Meta Quest 3S vs Meta Quest 3: What are the differences?

Meta Quest 3S vs Meta Quest 3: What are the differences?

A more affordable equivalent

Following on from the success of the Meta Quest 3, Meta has surprised us with a new mixed reality headset, positioned as a mid-range solution between the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3. The Meta Quest 3S is equipped with the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor as the Quest 3, and with 8GB of RAM, it offers the same performance as its big brother. This retention of performance means that standalone virtual experiences can be created that are as immersive and realistic as ever. Gamers will still be able to enjoy detailed graphics and unchanged overall power.

Meta Quest 3S modified screen resolution

The Meta Quest 3S offers a lower screen resolution than the Meta Quest 3, at 1,832 x 1,920 pixels per eye, in return for a reduction in the product's price. The headset therefore retains the performance of the Meta Quest 3 but the visual quality of the Meta Quest 2. There has also been a change in the lenses, with a return to Fresnel lenses compared with the Pancake lenses of the Quest 3. Meta nevertheless claims a resolution multiplied by 4.5, for greater clarity and colour compared with the Quest 2.

Ergonomics and comfort of the Meta Quest 3S

Weight and thickness The Quest 3S is a little thicker than the Meta Quest 3 (11.6 mm thicker), making it slightly heavier at the front. However, it is in fact one gram lighter than the Quest 3 (514 g compared with 515 g), but this difference is negligible in terms of overall comfort. In terms of facial interfaces: The Quest 3S features a facial interface called the ‘Breathable Facial Interface’, designed to offer greater comfort during long or intense sessions, particularly for users who engage in physical activity. However, this interface is not compatible with the Quest 3.

Résolution	2064 x 2208 pixels per eye	1832 x 1920 pixels per eye
Moteur d’écran	Simple LCD	Simple LCD
Taux de rafraîchissement	120Hz	120 Hz
Lentilles	Pancake	Fresnel
Champ de vision	110º	96°
Processeur	Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2	Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
GPU	Adreno 740	Adreno 740
RAM	8 Go	8 Gb
Stockage	512 Go	128 Gb / 256 Gb
Connecteurs	USB-C, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth et Air Link	USB-C, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth et Air Link
Poids	515 grammes	514 grammes
Autonomie de la batterie	2.2 heures (2,3 heures de charge)	2.5 hours
Tracking / suivi	Standalone, 6 DoF avec suivi interne via 4 caméras intégrées (Comprend également un capteur de profondeur)	Standalone, 6 DoF
Contrôleurs	Meta Quest Touch Plus, 6 DoF	Meta Quest Touch Plus
Audio	Audio 3D from speakers stéréo, audio jack 3,5 mm	Audio 3D from speakers stéréo, Dolby Atmos
Passage de la vidéo	Two cameras pass-through colours 18 PPD	Two cameras pass-through colours 18 PPD
Prix	549,99 €	329,99€

The two datasheets show that the Meta Quest 3S has a lot in common with the Meta Quest 3, making it Meta's most versatile and affordable version.

The team's opinion:

The Meta Quest 3S is presented as the new consumer version of virtual reality headsets, enabling a wider audience to try out mixed reality, while offering modern performance and unbeatable value for money. For the ultimate experience, the Meta Quest 3S is the ideal headset for discovering virtual reality, with all the benefits of the Meta Quest 3 at a lower price. Depending on your budget and your level of virtual reality experience, if you're a beginner on a tight budget, the Meta Quest 3S is the perfect solution. Note that the Meta Quest 3S is available in two storage versions, 128GB or 256GB. If you're looking for performance and an enhanced experience, the Meta Quest 3 will be the right choice, although it will only be available with 512GB of storage.