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Are Google and LG prepping a handset to blow Oculus Rift and HTC Vive away?

Google and LG are preparing to debut a virtual reality display with an incredible 1441 ppi pixel density.

An Android Police report says Google will show off the 4:3, 18-megapixel OLED headset at the forthcoming Display Week 2018 expo in May.

According to the report, the stunning display will have a refresh rate of 120Hz, with a potential resolution of up to 5500 x 3000; judging by the pixel density.

Those specs would blow current high-end VR headsets like the HTC Vive Pro and Oculus Rift out of the water.

Related: HTC Vive Pro review

The new Vive for example has a 2800 x 1600 resolution, meaning this screen will offer far more detail. The refresh rate for both the Vive and Pro headsets is 90Hz, so the 120Hz display could offer a smoother experience than current devices on the market.

Proof of concept?

It’s not clear whether the headset will simply be a proof of concept or whether Google and LG have plans to break into the high-end VR game with a consumer product.

Google, of course, has its Daydream headset, while LG released the 360 VR headset along the G5 smartphone in 2016. LG is also building a virtual reality headset designed for PC gamers on the SteamVR platform.

However, this advanced display would be well beyond anything we’ve seen before from both companies.

Given current-generation VR handsets often struggle with the close proximity to the human eye, such a detailed high resolution screen would go a long way towards helping wearers further suspend their disbelief.

According to the advanced programme for the Display Week trade show, Google’s presentation will be called “An 18 Mpixel 4.3-in. 1443-ppi 120-Hz OLED Display for Wide-Field-of-View High-Acuity Head-Mounted Displays.”

We await the presentation with baited breath.

Would an advanced display make you more inclined to invest in high-end VR? Drop us a line @TrustedReviews on Twitter.

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