Meta Quest 3S vs Meta Quest 3: How will they stack up?
Meta Quest 3S Arrival: A Mixed Reality More Economically
Announced at Meta Connect 2024, the Meta Quest 3S is the latest creation from the company in its lineup of Mixed Reality headsets. It promises to be able to deliver an experience similar to the Meta Quest 3-but at a far cheaper cost, an enticing proposition to those looking for one of the best virtual reality headsets.
Price: Meta Quest 3S vs. Meta Quest 3
The price is, of course, the deciding factor for many. Indeed, from October 15th, two models of the Meta Quest 3S will be made available: an entry-level model is priced at $299 with a storage capacity of 128 GB, and another model is made available for $399, offering more generous storage of 256 GB.
That compares to the original prices of the Meta Quest 3, which launched at $499 for a 128GB model and $649 for a 512GB model. It’s worth noting now that the 512GB Meta Quest 3 is available for $499, which might be more tempting for some. All the same, the Quest 3S remains more affordable to those on a very tight budget.
Design differences: Meta Quest 3S versus Meta Quest 3
From a “design” point of view, the Quest 3S has a few changes compared to the Quest 3. For example, the front cameras of the new headset are positioned on the lowest left and right sides and no longer in the center as on the Quest 3. Continuing further, even the Meta Quest 3S misses an IPD adjustment wheel to finetune the headset to the user’s head, nor does it have a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Actually, these design differences aren’t huge, but that would seemingly create a potentially less comfortable Quest 3S for some users. But a real test needs to take place in more realistic conditions to do this.
Comparison of Lenses and Resolution: Meta Quest 3S vs. Meta Quest 3 X درباره “lenses and resolution,” Quest 3S uses Fresnel lenses, while Quest 3 comes with “pancake lenses” for peripheral graphics sharpening. The Quest 3S has a 1,832 x 1,920 resolution with a variable refresh rate of 90-120Hz, whereas the Meta Quest 3 is higher in specification. With that said, it suggested similar viewing experiences between the Quest 3S and Quest 2 since both share the same lenses and resolution, at least. Building on top of that, the Quest 3S could offer better performance despite the slightly diminished visual experience compared to the Quest 3 because it is in lower native resolution.
Which helmet to wear? Which will be the better purchase, finally: Meta Quest 3S or Meta Quest 3? That depends on your needs. If you want more storage space and if your headset adjustment is somewhat more precise, then the Meta Quest 3 is fine for your needs. But if value for money becomes of essence in your case, then the new headphones of the Quest 3S may be a no-brainer. Both offer only about the same catalog of apps and games, and you should be looking at a great mixed reality experience with either one.
