The field of virtual reality (VR) keeps changing at a very fast rate, and Meta’s VR headsets are no different.  Following the successful release of the Meta Quest 3, Meta has introduced a more budget-friendly version, the Meta Quest 3S.

Naturally, with a lower price point comes the question: is the Meta Quest 3S an upgrade or a downgrade compared to the more premium Meta Quest 3? This review will explore the major differences, advantages, and potential drawbacks of the Meta Quest 3S in 2024.

What’s New in the Meta Quest 3S?

The Meta Quest 3S is meant to give VR fans a cheaper choice to the Meta Quest 3 while still giving them a powerful and immersive VR experience. It features the same 8GB of RAM, Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 processor, and controls as the Meta Quest 3, which means it performs about the same. But when it comes to field of view, storage capacity, and display quality, the 3S makes certain compromises.

This October 2024, the Meta Quest 3S was introduced as a more cost-effective way to join the Meta VR ecosystem. However, does it provide enough features to warrant its position, or are the compromises too excessive? Let’s break down the key features.

Design and Build Quality

The Meta Quest 3S retains the same overall aesthetic as the Quest 3, with a sleek, minimalist design and lightweight build. Like the Quest 3, it is comfortable to wear for long periods, thanks to its ergonomic design and easy-to-adjust straps. It’s well balanced in terms of weight, so long sessions don’t put too much pressure on the face and head.

The controllers, too, are identical to those of the Meta Quest 3. These are compact and intuitive, providing excellent hand tracking and haptic feedback. Although they require regular battery replacement, they remain user-friendly and responsive, adding to the immersion of the VR experience.

Where the Meta Quest 3S differs is in the material quality. While the build quality remains sturdy, it does feel slightly less premium compared to the Quest 3, due in part to some cost-saving measures in the materials used. But this doesn’t really take away from the experience as a whole, especially when you consider the price difference.

Display and Visual Experience

The most noticeable difference between the Meta Quest 3 and the Meta Quest 3S lies in the optical technology and display resolution. The Meta Quest 3 features advanced Pancake lenses and a resolution of 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye, offering crystal-clear visuals and a 110-degree field of view. This setup provides a more immersive and high-definition VR experience, particularly in visually demanding games and applications.

In contrast, the Meta Quest 3S uses Fresnel lenses and has a slightly lower resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye, coupled with a 96-degree field of view. While the difference in resolution may not be apparent to casual users, VR enthusiasts and power users might notice the downgrade in visual clarity, especially in fast-paced or highly detailed scenes. The smaller field of view also slightly limits the immersive potential of the 3S.

However, the Meta Quest 3S still delivers a solid visual experience, with bright colors and decent sharpness. For those new to VR or on a tighter budget, this compromise in visual fidelity may be entirely acceptable.

Passthrough and Mixed Reality

Both headsets offer color passthrough for mixed reality experiences. The passthrough functionality of the Meta Quest 3 is highly rated for its immersive quality, though it can sometimes be grainy. The Meta Quest 3S attempts to match this performance, and while not as sharp as its more expensive sibling, it still provides an impressive mixed reality experience for its price point.

Performance and Processing Power

Where the Meta Quest 3S excels is in performance? Both the Quest 3S and Quest 3 are powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM. That way, even the most resource-intensive virtual reality apps and games won’t be a problem for the 3S. It’s easy to switch between tasks, and loading times are about the same as on the more expensive Quest 3.

Thanks to its powerful processor, the Meta Quest 3S can run the same virtual reality game library as the Quest 3. The performance of the 3S is almost identical to that of the Quest 3. This is true whether you are playing an action-packed game like Beat Saber or an adventure game like Half-Life: Alyx.

Controllers and Hand Tracking

The Meta Quest 3S comes with the same controllers as the Meta Quest 3. These controllers are compact and responsive, with an ergonomic design that feels comfortable in the hands. They have features like haptic feedback and button placement that make it easy to interact with VR worlds.

One of the standout features of both headsets is hand tracking. Although hand tracking still feels a bit gimmicky compared to using the controllers, it works reasonably well and adds to the futuristic feel of the headset. It’s an area where further software updates could make significant improvements in accuracy and reliability.

Storage Options

Storage is one area where the Meta Quest 3 offers more flexibility. If you want to keep a lot of games, apps, and media, you will appreciate the Meta Quest 3, which comes with 128GB or 512GB of storage.

The Meta Quest 3S, on the other hand, comes in 128GB and 256GB variants, with no 512GB option. Most people won’t need the 128GB version because they can stream games or delete them and re-download them as needed. But if you like having your library of games with you all the time, the Quest 3’s bigger storage space might be worth thinking about.

Battery Life

Despite having a smaller 4324 mAh battery, the Meta Quest 3S actually offers a slightly longer battery life than the Quest 3, which features a 5060 mAh battery. This can be attributed to the 3S’s lower display resolution, which consumes less power.

The Meta Quest 3S provides up to 2.5 hours of battery life, compared to the 2.2 hours of the Meta Quest 3. While neither headset offers outstanding battery longevity, the difference is minimal. If you wish to have longer VR experiences, you may want to consider investing in external battery packs, as both headsets will need frequent charging for prolonged play sessions.

Audio and Sound Quality

When it comes to audio, both headsets are likely to offer similar quality. The Meta Quest 3 is praised for its excellent speakers, which provide clear highs and mids, decent bass, and stereo separation that enhances the immersion in VR games. There is no significant audio downgrade in the Meta Quest 3S, so you can expect the same high-quality sound from both models.

One exciting upcoming feature for both headsets is Dolby Atmos support, which will enhance the spatial audio experience, especially when watching movies or playing music-based games like Beat Saber. This means that even if you opt for the cheaper Meta Quest 3S, you’ll still benefit from the same immersive audio experience.

Price and Value

Price is one of the most significant factors that make the Meta Quest 3S an attractive option. With a starting price of $299 for the 128GB version and $399 for the 256GB version, the Meta Quest 3S is significantly cheaper than the Meta Quest 3, which starts at $499 for the 128GB version and $649 for the 512GB version. This price difference is a major consideration for anyone looking to get into VR without breaking the bank.

For those who want a premium VR experience without paying premium prices, the Meta Quest 3S delivers exceptional value. While there are some compromises, particularly in terms of display quality and storage options, the performance, controllers, and mixed reality features are comparable to the more expensive Meta Quest 3.

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Must Read: 2024 Meta Quest 3 Review: Best VR Experience Yet?

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The Bottom Line

Is the Meta Quest 3S an Upgrade or Downgrade?

The Meta Quest 3S is a clever case. At first glance, it looks a lot like the more expensive Meta Quest 3. It has the same high-quality controls, 8GB of RAM, and a powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 processor. In this way, the performance, gameplay, and general user experience are remarkably close to those of the Meta Quest 3.

On the other hand, it is clear that compromises have been made to bring down the price. The use of Fresnel lenses, a lower resolution per eye, and a smaller field of view are notable downgrades, particularly for users who value high-end visual fidelity in their VR experiences. The lack of a 512GB storage option also limits its appeal to heavy users who prefer to store large amounts of content locally.

If you’re a VR fan on a budget or someone who is new to VR but wants a premium experience without spending a premium amount of money, the Meta Quest 3S is a smart choice. The Meta Quest 3 is still the better alternative for those that value having more storage options and the best visual experience.

Considering its price and performance balance, the Meta Quest 3S is far from a downgrade and offers tremendous value. It successfully brings many of the premium features of the Meta Quest 3 to a wider audience, making it a strong contender for the best value VR headset in 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)

How does the Meta Quest 3S differ from the Meta Quest 3?

While the Meta Quest 3S shares many similarities with the Quest 3, here is the quick summary as discussed above:

• • Minor improvements in display quality, with better color accuracy and refresh rate.
  • Enhanced battery life, offering longer usage time.
  • Improved ergonomic design for increased comfort during longer VR sessions.
  • Updated software optimizations that enhance processing power and reduce latency in mixed reality applications.

Is the Meta Quest 3S considered an upgrade or downgrade from the Meta Quest 3?

• • The Meta Quest 3S is generally considered a slight upgrade rather than a major overhaul. It builds upon the strengths of the Meta Quest 3 by refining existing features such as battery life, display clarity, and comfort. However, the differences are incremental, meaning that it may not be a significant leap for users who already own the Quest 3.

 What are the refresh rate improvements in the Meta Quest 3S?

• • The Meta Quest 3S features a higher refresh rate of up to 120Hz (compared to the standard 90Hz on Quest 3) and enhanced color vibrancy. This makes visuals smoother and more immersive, particularly in fast-paced gaming and high-definition mixed reality experiences.

Has the battery life improved in the Meta Quest 3S?

• • Yes, the Meta Quest 3S offers a slightly longer battery life compared to the Quest 3. While the Quest 3 had a 2.2 hour battery range, the 3S can last up to 2.5 hours on a single charge, depending on the intensity of usage.

Are the Meta Quest 3S controllers the same as the Quest 3?

• • The Meta Quest 3S uses the same Touch Plus controllers as the Quest 3, which are known for their precision and haptics. However, software improvements in the Quest 3S may slightly enhance tracking and responsiveness during gameplay.

 Does the Meta Quest 3S support mixed reality like the Meta Quest 3?

• • Yes, the Meta Quest 3S fully supports mixed reality (MR) with improved passthrough technology. It offers better full-color passthrough for a more accurate and immersive MR experience, making it easier to blend the virtual and physical worlds.

Is the Meta Quest 3S backward compatible with Quest 2 and Quest 3 games?

• • Absolutely. The Meta Quest 3S is fully backward compatible with both Quest 2 and Quest 3 games and apps. This ensures that users don’t lose access to their existing VR library when upgrading to the new model.

How is the comfort level of the Meta Quest 3S compared to previous models?

• • The Meta Quest 3S features a more ergonomic design compared to both the Quest 2 and Quest 3. It’s lighter and has improved padding, making it more comfortable for extended VR sessions, especially for users who experienced discomfort with earlier models.

Is the Meta Quest 3S worth upgrading to if I already own the Meta Quest 3?

• • If you already own the Meta Quest 3, upgrading to the 3S may not be necessary unless you’re looking for the specific enhancements in display quality, battery life, or comfort. The differences are relatively minor, and the overall experience remains very similar. However, if you are upgrading from the Quest 2, the 3S would offer a more significant leap in performance.

Does the Meta Quest 3S require external sensors or a PC for VR gaming?

• • No, like its predecessors, the Meta Quest 3S is a standalone VR headset, meaning it doesn’t require external sensors or a PC for gaming. However, it can be connected to a PC for access to PC VR content through Meta’s Air Link or via a USB-C cable.

Is the Meta Quest 3S good for fitness and workout apps?

• • Yes, the Meta Quest 3S is an excellent choice for fitness apps like Supernatural, FitXR, and other VR workout games. The lighter design, better battery life, and enhanced hand tracking make it a more comfortable and practical option for fitness enthusiasts.

What accessories are available for the Meta Quest 3S?

Popular accessories for the Meta Quest 3S include:

• • Elite Strap for improved head support and comfort.
  • Carrying case for portability.
  • Charging dock for easier recharging.
  • Replacement facial interface for improved hygiene.

How does the Meta Quest 3S perform with demanding games and apps?

• • Thanks to its upgraded Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, the Meta Quest 3S offers smooth and responsive performance, even with demanding VR games and apps. Its enhanced software optimizations further reduce latency, ensuring a seamless experience.

Does the Meta Quest 3S have hand tracking?

• • Yes, like its predecessor, the Meta Quest 3S supports hand tracking. The technology allows users to interact with virtual environments using just their hands, without the need for controllers, providing an intuitive VR experience.

Can I use the Meta Quest 3S for professional applications, like VR design or virtual meetings?

• • Yes, the Meta Quest 3S is great for professional use. With its enhanced mixed reality features, it’s suitable for virtual meetings, 3D design, and other productivity tasks that require an immersive virtual environment.