Differences between Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S.
How does the new, more economical model compare to the previous, more expensive one?
Recently, the Meta Quest 3S has been introduced, a new model of virtual reality glasses that positions itself as a more affordable option compared to the Meta Quest 3. At the Meta Connect 2024 event, along with some updates to the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses and the prototype of the AR glasses Project Orion, the features and specifications of the Quest 3S were revealed, which has a starting price of $299.99, while the Quest 3 costs $499.99.
Price and Specifications Comparison
The Meta Quest 3S, being more economical, comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, 128GB of storage, 8GB of RAM, and a display with a resolution of 1,832 x 1,920 pixels. It also offers refresh rates of 90Hz and 120Hz. For those looking to increase storage to 256GB, the price rises to $399.99. In comparison, the Quest 3 offers 512GB of storage, a higher resolution of 2,064 x 2,208 pixels, and refresh rates of 72Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz, following the same hardware architecture as the 3S.
Device Design
In terms of design, the Quest 3S appears bulkier, similar to the Quest 2, while the Quest 3 is lighter and more streamlined, offering greater comfort. The sensor configurations are also different; the Quest 3S uses a triangular pattern, while the Quest 3 features oval openings. Both models include the same controllers.
Screen Comparison
Regarding the screens, the Quest 3 has a higher resolution and a broader range of refresh rates compared to the Quest 3S. Although the Quest 3 offers more options, some users prefer to adjust the refresh rate to prioritize higher resolution without sacrificing too much performance.
Features and Functionality
Both devices share a set of features, including augmented reality (AR) with an environment viewing mode through a 4MP camera. This function allows users to see the space around them, enhancing the interaction between the real environment and virtual elements. Additionally, it has been announced that the spatial computing experience will be smoother on both models, especially for Windows 11 users.
Battery Life
In terms of battery, the Quest 3 has a capacity of 5,060 mAh, while the Quest 3S has 4,324 mAh. Tests indicate that the Quest 3 has a battery life of approximately one hour and 19 minutes under constant use, so it is anticipated that the Quest 3S will offer inferior performance in this aspect.
Conclusions
While the battery life of the Quest 3 is a strong point, the more accessible price of the Quest 3S makes it an attractive option. Although its performance is expected to be lower, it may be a valid choice for those looking for a virtual reality experience without making a large investment.
