Meta has taken an interesting approach with its latest virtual reality headset, the Quest 3S. Rather than pushing the envelope with cutting-edge technology, the company has cleverly repurposed components from previous models to create an affordable yet capable VR system.
At $299 for the 128GB version, the Quest 3S sits at an attractive price point between the older Quest 2 and the higher-end Quest 3. But how does it actually perform?
A Familiar Design with Some Upgrades
The Quest 3S borrows heavily from its predecessors in terms of hardware. It uses the same Fresnel lenses and LCD display as the Quest 2, which means visual clarity and field of view are unchanged from that model. However, Meta has made some notable improvements:
- Upgraded to the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor (from Gen 1 in Quest 2)
- Increased RAM from 6GB to 8GB
- Added WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 support
- Slimmed down the design by 20mm compared to Quest 2
These upgrades allow the Quest 3S to punch above its weight class in terms of performance, despite using older display technology.
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| A side-by-side comparison of the Meta Quest 3S (on the left) and Quest 3 (on the right), highlighting their design similarities |
Mixed Reality Capabilities
One of the most significant additions to the Quest 3S is its color passthrough cameras, enabling mixed reality experiences similar to the more expensive Quest 3. While the image quality isn't quite as sharp due to the older lenses, it's still a massive improvement over the black and white passthrough of the Quest 2.
The headset uses dual 4MP front-facing cameras for passthrough, allowing users to see their surroundings in color while wearing the device. This opens up new possibilities for augmented reality applications and games that blend virtual elements with the real world.
Controllers and Tracking
The Quest 3S uses the same advanced controllers as the Quest 3, which feature improved ergonomics and tracking compared to previous generations. The headset also supports hand tracking and includes IR illuminators for better low-light performance - a feature not found on the pricier Quest 3.
Battery Life and Comfort
In testing, the Quest 3S demonstrated impressive battery life, lasting around 2.5 hours on average. This beats out both the Quest 2 and Quest 3, likely due to its more power-efficient processor combined with the less demanding display.
Comfort-wise, the Quest 3S is similar to the Quest 3 out of the box, with a new facial interface design that some users may find more comfortable than previous models. However, the default cloth head strap may still be a weak point for extended play sessions.
Gaming Performance
While the Quest 3S can't match the visual fidelity of the Quest 3 due to its older display and lenses, it still offers a significant upgrade over the Quest 2 in terms of gaming performance. The more powerful processor allows for better graphics and more complex games, bridging the gap between generations.
Value Proposition
At $299, the Meta Quest 3S offers an compelling package for those looking to enter the world of VR or upgrade from an older headset. It provides many of the advanced features of the Quest 3, such as color mixed reality and improved controllers, at a much more accessible price point.
However, the compromises in display technology mean it may not be the best choice for those who prioritize visual clarity or plan to use the headset extensively for productivity tasks that involve reading text.
Conclusion
The Meta Quest 3S represents a clever approach to creating a budget-friendly VR headset. By combining proven hardware from the Quest 2 with select upgrades from the Quest 3, Meta has produced a device that offers a taste of next-generation VR without breaking the bank.
For newcomers to VR or those upgrading from older systems, the Quest 3S presents an excellent value proposition. However, enthusiasts or professionals may still want to consider the full-fledged Quest 3 for its superior visual experience.
Ultimately, the Quest 3S shows that sometimes the best innovation comes not from reinventing the wheel, but from finding new ways to use existing parts more effectively.