Let’s delve into a comparison between the Meta Quest 3S and Meta Quest 3 to highlight their unique features and differences. The Meta Quest 3S was unveiled at the 2024 Meta Connect event alongside the updated Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses and the newly revealed Project Orion, Meta’s brand-new AR glasses prototype.
Starting at $299.99, the Quest 3S is a more affordable option compared to its counterpart, the Quest 3. But how exactly do these two devices compare? Let’s break it down.
Meta Quest 3S and 3: Pricing and Specifications
The Quest 3S, which is less expensive starting at $299.99, boasts the following features:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor
- 128GB storage space
- 8GB RAM
- Display resolution of 1,832 x 1,920 pixels
- 90Hz and 120Hz refresh rates
- Fresnel lens
Should you opt for an upgrade to 256GB of storage, the price increases to $399.99. From my past interaction with Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3, the 128GB storage was adequate, accommodating around 60 games and apps with some space to spare.
In contrast, the Meta Quest 3, priced at $499.99, offers:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor
- A whopping 512GB storage capacity
- 8GB RAM
- A higher display resolution of 2,064 x 2,208 pixels
- Refresh rates of 72Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz
- Pancake lens
Although the Quest 3S and Quest 3 share the same RAM and processor, the Quest 3 provides superior display, more storage, and a wider range of refresh rate options.
Comparing the Design of Meta Quest 3S and 3
The Meta Quest 3S has a bulkier appearance compared to the sleek and comfortable design of the Quest 3. The front part of the Quest 3S differs from the Quest 3, featuring a triangular sensor layout as opposed to the Quest 3’s larger, oval-shaped openings. Notably, both devices come with identical controllers.
An important point to note is that while Meta Quest 3 includes a 3.5mm headset jack, the Quest 3S does not. However, you can still connect headphones to the Quest 3S using USB-C headphones or Bluetooth-supported wireless earbuds.
Meta Quest 3S and 3: Display Differences
The Meta Quest 3 boasts a higher screen resolution compared to the Quest 3S.
- Quest 3S – 1,832 x 1,920-pixel resolution
- Quest 3 – 2,064 x 2,208-pixel resolution
In direct comparison, the Quest 3 offers sharper and more vibrant visuals. Moreover, the Quest 3 provides a broader range of refresh rate options:
- Quest 3S – 90Hz and 120Hz
- Quest 3 – 72Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz
For those using PCVR, a lower refresh rate on the Quest 3 may enable them to prioritize a higher resolution without a significant performance drop.
It’s also worth noting that the Quest 3S uses fresnel lenses, while the Quest 3 utilizes pancake lenses. The pancake lenses are generally superior, offering a lighter and thinner design, less distortion, and improved image quality.
Meta Quest 3S and 3: Feature Comparison
Both devices offer the same set of features, including augmented reality (AR) with passthrough mode, which uses a 4MP camera to provide AR experiences. With passthrough mode activated, you can see your actual surrounding environment even with your headset on.
Both the Quest 3S and Quest 3 offer AR and VR apps and games through the Quest Store, support for PCVR with the Quest Link app, and the ability to play Xbox Game Pass games.
Meta Quest 3S and 3: Battery Life
The Quest 3 has a larger battery of 5,060 mAh, compared to the Quest 3S’s 4,324 mAh battery.
From our tests, the Meta Quest 3 lasted one hour and 19 minutes with continuous gameplay. The Quest 3S, however, lasted longer at 2 hours and 30 minutes on a single charge.
Meta Quest 3S vs 3: The Verdict
Choosing between the Quest 3S and Quest 3 depends on what factors are more important to you. The Quest 3S is more affordable and boasts a longer battery life, but it has a bulkier design. On the other hand, the Quest 3, while more expensive and less power efficient, offers better visuals and a more comfortable design.
