The HTC Vive is a full fledge VR headset, it's MUCH more than Google cardboard or even the GearVR (GearVR being a step up from Cardboard thou). The HTC Vive is on par with the Oculus Rift, if you have heard of that. The Vive has both a headset as well as hand controllers for a more immersive experience. The Vive also, like the Oculus, requires a PC with some pretty beefy specs. (your basic home PC, or business class PC will not do, although most gaming systems will work, or might just need a small upgrade). Anyways here's a good blog about it......\
Everything you need to know about HTC Vive | VRHeads