Meta Quest 3S vs. Meta Quest 3: Key Differences
When comparing the Meta Quest 3S and the Meta Quest 3, the most apparent distinction is the price. The Meta Quest 3S is priced significantly lower at £289.99/$299.99 for the 128GB model, while the Quest 3 starts at $499.99 for the same storage capacity. For users needing more space, the 256GB Meta Quest 3S is available for £379.99/$399.99, still undercutting the Quest 3 by a considerable margin.
Display and Visuals
The Meta Quest 3S features a slightly lower display resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye, compared to the Quest 3’s sharper 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye. This difference is due to the Quest 3S utilizing a fresnel lens, resulting in a bulkier design and a narrower field of view compared to the Quest 3’s pancake lens, which offers a slimmer, sleeker appearance and better overall image quality.
Performance and Chipset
Both the Quest 3S and Quest 3 are powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, ensuring that both devices deliver comparable performance, especially in terms of running mixed-reality applications and VR games. However, the Meta Quest 3 benefits from a wider range of refresh rates (72Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz), while the Quest 3S offers only 90Hz and 120Hz, which might influence the smoothness of visuals during gameplay.
Design and Comfort
The Meta Quest 3S maintains a familiar design that is slightly bulkier compared to the more refined Quest 3. The fresnel lens design not only adds to the weight but also slightly narrows the field of view and requires a bit more adjustment for optimal visual clarity. Despite this, the Quest 3S still delivers a comfortable experience with an adjustable fit that accommodates glasses without the need for special inserts.
Battery Life and Storage
One trade-off with the Quest 3S is its slightly smaller battery compared to the Quest 3, which means shorter gaming sessions before needing a recharge. However, for casual users, this limitation may not be a significant drawback. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB, allowing ample space for games and apps.
Meta Quest 3S vs. Meta Quest 3: Specs Comparison
| Meta Quest 3S | Meta Quest 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Row 0 – Cell 1 | 184 mm x 160 mm x 98 mm |
| Weight | 514g | 515g |
| Display | Fresnel Lens | Two LCD displays |
| Display resolution | 1832 x 1920 per eye | 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye |
| FOV | 96 degrees horizontal, 90 degrees vertical | 110 degrees horizontal, 96 degrees vertical |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 72Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 89GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 512GB |
| Battery life | 2 hours 30 minutes | 2 hours 12 minutes |
Meta Quest 3S Features: What’s New?
The Meta Quest 3S is designed as a budget-friendly VR headset that retains most of the core features of the Quest 3. It comes with Meta’s latest Touch Plus controllers, three months of Meta Quest+, and a bundled copy of the newly released game Batman: Arkham Shadow. The Quest 3S supports both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences through a 4MP RGB camera with passthrough capabilities, which allows users to interact with their real environment while playing mixed-reality games.
Should You Choose Meta Quest 3S or Quest 3?
Choosing between the Meta Quest 3S and Meta Quest 3 largely comes down to budget and your VR usage preferences. The Meta Quest 3 offers better visuals, a more streamlined design, and a higher storage option, making it ideal for those who prioritize a top-tier VR experience. On the other hand, the Meta Quest 3S, with its lower price and slightly reduced features, is perfect for newcomers to VR or users who want a more accessible headset without sacrificing performance.
Meta Quest 3S Release Date and Availability
The Meta Quest 3S will be available starting October 15th, with pre-orders already open. With a launch timed perfectly for the holiday season, this headset is poised to be an attractive option for those looking to explore VR without breaking the bank.
Final Verdict: Is the Meta Quest 3S Worth It?
The Meta Quest 3S is a solid addition to Meta’s lineup, offering a compelling mix of performance and affordability. While it does make some compromises, such as a lower resolution and fewer features compared to the Meta Quest 3, it still provides a fun and accessible entry into VR and mixed reality. If you’re new to VR or looking for a budget-friendly upgrade, the Meta Quest 3S is a worthy contender.
