Virtual reality is making huge strides, and Meta’s latest offerings—the Meta Quest 3 and the more budget-friendly Meta Quest 3S—are at the forefront of this evolution. If you’re torn between these two headsets, we’ve got you covered! Let’s dive into how they compare in design, performance, and value, helping you decide whether the Quest 3 or Quest 3S is the right choice for your VR adventures.
1. Price Difference: Is It Worth It?
The first major difference between the Quest 3 and Quest 3S is the price. The Quest 3 retails at $499.99, while the Quest 3S is priced at $299.99 for 128GB of storage. That’s a $200 difference, making the Quest 3S a more affordable option for newcomers to VR. But does that price cut come with significant compromises?
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2. Display Quality: Visuals Matter
One of the biggest reasons for the price gap is the display. The Meta Quest 3 boasts a resolution of 2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye, offering 1,218 pixels per inch (PPI) for a sharp, immersive experience. On the other hand, the Meta Quest 3S features a lower resolution of 1,832 x 1,920 per eye, resulting in 773 PPI. While the Quest 3S still provides solid visuals, the Quest 3 delivers a noticeable boost in clarity and field of view, ideal for anyone looking to experience VR at its best.
3. Design and Comfort: Identical on the Outside
Both the Quest 3 and Quest 3S have a sleek, white plastic design with a Y-shaped headstrap, making them comfortable for extended use. The key design difference lies in the front panel, where the Quest 3 features a curved design with three camera clusters, while the Quest 3S has a flatter panel with two clusters. This doesn’t affect performance, but it’s worth noting if aesthetics are important to you.
4. Cameras and AR Experience
Both headsets come with color pass-through cameras, making them well-suited for augmented reality (AR) applications. The Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S share the same 4MP cameras, offering clear visibility of your surroundings. If AR or mixed reality is part of your plan, both headsets will perform similarly. However, the higher resolution of the Quest 3 may give it a slight edge when fine details are crucial.
5. Processing Power: No Shortcuts Here
Despite the price difference, the Quest 3S does not compromise on internal power. Both headsets are equipped with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth VR gameplay and app performance. The hardware is on par, even with the more expensive Quest 3, so you won’t miss out on processing power if you choose the cheaper option.
6. Battery Life: Surprisingly Close
Though the Quest 3 has a slightly larger battery (5,060mAh vs. the Quest 3S’s 4,324mAh), the difference in battery life is minimal. The Quest 3 lasts around 2.2 hours, while the Quest 3S offers up to 2.5 hours. Thanks to the lower resolution, the Quest 3S manages to edge out its sibling in battery performance, albeit slightly.
Read More: Is Meta About to Cut the Meta Quest 3 Price and Discontinue the 128GB Model?
7. Storage Options: More Room for Games
The Quest 3 comes with a whopping 512GB of storage, ideal for VR enthusiasts with extensive game libraries. The Quest 3S, however, offers 128GB or 256GB options, which may suffice for casual users but could fill up quickly with larger apps. If storage is a concern, the Quest 3 is the obvious choice for its higher capacity.
8. Display Technology: Pancake vs. Fresnel Lenses
The Quest 3 offers pancake lenses with continuous IAD (inter-axial distance) adjustment, giving you precise control over the distance between the lenses for better comfort. The Quest 3S uses Fresnel lenses with three preset positions, much like the older Quest 2. While most users will find a comfortable setting, the Quest 3 allows for more personalized fine-tuning.
Which Should You Buy?
Choosing between the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S depends on what matters most to you. If you’re looking for top-tier visual performance and ample storage, the Quest 3 is the clear winner. On the other hand, if you’re on a budget or new to VR, the Quest 3S offers solid performance with fewer compromises, making it a great introduction to the virtual world.
When it comes to Quest 3 vs Quest 3S, both headsets shine in their own right, but the Quest 3S stands out as the budget-friendly choice that doesn’t skimp on essential features, while the Quest 3 remains the best option for immersive, high-end VR experiences.
