Meta has released a more affordable version of its Quest 3 virtual and mixed reality headset, aiming to make mixed reality experiences accessible to a wider audience. The new Meta Quest 3S offers many of the same capabilities as its pricier sibling but with some notable trade-offs.
Key Specifications and Features
- Price: $299.99 for 128GB model (compared to $499.99 for Quest 3)
- Processor: Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 (same as Quest 3)
- Display: 1832 x 1920 per eye, Fresnel lenses
- Refresh Rate: 90Hz, with 120Hz support
- Field of View: 96° horizontal, 90° vertical
- IPD Range: 58-68mm (more limited than Quest 3)
- Controllers: Touch Plus controllers (same as Quest 3)
- Battery Life: Over 2 hours (improved over Quest 3)
- Passthrough: Full-color, 4MP cameras
Mixed Reality on a Budget
The Quest 3S brings mixed reality capabilities to a more accessible price point. It can blend virtual elements with the real world, enabling experiences like turning your living room into a boxing gym or the setting for an alien invasion game. The full-color passthrough cameras allow users to see their surroundings without removing the headset.
Performance Trade-offs
While using the same powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 processor as the Quest 3, the 3S makes some compromises to hit its lower price point:
- Fresnel lenses instead of pancake lenses, resulting in a smaller sweet spot for optimal clarity
- Lower resolution display compared to Quest 3
- More limited IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment range
- Slightly thicker form factor
Interestingly, the lower resolution display may actually result in slightly better performance in some games due to the reduced rendering demands.
Comfort and Usability
The Quest 3S uses the same fabric strap as other recent Meta headsets, which some users find less comfortable than aftermarket options. However, it is compatible with Elite-style straps, including Meta's official accessory.
The headset features intuitive controls, including a dedicated button for switching between passthrough and immersive modes. Setup is straightforward, with helpful in-headset tutorials to guide new users.
Who Is It For?
The Meta Quest 3S appears to be an ideal option for:
- Users looking to upgrade from the Quest 2
- Those interested in mixed reality but deterred by the Quest 3's higher price
- Casual VR enthusiasts who don't need the absolute highest visual fidelity
Conclusion
The Meta Quest 3S makes mixed reality more accessible, but with some clear compromises compared to its more expensive counterpart. For many users, the trade-offs may be worth the significant cost savings. However, those who demand the best visual experience or have specific IPD requirements may still prefer the standard Quest 3.
As the mixed reality market continues to evolve, the Quest 3S represents an important step in bringing this technology to a broader audience. Its success could play a crucial role in the wider adoption of VR and MR technologies in the coming years.