Meta Quest 3S, the latest budget model of VR glasses from Meta, caused a real stir in the virtual reality market. Released in October 2024, Quest 3S quickly gained popularity, even outpacing the PlayStation 5 Pro in the US sales rankings. VR glasses, which offer advanced features at an affordable price, can be a new entry point for those just starting their journey into virtual reality.

On the other hand, the Meta Quest 3, introduced in 2023, is a VR headset that continues the success of Quest 2, offering much better specs and features, but at a higher price. How do both of these models compare directly? Is it worth investing in Meta Quest 3 or is it better to bet on the cheaper Meta Quest 3S? Let’s check this out in a detailed comparison.

Meta Quest 3S: A new player in the VR market

Debuting on October 15, 2024, Meta Quest 3S is a Meta offering designed for people looking for a more affordable VR headset. These glasses are designed for those who want to experience virtual and mixed reality, but do not need all the advanced features of more expensive models. Meta Quest 3S uses Fresnel lenses that are familiar to Quest 2, which reduces the price of the device.

Unlike Quest 3, the Meta Quest 3S is a more budget-friendly version of the VR headset, with the main goal being to attract new users to the Meta ecosystem. Offering many features that were reserved for more expensive models, such as color pass-throughtransmission, Quest 3S allows users to experience augmented reality in a more accessible way.

The Quest 3’s biggest advantage is its price tag – in the US, it costs just $ 299 for the version with 128GB of storage, making it one of the cheapest VR headsets on the market. By comparison, the 512GB version of Quest 3 costs $ 499, making Quest 3 a great option for people on a smaller budget. The 256 GB version costs $ 399, which offers excellent value for money.

Although the Quest 3S is a slightly cheaper version, it still offers significant technical capabilities, making it an ideal solution for those looking for a first contact with virtual reality.

Meta Quest 3: A High-end VR Headset

Meta Quest 3 was launched in October 2023 as the successor to the hugely popular Meta Quest 2. These are more advanced VR glasses, offering much higher performance and image quality compared to Quest 2 and Quest 3S. This kit is powered by a Snapdragon Xr2 Gen 2 processor, which provides incredible smoothness in even the most demanding VR applications.

Quest 3 also offers the best pancake lenses that improve image sharpness and reduce distortion at the periphery of the screen. Pancake lenses provide a 25% sharper image in the middle and 70% sharper image in the periphery compared to Quest 2, making Meta Quest 3 an ideal tool for players and users using applications that require high visual accuracy.

In addition, these glasses have a larger field of view (110 degrees) and a resolution of 2208 x 2064 pixels per eye, which provides incredible image quality and a more immersive experience. It is worth noting that the Quest 3S, although it has a Snapdragon Xr2 Gen 2 processor, offers a lower resolution and uses older lenses, which affects the final visual quality.

Despite its higher price tag, Meta Quest 3 is a great choice for those looking for the best quality and performance in virtual reality. These are glasses designed for users who need advanced features and intend to use VR every day.

Specifications: Meta Quest 3S vs Meta Quest 3

Both models, Meta Quest 3S and Meta Quest 3, differ greatly in their technical characteristics, which leads to their different prices and capabilities.

Features: what do both models offer?

Meta Quest 3S and Quest 3 offer many similar features, but differ in a few key areas that you can consider before purchasing.

1. Motion tracking and controllers

Both sets of glasses offer full hand motion tracking and controllers, allowing users to take full advantage of immersive virtual reality environments. The Touch Plus controllers in Meta Quest 3S are ergonomic and precise, just like in Quest 3. In both models, you can also use hand gestures, which allows you to interact with applications without using controllers. Users who value simplicity and prefer wireless connectivity will probably appreciate this feature in both models.

2. Passthrough Technology

One of the biggest advantages of both models is the colorful bandwidth, i.e. the ability to preview the real environment when using glasses. This is a key feature for the Mixed Reality (AR) app, which allows you to integrate virtual elements into reality. This allows users to navigate the physical world while experiencing virtual elements at the same time, which is a great solution for educational, instructional, or entertainment applications.

Passthrough in Meta Quest 3S and Quest 3 allows you to use mixed reality applications at a level that was previously reserved for more expensive models. Users can view their surroundings in color, which is very different from earlier VR models like Quest 2, which only offered monochrome pass-through.

3. App Compatibility

Both Meta Quest 3S and Quest 3 are compatible with a wide range of apps and games available on the Meta Quest Store. Both models support PC VR platforms, allowing you to use advanced games and apps when connected to a PC. This allows users to explore not only applications available directly on the device, but also use more advanced content available for desktop computers, such as AAA games or applications for professional work in virtual reality.

In addition, Meta introduced the Meta Quest+ program, which offers monthly access to new games and apps, which is an additional argument in favor of choosing one of these models. It’s also worth mentioning that Meta Quest 3S and Quest 3 support the ability to download offline content, which means that users can use the app even if they don’t have internet access.

Differences in image quality and immersion

One of the key aspects that distinguishes the two models is image quality. Meta Quest 3, thanks to its pancake lenses, offers significantly better image sharpness both in the center of the screen and at the edges. Pancake lenses make the image sharper by 25% in the center and 70% at the edges compared to Quest 2, making Meta Quest 3 an ideal tool for gamers and virtual reality users looking for improved visual quality.

Thanks to the use of pancake lenses in Meta Quest 3, users can enjoy a more realistic experience, which is especially true in educational and professional applications where image accuracy is crucial. It is worth adding that Quest 3 offers a higher field of view (FOV) compared to Quest 3S, which means that users have a wider field of perception of the virtual world.

In turn, Meta Quest 3S, although it uses Fresnel lensesknown from Quest 2, still offers good image quality, but not at the level of Quest 3. The resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye is noticeably lower than 2208 x 2064 pixels in Quest 3, which can be felt in more detailed games and applications. However, a lower resolution may paradoxically benefit, as less advanced applications can run more smoothly, and the kit will not load the processor to the same extent as Quest 3.

From an immersive point of view, both models do a great job, especially when combined with color cut-throughs that add a new dimension to the AR app. However, people who expect the best possible image quality should consider choosing Meta Quest 3, especially if they are planning long virtual reality sessions and care about the highest possible level of immersion.

Price and Availability: which model should I choose?

One of the biggest advantages of Meta Quest 3S is its price tag. In the US, this kit costs just $ 299 for the 128GB version, making it one of the cheapest VR headsets on the market. The version with 256 GB of storage costs $ 399, which is still a very competitive price, especially considering the technical capabilities of this model. Meta Quest 3S is perfect for people who are just starting their VR adventure and don’t want to spend large amounts of money on more expensive kits.

Meta Quest 3, despite the lower price, remains a more expensive option. The version with 512 GB of memory costs $ 499, which is significantly lower than the initial price ($649). The older model with 128 GB of storage has been discontinued, allowing users who choose Quest 3 to choose only the version with more storage.

The decision to abandon Quest 2 and Quest Pro means that Meta is now focusing on promoting two main models – Quest 3 and Quest 3S. this means that users can choose either a more advanced, high-end model or a cheaper alternative. For people looking for advanced features, Meta Quest 3 will be the best choice, while Quest 3S is the perfect option for users with a smaller budget.

Meta Quest 3S or Meta Quest 3?

Meta Quest 3S and Quest 3 are two different models of VR glasses that offer unique features designed for different types of users. Quest 3S is a more affordable option, ideal for those who are just getting started with virtual reality or are looking for a cheap VR headset for everyday use. Its price and robust specs make it one of the best budget VR headsets on the market.

Meta Quest 3, on the other hand, is the choice for those who expect the highest image quality and performance. With better pancake lenses and higher resolution, Quest 3 offers a more immersive experience and is perfect for demanding users. In addition, Quest 3 received a significant price reduction, which makes it more affordable.

The final choice depends on individual needs and budget – regardless of the decision, both models offer a solid virtual reality experience, and Meta continues to lead the market in virtual reality technology.