Meta Quest 3S vs Quest 3, The Meta Quest 3S is now available and promises to give a similar experience to the Meta Quest 3, but at a cheaper cost. The company’s latest mixed-reality headset, which was announced at Meta Connect 2024, should be an excellent choice for people seeking one of the top VR headsets.
We have yet to get hands-on (or heads-on) with the Meta Quest 3S, but based on what Meta shared, the headset is mostly similar to the more expensive Meta Quest 3. However, aside from pricing, some differences may cause you to favor one device over the other.
Here are the main differences between the Meta Quest 3S and the Meta Quest 3.
Meta Quest 3S vs Meta Quest 3: Price
Let’s get to the most significant distinction between Meta’s mixed-reality headsets: pricing. This factor alone is likely to help people determine which one is best for them.
When Meta Quest 3S comes on October 15, there will be two models available. The entry-level model costs $299 and has 128GB of storage. For $399, you can purchase a variant with a larger 256GB storage.
The Meta Quest 3’s starting pricing was $499 for a 128GB variant and $649 for 512GB. The business will now sell the 512GB variant for $499. The 128GB version is presently out of stock, which suggests that the higher priced 512GB version may be the only Meta Quest 3 variant available.
While the $499 512GB Meta Quest 3 is certainly enticing, those on a budget may still opt for the more affordable Quest 3S.
Meta Quest 3S vs Meta Quest 3: Design
The Quest 3S is not very dissimilar to the Quest 3. However, there are some notable variances.
The redesigned headset’s front cameras are now located on the lower left and right sides, rather than in the center like the Quest 3. The front also looks thicker. More crucially, this headset lacks an IPD wheel that allows for fine adjustment of the headset’s fit. Also missing is a 3.5mm headphone jack.
While the general design is not significantly changed from the Quest 3, the Quest 3S may be more unpleasant for certain users because they cannot fine-tune the headset’s fit on their head. The Quest 2’s 3-point lens adjustment may also be restricting. However, we’ll need to test the device ourselves to see how it feel to wear.
Meta Quest 3S vs Quest 3: Lenses and resolution
Speaking of lenses, the Meta Quest 3S returns to fresnel lenses. The Quest 3’s “pancake lenses” make graphics in your peripheral vision appear clearer, making the overall experience more immersive. Because this gadget includes fresnel lenses like the Meta Quest 2, I expect the viewing experience to be basically comparable.
In terms of visuals, the Quest 3S offers a resolution of 1,832 x 1,920 and a variable refresh rate of 90 to 120Hz. It also features a field of view (FOV) of 96 degrees horizontal and 90 degrees vertical. All of this contrasts with the Meta Quest 3, which has a larger FOV and a resolution of 2,064 x 2,208.
All of this means that the Quest 3S will provide a substantially similar viewing experience to the Quest 2, given both devices have identical lenses and resolution.
Meta Quest 3S vs Quest 3: Conclusion
The Meta Quest 3S shares many design elements with the Quest 2, but it also incorporates Quest 3 features, most notably the latter’s processor. Even if the viewing experience is inferior to the Quest 3, the Quest 3S may have superior performance due to its lower native resolution. That, combined with the decreased price, might make purchasing the new headset a no-brainer.
However, if you need more capacity and greater headset adjustment, the Meta Quest 3 is the way to go—especially at its new $499 pricing for 512GB. Regardless of the option you choose, you will have access to nearly all of the same apps and games. In that way, the Quest 3S or Quest 3 provide a solid mixed-reality experience.
