At the Meta Connect 2024, Meta’s annual conference, the company introduced the latest version of its virtual reality (VR) headset. The Meta Quest 3S (the newer version) is a more affordable version of the Quest 3.
The Meta Quest 3S VR headset offers the same performance and features but with a lower-resolution display and a slightly thicker lens.
However, both headsets share a similar design and access to the same game library. Hence, in this article, we will look at the difference between Meta Quest 3S and Meta Quest 3. Let’s begin.
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Meta Quest 3S vs Quest 3
The Meta Quest 3S and Meta Quest 3 are both VR headsets that share some similarities, but they cater to different types of users. Here is a breakdown of their differences and similarities:
Similar Features
- CPU and RAM: Both headsets use the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip and have 8GB of RAM, ensuring strong performance across games and apps.
- Controllers: They both use the same Touch Plus controllers, which have improved haptics and rely on inside-out tracking using LEDs.
- Mixed Reality: Both support full-color passthrough with a 4MP RGB camera, enabling immersive mixed-reality (MR) experiences.
- Accessories: Many Quest 3 accessories, like the Elite Strap and carrying case, are compatible with the newer Quest 3S.
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Different Features
1. Core Performance
- Meta Quest 3S:
- SoC: Snapdragon XR2 Gen2
- DRAM: 8GB
- Base storage: 128GB, 256GB
- Meta Quest 3:
- SoC: Snapdragon XR2 Gen2
- DRAM: 8GB
- Base storage: 128GB, 512GB
Both devices have the same chipset and RAM, but the Meta Quest 3 offers more storage options (up to 512GB) compared to the 256GB limit on the Quest 3S.
2. Optics and Display
- Meta Quest 3S:
- Display resolution: 1832 x 1920 (773 PPI, 20 PPD)
- Refresh rate: 90Hz/120Hz
- Field of View (FOV): 96 horizontal / 90 vertical
- Lens: Fresnel lens with 3-position IAD adjust
- Meta Quest 3:
- Display resolution: 2064 x 2208 (1218 PPI, 25 PPD)
- Refresh rate: 72Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz
- Field of View (FOV): 110 horizontal / 96 vertical
- Lens: Pancake lens with continuous IAD adjust
The Meta Quest 3 offers a significantly higher resolution, PPI, and FOV compared to the Quest 3S, resulting in a more immersive experience.
3. Passthrough and Tracking
- Meta Quest 3S:
- Passthrough: Color (4MP, 18 PPD)
- Tracking: Hand tracking, no face/eye tracking
- Meta Quest 3:
- Passthrough: Color (4MP, 18 PPD)
- Tracking: Hand tracking, no face/eye tracking
Both models support hand tracking but do not have face or eye tracking.
4. Battery and Charging
- Meta Quest 3S:
- Battery: 4324 mAh / 2.5-hour runtime
- Charging dock: Available separately
- Meta Quest 3:
- Battery: 5060 mAh / 2.2-hour runtime
- Charging dock: Available separately
The Meta Quest 3S offers a slightly longer battery life than the Meta Quest 3.
5. Price
- Meta Quest 3S: Starting at $299.99
- Meta Quest 3: Starting at $499.99
The pricing of Meta Quest 3S is similar to the Quest 2 headset but with more features than the latter.
However, that is not all. Here are all of the differences between the Meta Quest 3S and Quest 3.
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Meta Quest 3S vs Quest 3: All Differences
| Feature | Meta Quest 3S | Meta Quest 3 |
| Starting Price | $299.99 | $499.99 |
| SoC | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 512GB |
| Display Resolution | 1832 x 1920 (773 PPI, 20 PPD) | 2064 x 2208 (1218 PPI, 25 PPD) |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz, 120Hz | 72Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Field of View (FOV) | 96° horizontal, 90° vertical | 110° horizontal, 96° vertical |
| Optics | Fresnel lens, 3 position IPD adjustment | Pancake lens, continuous IPD adjustment |
| Color Gamut | 100% sRGB | 100% sRGB |
| Hand Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Face/Eye Tracking | No | No |
| Controller Tracking | Hybrid with computer vision and ML | Hybrid with computer vision and ML |
| Haptics | TruTouch variable haptics | TruTouch variable haptics |
| Battery | 4324 mAh (~2.5 hours runtime) | 5060 mAh (~2.2 hours runtime) |
| Passthrough | Color (4MP, 18 PPD) | Color (4MP, 18 PPD) |
| Charging | Charging cable included | Charging cable included |
| Controller Battery | AA (non-rechargeable) | AA (non-rechargeable) |
| Ergonomics | Soft strap, hard strap available | Soft strap, hard strap available |
Which is better?
Both Meta Quest 3S and Quest 3 share a similar design and access to the same game library. The main difference lies in the display quality and price.
If you are looking for visual clarity and a wider field of view, the Meta Quest 3 is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget, the Meta Quest 3S offers a more affordable option without sacrificing core features.
Ultimately, both are great VR headsets.
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