It’s time for a Meta Quest 3S vs. Meta Quest 3 showdown to help you understand the differences between the two.
Meta Quest 3S was unveiled Meta Connect 2024, along with some updates to the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses – and the new unveiling of Project Orion, the company’s new prototype AR glasses.
The Quest 3S has a starting price of $299.99, while you’ll have to pay a little more for the Quest 3. So the question is: how are they different? We’ll go into this now.
Meta Quest 3S vs. 3: price and specifications
As mentioned, the Quest 3S is cheaper with a starting price of $299.99. It comes with the following specifications:
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Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip
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128 GB of storage space
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8GB RAM
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Screen resolution of 1,832 x 1,920 pixels
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Refresh rates of 90 Hz and 120 Hz
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Fresnel lens
If you upgrade to 256 GB of storage, you will have to pay $399.99. In my experience with the Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3, 128GB was sufficient, giving me about 60 games and apps with some storage to spare.
The Meta Quest 3, on the other hand, is priced at $499.99. It comes with the following:
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Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip
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512 GB of storage space
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8GB RAM
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Resolution of 2,064 x 2,208 pixels
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Refresh rates of 72 Hz, 80 Hz, 90 Hz and 120 Hz
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Pancake lens
It has the same chipset and RAM as the Quest 3S, but you get better displays, more storage, and more refresh rate options. (More on that later.)
Meta Quest 3S vs 3: Design
The Meta Quest 3S appears bulkier than the Meta Quest 3, similar to the Quest 2. The more expensive Quest 3, on the other hand, has a sleeker and more comfortable appearance.
The front part of the Quest 3S is also different from the Quest 3. While both have mostly white casings, the Quest 3S’s sensors are arranged in a triangular pattern. On the Quest 3, on the other hand, the sensors are arranged in larger, oval-shaped openings.
Both headsets have the same controllers.
It’s also worth noting that the Meta Quest 3 has a 3.5mm headset jack, but the Quest 3S does not. However, this does not mean that you cannot connect headphones to the latter. You can still use USB-C headphones or Bluetooth-supported wireless earbuds.
Meta Quest 3S vs 3: View
The displays of the Meta Quest 3 have a higher screen resolution compared to the Quest 3S.
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Quest 3S – Resolution of 1,832 x 1,920 pixels
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Quest 3 – Resolution of 2,064 x 2,208 pixels
In my experience comparing the Quest 3S and Quest 3 side by side, the Quest 3’s images are definitely sharper and more vibrant.
Additionally, the Quest 3 has a greater number of refresh rate options:
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Quest 3S – 90 Hz and 120 Hz
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Quest 3 – 72 Hz, 80 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz
You may be wondering, “Why would anyone run their Quest 3 at 72 Hz instead of 120 Hz?” Well, for those using PCVR, lowering the refresh rate can allow them to prioritize a higher resolution without suffering too much of a performance penalty.
It’s also worth noting that the Quest 3S has Fresnel lenses, unlike the Quest 3’s pancake lenses. Both lenses have their pros and cons, but pancake lenses are generally better, allowing for a lighter and thinner design , less distortion and better image quality are possible.
As someone who owns a Meta Quest 3, I’d say the resolution is pretty mediocre. They’re just okay. Since the Quest 3 already has mid-tier graphics, you might be disillusioned with the Quest 3S’s displays.
Meta Quest 3S vs 3: Features
Both have the same features, including augmented reality (AR) with passthrough mode. Passthrough, which allows you to see the world around you, relies on a 4 MP camera and lets you enjoy AR experiences. For example, with Passthrough mode turned on, you can see the room you’re in even when your headset is turned on.
For the uninitiated, AR is a blend of digital artifacts with your real world. For example, in an AR game you can avoid virtual aliens while ducking behind the couch in your living room.
Announced at Meta Connect 2024, you’ll also have an easier time with spatial computing with Quest 3S and Quest 3.
Spatial computing was always available in the Quest series (at least already in the second generation Quest 2, as in 2021 I demonstrated the possibility of using it with a laptop.) However, it seems that, with a new update , the experience should be a lot more seamless with the two Quest 3 models, especially if you have a Windows 11 PC. You get the ability to work with numerous virtual displays for a more immersive workflow.
“Quest becomes a natural extension of your PC,” said Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta.
In summary, on both the Quest 3S and Quest 3 you can access AR and VR apps and games via the Quest Store, as well as support for PCVR with the Quest Link app. You can also play Xbox Game Pass games on both headsets.
Meta Quest 3S vs 3: Battery
The Quest 3 has a larger battery: 5,060 mAh to be precise. The Quest 3S, on the other hand, has a battery of 4,324.
According to our review, the Meta Quest 3 lasted one hour and 19 minutes with non-stop gameplay.
We also reviewed the Quest 3S, and it turns out that, according to our internal testing, it held up 2 hours and 30 minutes on a single charge.
Meta Quest 3S vs. 3: who is the winner?
The Quest 3S is cheaper and has a longer battery life, but has a clumsier and bulkier design.
The Quest 3 is more expensive and less energy efficient, but has better weight distribution for more comfort. Moreover, it also offers better images.
The winner depends on what you value more: battery life and cost-effectiveness or better image and comfort?
