Meta recently released the Quest 3S, a lite version of the Quest 3 VR headset introduced previously. Since its release, the question of which is best has raged.
While these devices share similarities, they have crucial differences in pricing, design, display, features, and battery life. Let's take a look.
Price and Specs
The biggest difference between the two is their price. The Meta Quest 3S is more affordable, starting at $299.99 while the Quest 3 is $499.99.
The Quest 3S is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, a significant upgrade from the Quest 3's XR2 chip, which enhances performance and power efficiency. It has 128GB of storage, 8GB of RAM, and a resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels. Users can also purchase the 256GB version for $399.99. Regarding refresh rate, it offers 90Hz and 120Hz and has a Fresnel lens similar to the Quest 2.
The Meta Quest 3, priced at $499.99, offers a more indulgent VR experience. Its 512 GB of storage and a sharper 2064 x 2208-pixel resolution make it a step up from the Quest 3S. It also comes with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 CPU and 8GB of RAM, but the refresh rates range from 72Hz to 120Hz, offering users more flexibility. The Quest 3's pancake lens contributes to its design and better image quality, making it a premium choice for VR enthusiasts.
Design
The Quest 3, with its sleek and refined appearance, is a stylish choice for VR enthusiasts. Its unique front design with oval-shaped sensor openings adds to its aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the new Quest 3S, while bulkier, offers a different design perspective with its sensors arranged in a triangular pattern.
Both these models share the same controllers, but the previously released Quest 3 VR headset comes with an additional feature; a headphone jack. The Quest 3S lacks this feature, but users can connect Bluetooth headphones or USB-C audio devices.
Display
With an excellent resolution of 2064 x 2208 pixels, the Meta Quest 3 beats the Quest 3S in display quality. Because of this difference, the Quest 3 graphics are sharper and more vibrant. The Quest 3's pancake lens, which is thinner and lighter, offers less distortion and a more natural viewing experience compared to the Quest 3S's Fresnel lens. This difference in lens technology contributes to the Quest 3's superior image quality.
Regarding refresh rates, the Quest 3 offers more flexibility with 72Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz options, while the Quest 3S is limited to 90Hz and 120Hz. This ability to lower refresh rates on the Quest 3 can help users prioritize resolution for PCVR gaming without compromising performance.
Features
Both the VR headsets, Quest 3 and Quest 3S, share numerous essential features, including AR capabilities with passthrough mode, allowing users to mix virtual items with the actual world. This mode is powered by a 4MP camera offering immersive augmented reality experiences. Additionally, both headsets support PCVR via Xbox Game Pass and Quest Link app.
However, the Quest 3 features a depth projector that enhances room-meshing during mixed-reality setups. In comparison, the Quest 3S lacks this feature but makes up for it with two IR flood illuminators for better low-light hand tracking, which makes it better suited for low-light settings.
Battery Life
Despite the Meta Quest 3 having a larger 5,060mAh battery, its battery life falls short compared to the Quest 3S. The Quest 3S, with its 4,324 mAh battery, can play for about two hours and thirty minutes on a single charge, making it a better option for extended VR sessions. In contrast, the Quest 3 lasts for approximately an hour and nineteen minutes on continuous use, which may not be sufficient for longer VR experiences. This difference in battery life can significantly impact the user's VR experience, making the Quest 3S a more practical choice for extended use.
Both the Meta Quest 3S and Meta Quest 3 have their strengths. The Quest 3S is cost-effective, offering longer battery life and excellent low-light hand tracking. On the other hand, the Quest 3 justifies its higher price with better display quality, a sleeker design, and enhanced features like the depth projector. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize affordability, battery life, or superior visuals and a refined design.