers versatile connectivity options, including USB Type-C support and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. It is also compatible with Android but does not support iOS. For wireless connectivity, the headset supports Wi-Fi 4, 5, 6, and 7 (802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be), providing fast and stable internet connections. The device lacks HDMI, DisplayPort, and mini DisplayPort outputs, and features USB version 2 for peripheral connections.

Features:
Game controller included
has see-through mode
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
Has integrated audio
has stereo speakers
Has touch controllers
supports a remote smartphone
has a remote control
controller weight 130 g
number of microphones 2
has voice commands

The Steam Frame offers a range of practical features to enhance the user experience. It comes with touch controllers and includes a game controller weighing 130 g, providing intuitive interaction with VR content. The headset also has integrated audio and stereo speakers for immersive sound, while the 3.5 mm audio jack allows for wired audio connections. Additionally, it supports voice commands and features see-through mode for increased situational awareness during use. However, it does not support a remote smartphone or come with a remote control.

Final Verdict

The Steam Frame is a solid choice for Android users seeking an immersive and comfortable VR experience. With its 144Hz refresh rate and 4320 x 4320 px resolution, it delivers crisp, smooth visuals ideal for extended gaming or VR sessions. The headset's adjustable IPD and touch controllers further enhance comfort and ease of use. While it lacks compatibility with iOS and external display ports, it remains a reliable and feature-packed option for users who prioritize wireless functionality and integrated audio in their virtual reality setup.