For most consumers the high costs to date have restricted access as virtual and augmented reality gear gets more pervasive. Both Microsoft’s HoloLens and Apple’s Vision Pro are aimed at businesses or wealthy buyers, while Meta has come up with a cheaper alternative. Priced at €329, the new Meta Quest 3S headset is a budget friendly and yet, comes from the advanced VR features.
What makes Meta Quest 3S special?
Meta’s Quest 3S makes virtual reality more accessible by offering:
- Competitive Pricing: However, for a budget, at just €329, it’s the most affordable VR headset with such high-end features; so it’s perfect for those on a budget.
- High-Performance Processor: It’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, the same processor as the high priced Meta Quest 3, which is used to ensure you get your gaming done smoothly.
- Ample Memory and Storage: Both VR Ready models have 8 GB of RAM and either come in basic options with a 128 GB base storage or the storage is expandable up to 512 GB via microSD storage upgrade cards.
Differences in display and performance
The main difference between the Quest 3 and Quest 3S is the display quality:
- Meta Quest 3S Display: Known as 96 x 90 (1832 x 1920) comprises a resolution of 120 Hz refresh rate, a field of view is 96º horizontal and 90º vertical.
- Meta Quest 3 Display: Affordable at 120 Hz and higher resolution 2064 x 2208 pixels and still a broader field of view (110º horizontally, 96º vertically).
Keeping its price low without sacrificing a fluid, immersive VR experience, the Quest 3S displays slightly lower resolution than its rivals.
Autonomy and Flexibility
Optimized power use provided up to 2.5 hours of battery life, very slightly more than what the Quest 3 could provide. For in VR standalone VR experiences or play SteamVR games through VR, the flexibility is there.
Meta Quest 3S vs. Competitors
With the Pico 4 as its main competitor, the Meta Quest 3S offers a far better price-performance ratio:
- Meta Quest 3S: Competitive performance for €329, aggressive features.
- Pico 4: At €599, with similar specs and higher cost, only to be less appealing to budget minded VRers.
For only €329, the Meta Quest 3S completely disrupts what consumers should expect for affordable virtual reality. For users looking to dip their toes into the depths of VR without going too deep – and with only a budget to spare– the HTC Vive is the ideal pick, establishing a new benchmark for affordable immersive tech.