Honestly, the budget is a big factor but I'm more terrified of ruining a $1300 phone. Over the years I've tried so many different setups and it's just so incredibly frustrating how hard it is to find a decent mobile VR kit now. I really miss when things just worked... everything now feels like a cheap gamble that's gonna overheat the battery or scratch the screen. It makes me so nervous even trying new headsets because most of them are just clunky junk. If you want to be safe and cost-conscious, here's what I'd actually suggest:
Meta Quest 3S 128GB is about $300 and it's the safest way to go without risking your phone's hardware.
If you specifically want to use the S25 screen for movies, look into XREAL Air 2 AR Glasses since they connect via USB-C.
Avoid the generic $20 plastic shells on Amazon, they never fit the Ultra models right and usually mess up the buttons. In my experience, sticking with a standalone unit is actually cheaper in the long run. I'd rather spend a bit more upfront than have to replace a bloated battery in six months... just my two cents.
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