Meta Quest 3 vs 3S: Key Differences, Specs, and Best Deals for Black Friday
Meta Quest 3S vs. Meta Quest 3: Key Differences Explained
Overview
Black Friday brings great deals, especially for headsets like the Meta Quest 3 and the new Meta Quest 3S. Released in September 2024, the Meta Quest 3S is a more affordable version of the Meta Quest 3.
Specs Comparison
| Specification | Meta Quest 3S | Meta Quest 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 (128GB), $399 (256GB) | $499 (128GB), $649 (512GB) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| Resolution | 1,832 x 1,920 (773 PPI) | 2,064 x 2,208 pixels (72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz) |
| Field of View | 96° horizontal, 90° vertical | 110° horizontal, 96° vertical |
| Storage | 128GB | 512GB |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Battery Life | 2.5 hours (rated) | 2.2 hours (rated) |
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 5.6 x 4.0 inches | 7.2 x 6.2 x 3.8 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds | 1.1 pounds |
Price and Availability
When launched in 2023, the Meta Quest 3 cost $499 for 128GB and $649 for 512GB. The Quest 3S replaced the Quest 2, starting at $299 for 128GB. The Quest 3S was fully available on October 15.
Design and Display
Both headsets look similar, but the Quest 3 is smaller and features better optics. The Quest 3S retains the older design of the Quest 2, resulting in a bulkier feel. The Quest 3 offers a wider field of view and higher resolution than the Quest 3S.
The Quest 3 has adjustable lenses, while the Quest 3S lacks this feature. Both have a strap design that helps with fit comfort.
Controllers
Both models use Meta Quest Touch Plus Controllers. They feature haptics and 6DoF tracking. Users find them easy to use for various operations.
Performance
The Quest 3S shares the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset with the Quest 3. This allows games to run smoothly, though the Quest 3 offers better visual quality due to its higher resolution.
Battery Life
The battery performance of both devices is similar, with each estimated at around 2.5 hours. Actual usage can vary based on the application.
Game Compatibility
The Quest 3S supports the same game library as the Quest 3, allowing access to over 500 games, including new releases.
Mixed Reality Features
The Quest 3 excels in mixed reality with advanced color passthrough and depth sensing. The Quest 3S offers color passthrough, but with less capability, resulting in a different mixed-reality experience.
Conclusion
The Meta Quest 3S is a strong option for those looking for a budget-friendly VR headset. While it does not match the Quest 3 in comfort and features, it provides excellent performance and access to a wide game library at a lower price. For most people, the Quest 3S is a solid choice, offering great value for money.