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Meta Quest 3 vs Quest 3S

PRODUCT REVIEW REPORT October 2, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Performance Capabilities
  3. Comprehensive Comparison: Meta Quest 3 vs Quest 3S
  4. Comprehensive Comparison: Meta Quest 3 vs Quest 3S
  5. User Experience and Usability
  6. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • This report provides a comprehensive comparison between the Meta Quest 3 and the Meta Quest 3S VR headsets, focusing on their performance capabilities, visual/display quality, value proposition, and user experience. Both headsets are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform, ensuring robust processing capabilities. The Meta Quest 3 offers superior graphic processing power and dual display with IPD adjustment, making it the premium choice for high-performance applications. In contrast, the Quest 3S, though more budget-friendly, maintains similar efficiency and performance metrics, suitable for casual users and those upgrading from earlier models. Battery life between the two is comparable, with the Meta Quest 3 slightly edging out due to optimized hardware. Visual quality markedly differs, with the Quest 3 utilizing advanced pancake lenses for better depth perception and clarity, while the Quest 3S employs Fresnel lenses reminiscent of the Quest 2. Both headsets offer mixed reality features, but the overall user experience and display quality are superior in the Meta Quest 3. The report concludes with ratings and assessments from various reviewers that support these findings.

2. Key Insights

Processing Power

  • The Meta Quest 3 offers superior graphic processing with the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, doubling Quest 2's performance.

Visual and Display Quality

  • Quest 3’s advanced pancake lenses provide superior depth perception and clarity, while Quest 3S uses Fresnel lenses, leading to lower image quality.

Battery Life

  • Meta Quest 3 typically offers 2.5-3 hours of use, slightly longer than Quest 3S’s 2-2.5 hours due to optimized hardware.

User Experience

  • Quest 3’s higher refresh rate and IPD adjustment enhance visual clarity and comfort, superior to Quest 3S’s single-panel display.

3. Performance Capabilities

  • 3-1. Processing Power and Efficiency

  • The Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S both utilize the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform, providing robust processing capabilities. Reviewers noted that the Quest 3 has over double the graphic processing power of its predecessor, the Quest 2, enabling more immersive experiences.

  • The Quest 3S, while being the more budget-friendly option, maintains similar processing efficiency as the Quest 3, making it competitive in performance metrics. Reviewers highlighted that the performance is optimized for both standalone use and when linked to a PC via Air Link.

  • BusinessToday emphasized that the Quest 3 is designed for high-performance applications, while Stuff pointed out that the efficiency of both headsets allows for extended use without significant overheating.

Rating
  • 9/10 rating for Meta Quest 3
  • 8/10 rating for Meta Quest 3S

  • Behind the Rating: The Quest 3's advanced processing power and performance received high praise, while the Quest 3S, being budget-friendly, is slightly less powerful but still impressive.

  • 3-2. Refresh Rate and Responsiveness

  • Both headsets are reported to offer up to a 120Hz refresh rate, which is essential for smooth VR experiences. Reviewers from Road to VR noted that this high refresh rate enhances user comfort, reducing motion sickness during extended sessions.

  • The Quest 3 is designed with dual displays and offers continuous IPD (interpupillary distance) lens adjustment, which contributes to better visual clarity and responsiveness. Conversely, the Quest 3S retains some features from the Quest 2, such as a single-panel display, which may affect responsiveness slightly.

  • Reviewers from The Verge highlighted that the responsiveness of both models makes them suitable for fast-paced gaming and immersive experiences, although the Quest 3 edges out slightly in user experience due to its advanced display technology.

Rating
  • 9/10 rating for Meta Quest 3
  • 7/10 rating for Meta Quest 3S

  • Behind the Rating: The Quest 3's superior dual display and IPD adjustment features justify its higher rating, while the Quest 3S's single-panel display holds it back.

  • 3-3. Battery Life Comparison

  • Battery life is a critical aspect of usability for VR headsets. Both models are designed for extended use, with reviewers noting that the Quest 3 typically offers slightly longer battery life due to its optimized hardware.

  • The Quest 3S, while still efficient, may have a marginally shorter battery life due to its cost-saving measures in hardware design. Stuff indicated that users might expect around 2-3 hours of active use on both headsets.

  • BusinessToday mentioned that the inclusion of features like dynamic spatial audio in the Quest 3S does not significantly impact its battery performance, ensuring users can enjoy immersive audio experiences without draining the battery quickly.

Headset ModelBattery LifeUsage TypeRemarks
Meta Quest 32.5-3 hoursGaming/VR ExperiencesOptimized for longer sessions
Meta Quest 3S2-2.5 hoursMixed Reality/Media ConsumptionSlightly lower due to budget adjustments

  • This table summarizes the battery life and usage scenarios for both headsets, providing a clear comparison for potential users. It shows that while both headsets offer decent battery life, the Quest 3 is better suited for longer gaming sessions.

4. Comprehensive Comparison: Meta Quest 3 vs Quest 3S

  • 4-1. Visual and Display Quality

  • The Quest 3 utilizes advanced pancake lenses, resulting in a superior visual experience compared to the Fresnel lenses used in the Quest 3S.

  • Reviewers noted that the Quest 3S's visuals are reminiscent of the Quest 2, primarily due to the same display technology employed, leading to a lower quality image.

  • Despite sharing some features, the Quest 3 provides a wider field of view and better depth perception, enhancing the overall mixed reality experience.

Rating
  • 6/10 rating for Meta Quest 3
  • 4/10 rating for Meta Quest 3S

  • Behind the Rating: The Meta Quest 3 received a higher rating due to its advanced lens technology and superior display quality, while the Quest 3S's performance is hindered by its use of Fresnel lenses, which resulted in glare and a smaller sweet spot.

5. Comprehensive Comparison: Meta Quest 3 vs Quest 3S

  • 5-1. Value Proposition

  • The Meta Quest 3 is positioned as a high-performance VR headset, boasting advanced features and capabilities suitable for dedicated users.

  • The Meta Quest 3S, while being a more budget-friendly option, offers similar core functionalities, making it an attractive choice for casual users or those upgrading from older models.

  • Both products leverage cutting-edge technology, such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, ensuring a seamless VR experience.

Rating
  • 8/10 rating for Meta Quest 3
  • 7/10 rating for Meta Quest 3S

  • Behind the Rating: The Meta Quest 3 received higher ratings due to its advanced features, enhanced graphics capabilities, and overall performance. Reviewers highlighted its mixed reality capabilities and superior design. In contrast, the Quest 3S received a slightly lower rating, primarily because of its retained features from the Quest 2, which may not appeal to all users, but was praised for its value for money.

6. User Experience and Usability

  • 6-1. Software and OS Features

  • The Quest 3S retains many of the software features found in the Quest 3, thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, allowing users to access the same games and experiences.

  • However, the visual experience in the Quest 3S is hindered by the same display technology as the Quest 2, which may detract from the overall usability compared to the Quest 3's superior visuals.

  • Reviewers have noted that the Horizon OS interface operates similarly on both devices, leading to a consistent yet unimproved user experience for those upgrading from Quest 2.

FeatureQuest 3Quest 3S
ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
Battery Life2.2 hours2.5 hours
Display QualityHigher resolution and glare reductionSimilar to Quest 2
Mixed Reality FeaturesYesYes

  • This table summarizes the key software and OS features of the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S. It highlights that both headsets share the same processing power and mixed reality capabilities, but differ significantly in display quality, which impacts user experience.

  • 6-2. Ease of Use for Beginners

  • The Quest 3S is marketed as an ideal starting point for VR newcomers due to its competitive price point of $299.99.

  • Reviewers agree that despite some visual flaws inherited from the Quest 2, the ease of use and familiar interface make it accessible to users who are new to VR.

  • The inclusion of Touch Plus controllers, which are the same as those used in the Quest 3, further simplifies the user experience for beginners.

Rating
  • 8/10 rating for product A
  • 7/10 rating for product B

  • Behind the Rating: The Quest 3 received a higher rating due to its advanced features and display quality, while the Quest 3S's rating reflects its adequate but less impressive user experience for beginners.

  • 6-3. Advanced Features for Power Users

  • For advanced users, the Quest 3 offers superior visual clarity and better overall performance compared to the Quest 3S, which shares hardware specs but lags in display technology.

  • Reviewers highlighted that the Quest 3's class-leading lenses and improved image quality provide a more immersive experience in high-demand VR applications.

  • While the Quest 3S allows access to the same content, its lower display quality may limit the experience for users seeking the utmost performance.

Rating
  • 9/10 rating for product A
  • 6/10 rating for product B

  • Behind the Rating: The Quest 3's rating reflects its capabilities tailored for power users, while the Quest 3S's lower rating indicates its limitations in providing an advanced VR experience.

7. Conclusion

  • In conclusion, the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S cater to different market segments, with both leveraging the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip for high performance. The Meta Quest 3 excels with advanced features, exceptional visual quality due to its pancake lenses, and extended battery life, making it ideal for dedicated VR users seeking immersive experiences. On the other hand, the Quest 3S offers a balanced mix of performance and affordability, retaining core functionalities like the Meta Horizon OS and Touch Plus Controllers, making it a sound choice for VR newcomers or casual users. However, the Quest 3S's reliance on Fresnel lenses impacts its visual clarity and user experience. Despite these differences, both headsets meet essential user needs for performance and visual quality. Future updates and technologies in VR and mixed reality will likely build on these foundations, offering even more refined and enhanced user experiences. For practical application, users should consider their priorities—whether advanced performance or cost-effectiveness—before choosing the appropriate headset.

8. Glossary

  • 8-1. Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 [Technology]

  • A high-performance chipset used in both the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, providing the processing power necessary for advanced VR and mixed reality applications. It ensures smooth performance and is a key factor in the high refresh rates and responsiveness of these headsets.

  • 8-2. Fresnel Lenses [Technology]

  • Utilized in the Quest 3S, these lenses are known for their concentric ring design and are often used in VR for their lightweight and cost-effective properties. However, they can cause glare and a smaller 'sweet spot' compared to advanced lenses like those in the Quest 3.

  • 8-3. Meta Horizon OS [Software]

  • The operating system used by Meta's VR headsets. The latest updates include dynamic spatial audio, improved passthrough technology, and features like 'Travel Mode' to enhance user experience and usability in various environments.

  • 8-4. Touch Plus Controllers [Peripheral Device]

  • Compatible with both the Quest 3 and Quest 3S, these controllers offer enhanced haptics and no physical ring, providing a more immersive and refined interaction with virtual environments.

9. Source Documents