Meta’s latest VR headset, the affordable Quest 3S, boasts color passthrough, a powerful processor, and impressive mixed-reality capabilities. But how does it stack up against its more expensive sibling, the Quest 3? This comprehensive comparison explores the key differences, helping you decide which headset best suits your needs and budget.
A Meta render gives you an idea of what you’ll experience in VR with a Quest 3S.A glimpse into the immersive world of the Meta Quest 3S.
The Quest 3S, priced at $300, aims to succeed the immensely popular Quest 2. While the Quest 3 bridges the gap to the discontinued Quest Pro, the 3S offers a compelling alternative at a significantly lower price point. Whether you’re a seasoned VR gamer, a fitness enthusiast, or simply curious about virtual reality, understanding the nuances of each headset is crucial.
Quest 3S: A New Era of Affordable VR
The Quest 3S inherits the best aspects of the Quest 2 while introducing several key upgrades. It excels in mixed reality, hand tracking, and delivering high-quality graphics for immersive gaming and 3D video.
Its color passthrough cameras enable you to view your surroundings without removing the headset. Furthermore, virtual objects seamlessly integrate into your real-world environment, allowing for interactive experiences with your physical space.
Alan Truly reacts to an exciting VR scene while wearing a Quest 3S.Experiencing the immersive power of the Meta Quest 3S.
The compact Touch Plus controllers, devoid of the bulky tracking rings found on previous models, offer enhanced precision. Hand tracking further eliminates the need for controllers in select games and apps. Advanced tracking cameras and an infrared projector ensure accurate motion detection even in low-light conditions. Uniquely, the Quest 3S features an action button for seamless toggling between mixed reality and virtual reality.
Shared Strengths: Power and Performance
Meta Quest 3S components can be seen in this graphic view.A breakdown of the Meta Quest 3S components.
Both the Quest 3S and Quest 3 share the same powerful processor and memory, along with similar camera and sensor technology. They both run Horizon OS and support the same library of games and apps. This shared platform allows developers to create compelling experiences leveraging the advanced hardware. High-quality color passthrough, crisp visuals at 120 fps, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor ensure smooth performance.
The Meta Quest 3 is shown in an exploded view.Exploring the internal components of the Meta Quest 3.
Automatic boundary scanning and AI-powered object recognition are standard features on both headsets. The integrated Meta AI image processing enables contextual awareness and interaction with the environment. While the Quest 3 boasts 30% more pixels, the Quest 3S offers a slightly longer battery life of 2.5 hours compared to the Quest 3’s 2.2 hours. Compatible accessories like the Elite Strap with Battery and Compact Charging Dock further extend playtime.
Key Differences: Comfort, Clarity, and Capacity
Alan Truly works out with the Quest 3 in Les Mills Body Combat.Engaging in a VR fitness experience with the Meta Quest 3.
The Quest 3 offers several advantages for dedicated VR enthusiasts. Its slimmer profile, improved lenses, and higher-resolution displays enhance comfort and visual clarity. The 512GB storage option provides ample space for demanding games and applications. The Quest 3S, inheriting the Quest 2’s design, may feel bulkier in comparison. Its Fresnel lenses, while functional, can occasionally exhibit “god rays” artifacts in high-contrast scenes.
The Meta Quest 3S uses Fresnel lenses that sometimes show artifacts.A close-up view of the Fresnel lenses in the Meta Quest 3S.
Pricing remains a significant differentiator. The Quest 3S starts at $300 for the 128GB model and $400 for the 256GB version. The Quest 3, now exclusively available in a 512GB configuration, is priced at $500.
The Verdict: Choosing Your Champion
MetaThe Meta Quest 3S: A compelling entry point into mixed reality VR.
Both the Quest 3S and Quest 3 are excellent VR headsets. The Quest 3 justifies its higher price with enhanced comfort, clarity, and storage. However, the Quest 3S presents an exceptional value proposition, especially for newcomers to VR or those seeking a more affordable entry point. Its powerful hardware, mixed reality capabilities, and long-term support make it a compelling choice for both casual and dedicated users. While the Quest 3 caters to those seeking a premium experience, the Quest 3S remains a strong contender, offering an impressive balance of performance and affordability.
