Meta Quest 3S vs Meta Quest 3: Full Comparison of Features, Resolution & Battery Life
Posted by Trent H on 4th Nov 2024
Meta Quest 3 vs Meta Quest 3S: A Comprehensive Comparison
Virtual reality (VR) headsets have come a long way, and with the release of Meta’s latest models, the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S, consumers are now faced with a choice between two highly capable devices. Both headsets offer impressive VR experiences, but there are key differences that may influence your decision. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the specifics of these models, comparing everything from resolution to battery life to help you determine which headset is the best fit for your needs.
Table of Contents
Meta Quest 3S vs Meta Quest 3: Key Differences
Before we get into the details of each aspect, here’s a quick comparison of the key specifications between the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S.
| Specification | Meta Quest 3 | Meta Quest 3S |
|---|---|---|
| Headset | Meta Quest 3 headset | Meta Quest 3S headset |
| Facial Interface | Adjustable pre-installed standard facial interface | Pre-installed standard facial interface |
| Glasses Spacer | Not specified | Included |
| Controllers | 2 Touch Plus controllers | 2 Touch Plus controllers |
| Wrist Straps | 2 wrist straps | 2 wrist straps |
| Batteries | 2 AA batteries | 2 AA batteries |
| Power Adapter | Included | Included |
| Charging Cable | Included | Included |
| Charging Dock | Available separately | Available separately |
| Battery | 5,060 mAh / 2.2-hour runtime* | 4,324 mAh / 2.5-hour runtime* |
| Pass-Through Fidelity | Colour (4 MP, 18 PPD) | Colour (4 MP, 18 PPD) |
| SOC (System on Chip) | Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 | Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 |
| DRAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Base Storage | 128 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Display Resolution | 2,064 x 2,208 | 1,218 PPI | 25 PPD | 1,832 x 1,920 | 773 PPI | 20 PPD |
| Refresh Rate | 72 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz | 72 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz |
| FOV (Field of View) | 110° horizontal / 96° vertical | 96° horizontal / 90° vertical |
| Optics Technology | Pancake lens, continuous IAD | Fresnel lens, 3-position IAD adjust |
| Colour Gamut | 100% of sRGB | 100% of sRGB |
| Face/Eye Tracking | No | No |
| Hand Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Controller Tracking | Hybrid using computer vision and machine learning tracking | Hybrid using computer vision and machine learning tracking |
| Haptics | TruTouch variable haptics | TruTouch variable haptics |
| Rechargeable Controller Battery | No | No |
| Strap/Ergonomics | Soft strap – hard strap available separately | Soft strap – hard strap available separately |
| Levels of Immersion | One level (fully immersed) | One level (fully immersed) |
*Battery runtime data is based on general usage.
Resolution & Display: Does Quest 3 Outperform Quest 3S?
When comparing the display and visual performance of these two headsets, the Meta Quest 3 stands out as the superior device.
- Meta Quest 3 offers a 2,064 x 2,208 resolution with an impressive 1,218 PPI (pixels per inch) and 25 PPD (pixels per degree), providing users with a sharper and more detailed visual experience.
- In contrast, the Meta Quest 3S features a lower 1,832 x 1,920 resolution, 773 PPI, and 20 PPD, which still delivers a decent experience but may appear slightly less crisp compared to the Quest 3.
Additionally, the Field of View (FOV) on the Meta Quest 3 is larger, offering 110° horizontal and 96° vertical, whereas the Meta Quest 3S provides a narrower 96° horizontal and 90° vertical FOV. This means the Quest 3 delivers a more immersive experience with a wider field of vision.
Verdict: If the highest display quality and a wider field of view are essential to you, the Meta Quest 3 clearly outperforms the Meta Quest 3S.
Battery Life: Which One Lasts Longer?
Battery life is another key area where these headsets differ.
- The Meta Quest 3 is equipped with a 5,060 mAh battery, which offers a 2.2-hour runtime based on general usage. While this may not seem like a long time, it is typical for VR headsets, especially those with high-performance components like the Quest 3.
- The Meta Quest 3S, on the other hand, has a 4,324 mAh battery, but interestingly, it provides a slightly longer 2.5-hour runtime. This could be due to the lower resolution and possibly less power-intensive display.
Verdict: While the Meta Quest 3S has a smaller battery, it delivers a marginally longer runtime, making it the winner in terms of battery life, though the difference is minimal.
Price Comparison: Is Quest 3S Worth the Savings?
Price is often the deciding factor for many buyers. While specific pricing can vary based on promotions and availability, the Meta Quest 3 typically comes with a higher price tag due to its superior display, larger battery, and higher storage options (up to 512 GB).
The Meta Quest 3S, with its lower resolution and smaller battery, is generally positioned as a more affordable option. However, it still delivers excellent performance for those who may not need the absolute best resolution or storage capacity.
Verdict: If you’re looking for the best value and are okay with slightly lower specs, the Meta Quest 3S may be worth the savings. On the other hand, for those who want the best display and storage, the Meta Quest 3 justifies the additional cost.
Conclusion
Both the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S are excellent VR headsets, but they cater to slightly different needs:
- The Meta Quest 3 excels in display quality and immersion, making it a great choice for those seeking the highest visual fidelity and performance.
- The Meta Quest 3S offers a more budget-friendly option with great overall performance and slightly better battery life, making it a solid choice for casual users.
In the end, your choice will depend on your priorities—whether it’s resolution, battery life, or price. Hopefully, this comparison has helped clarify the key differences to guide your decision.