When Oculus announced the Oculus Go, fans of virtual reality cheered. Fortunately, a partnership between Lenovo and Google brought even more VR excitement. The two companies announced their own standalone VR headset, the Mirage Solo. Powerful hardware backed by Google’s Daydream VR platform makes for a compelling device. This headset ticks all the right boxes in the hardware department, but how does the actual experience stack up?

Here’s a look at the key features of the Lenovo Mirage Solo:


  • Powered By a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Processor and 4GB of RAM
  • 64GB of Internal Storage (Expandable via MicroSD Card)
  • QHD 5.5-inch LCD Screen
  • 4,000 mAh Battery (2.5 Hours of Use Per Charge)
  • WorldSense Tracking System
  • Daydream VR Support and App Access

Powerful Hardware In A Decent-Looking Package

The Mirage Solo features an attractive design albeit in a bulky package. Without a doubt, more attractive VR headsets are available on the market. Lenovo and Google have built a device that features a passable design without standing out in the crowd. Most people will find the headset on the heavy and bulky side, though. Unfortunately, using the Mirage Solo for more than a couple hours can become uncomfortable to say the least.

In the hardware department, consumers won’t find a better standalone VR headset. The Oculus Go features a Snapdragon 821 processor. Lenovo’s headset sports a much more powerful Snapdragon 835, leading to noticeably better performance. For many people, a stronger processor may become the deciding factor for purchasing this headset. Hardware specs don’t lie, and the Mirage Solo does come with standout hardware.

Software and User Experience Lcking Here

With such powerful hardware, one would expect excellent software to accompany the Mirage Solo. That’s not necessarily the case here as Daydream VR shows its weaknesses. A limited number of apps are available in the Daydream marketplace. Plus, most of these apps aren’t compatible with WorldSense, which is a definite shame. WorldSense tracks the real world in front of the user and provides a more immersive experience in VR.

WorldSense works well with the apps that support it, but WorldSense features a limited functioning area in front of the user. Most Daydream apps and games work well enough, especially on such powerful hardware. However, issues arise as users start to realize they’re doing similar things in each and every app. Users won’t find enough standout apps to showcase the true power of Daydream VR, even on a flagship headset like this.

Perhaps the problem lies within Daydream VR and its current limitations. Oculus Go, on the other hand, is packed full of apps and games. On top of that, the Mirage Solo costs $399 versus $199 for the Oculus Go. $199 is an easier price to stomach for the average consumer, and the Mirage Solo might not offer enough features for its price tag. It’s difficult to recommend the Mirage Solo, unless you’re an early adopter or major VR fan.