R1,999 Redmi 2 Pro: the most affordable gear to experience mobile VR

Judging from the many billboards around town you would think that mobile VR is synonymous with R14,000 smartphones and monstrous headsets.

In other words a true ‘virtual’ reality – desirable but only affordable for the few.

Fortunately, the reality of 360 degree video, as the precursor to true VR is called, is more mundane, and within reach of most of us, thanks to the R1,999 Redmi 2 Pro, the lowest priced smartphone in the market that will allow you to experience mobile VR content, either with or without a headset.

The next one up from competitor brands will set you back R3,999 – R2000 more.

The function of the mobile VR headset is merely to attach your smartphone in horizontal position to your forehead, in front of your eyes (and in some cases render imagery stereographically, i.e. ‘double up’ in order to create a 3D scene) – as so aptly demonstrated by Google’s cut-price Cardboard.

But to be able to walk around in The White House, have U2 play live all around you or join Andy Murray at the centre court of Wimbledon, your smartphone needs to have at a minimum a gyroscope (in addition to the accelerometer, which all smartphones have).

And no smartphone under R3,999 has one, except for the Redmi 2 Pro.

The gyroscope is necessary to track your head movements (or the phone itself if you don’t use a headset) and thus be able to adjust the scenes relative to where you ‘are looking’ in the virtual realm. Without a gyroscope you will only see the same imagery in front of you at all times, irrespective of where you turn your head or smartphone.

Unfortunately, most vendors and retailers don’t advertise whether a gyroscope is included in a device or not, and the standard settings in Android also don’t reveal that information.

To do your homework, check www.gsmarena.com and compare different models.

If you have a smartphone already, you can test its capabilities by installing and running the Sensor Box for Android app.

So, if you want to be ready for the mobile VR revolution, make sure you have a smartphone that is equipped for it, and includes a gyroscope.

Xiaomi has got you covered from only R1,999, or from R109 per month on contract.

The Redmi 2 Pro is available from miafrica.com/za and from Game, MTN stores, Makro, DionWired, Incredible Connection and Takealot.

Or get it on a Vodacom contract from R109 per month (uChoose Flexi 55).

Better still, get TWO Redmi 2 Pro devices on ONE My MTN Choice 50 contract for only R199 per month.

Other devices in the Xiaomi range include the Mi 5 (R 7,999), Mi 4 (R3,799), and Redmi Note 2 (R2,999).

All are available from miafrica.com/za and selected retail outlets.