Meta Quest 3S vs Quest 3: Check Specifications, Price, and New Features

Meta recently introduced its latest VR headset, the Meta Quest 3S. The Meta Quest 3S offers the same performance and features and is a more affordable version of the Quest 3.

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

A comparison of Quest 3S and Quest 3

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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This post was last modified on September 26, 2024 7:06 am

Saumya Sumu

Saumya is a tech enthusiast diving deep into new-age technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and gaming. She is passionate about decoding the complexities and uses of new-age tech. She is on a mission to write articles that bridge the gap between technical jargon and everyday understanding. Previously, she worked as a Content Executive at one of India's leading educational platforms.