---
title: "Differentiate AR, VR and MR"
subject: "Computer Graphics"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_5/computer_graphics:ar-vr-mr-difference"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/computer_graphics/ar-vr-mr-difference
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Differentiate AR, VR and MR

Computer Graphics · Chapter 1: Introduction and Application

- Asked in: 2081 Chaitra (new course), 4 marks
- Video: [The Rise Of Technology-Augmented Reality(AR), Virtual Reality(VR) And Mixed Reality(MR) |Simplilearn](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLP4YTpUpBI) — Simplilearn
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/computer_graphics/ar-vr-mr-difference
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/computer_graphics/chapter-1

## Question

Differentiate between AR, VR and MR technology.

## Short answer

AR overlays digital content on the real world; VR completely replaces it with a computer-generated environment; MR blends real and virtual objects so they can interact in real time.

## Answer

**AR (augmented reality)** overlays digital content on the real world seen by the user. **VR (virtual reality)** replaces the real world with a completely computer-generated environment. **MR (mixed reality)** blends real and virtual objects so that they can interact with each other in real time.

| Point | AR | VR | MR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environment | Real world with virtual objects added | Fully virtual world | Real and virtual worlds merged |
| Real-world view | Visible | Hidden (blocked) | Visible |
| Interaction | Virtual objects mostly do not react to the real world | Interaction only with virtual objects | Virtual objects react to real objects and surfaces |
| Devices | Smartphone, smart glasses | Head-mounted display (e.g. Oculus Quest), controllers | Advanced headset (HoloLens, Magic Leap) with spatial sensors |
| Immersion | Low to medium | Full | High |
| Examples | Pokémon GO, IKEA Place, Snapchat filters | VR games, flight simulators | Placing a virtual table that a real ball can bounce on |

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. VR
   A. replaces the real world with a fully computer-generated environment
   B. overlays content on the real world
   C. merges and interacts with the real world
   D. has no headset
   Answer: A. Real world is blocked. (Key point: VR)

2. AR
   A. hides the real world
   B. overlays digital content on the real world
   C. needs fully virtual world
   D. is always a full headset
   Answer: B. Real world remains visible. (Key point: AR)

3. What distinguishes MR?
   A. No real view
   B. Only text overlay
   C. Virtual objects react to real objects and surfaces
   D. Low immersion
   Answer: C. MR interacts in real time. (Key point: MR)

4. Pokemon Go is an example of
   A. VR
   B. MR
   C. None
   D. AR
   Answer: D. Overlay on phone camera. (Key point: Example)

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