Meta Quest 3s
Today, VR has transformed into something much more than the gaming platform it was seen as just a year ago. Devices like Meta’s Quest 3S, Quest 3, and Apple’s Vision Pro now merge virtual reality and augmented reality, creating immersive mixed reality experiences. For many, VR has shifted beyond gaming to become a powerful tool for fitness, work, and other everyday tasks. The Meta Quest 3s, in particular, stands out as a budget-friendly option, making it easier for users to dive into the world of mixed reality without the hefty price tag, unlocking new ways to engage with this evolving technology.
The Quest 3 pushed the boundaries of mixed reality for Meta, but now they have released its budget companion in the form of the Quest 3s, priced at an approachable $300. The Quest 3S is being positioned as a follow-up to the Quest 2, rather than the more powerful Quest 3. This isn’t just a gaming machine; it’s meant to be an all-around device for anyone who is curious about VR and mixed reality. And is it worth the investment?
Design: Familiar but Lighter
At first glance, the Quest 3s seems almost indistinguishable from its predecessors. Smaller and lighter compared to the Quest 2, this variation in design can make it lightweight enough to be worn during an extended session quite easily. Although the changes which Meta has effected-inside and outside of the headset-might be minor in nature, this increased weight distribution and the smaller profile make the headsets far more comfortable while going through some grueling jogs in fitness apps or for those long, arduous sessions of gaming.
Other updates include higher-end tracking cameras-again, which will help with hand tracking, a nice feature if you’re using VR apps that don’t require controllers. The controllers themselves are compact compared to the Quest 2’s, without the large plastic rings around them, perfect for travel. Plus, the new mixed reality button allows users to quickly flip between immersive VR and real-world passthrough mode for multitasking convenience.
Mixed Reality: Evolving but Limited
Where the Quest 3S really shines, though, is in its mixed reality capability, letting users see their surroundings with virtual elements laid on top. This enhances real-world applications-like playing Eleven Table Tennis or going through fitness apps like Supernatural-to make VR feel more practical and integrated into daily life. While there are limited numbers of mixed reality apps available at the moment, promising growth potential is foreseen once Quest 2 fades out and more focus is turned toward developing more mixed reality experiences.
Performance and Graphics: An Upgrade, But with Limits
At its core, the Quest 3s boasts the same Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip that powers the Quest 3-so it will perform extremely well for the price. Load times are faster, and heavier games such as Asgard’s Wrath II run far smoother compared to the Quest 2.
However, the 3s retains the same old 1,832×1,920-pixel-per-eye resolution and Fresnel lenses as that Quest 2. Though impressive in 2020, that is starting to show its age versus the Quest 3 with its sharper pancake lenses and increased resolution. If you are new to VR, you mightn’t find that too much of a problem, but if you’re more used to VR, you’re likely to find the visuals somewhat reined in – a bit like playing a next-gen console on an old TV.
Comfort and Battery Life
The battery life in the Quest 3s is familiar-roughly around 2.5 hours, just like in the Quest 2. For most users, this would be ample time to get a long session of gaming in, or working out, but the more frequent users of the headset will find themselves having to charge it between uses. While the headset itself is lighter and comfortable enough for extended sessions, Meta’s decision to stick with an elastic headband rather than something more adjustable or robust might leave some users wanting to upgrade to an aftermarket option.
Is the Quest 3s Worth the Upgrade?
If you’re a Quest 2 owner, the upgrade to the 3S might not be necessary—yet.
While faster and with more mixed reality functionality
The 3s only marginally improves over the Quest 2. Most current games really don’t take full advantage of the new hardware. This will no doubt change over time as developers start building for the more powerful chip inside the Quest 3 and 3s. However, if you are just a casual user, your Quest 2 will probably serve you great for at least another year.
In any case, for new buyers, the Quest 3S is quite a striking option. For a start, it is, of course, more expensive than the discounted Quest 2, but its $300 starting price remains comparably extremely reasonable in consideration of the leap in processing power and mixed reality capabilities against some headsets today. The 128GB will be plenty for most people, but big games like Asgard’s Wrath II take well over 30GB, so the 256GB version at.
$400 might be a safer long-term investment
Should You Just Get the Quest 3?
With the Quest 3, you get a sharper display, better lenses, and 512GB of storage if you’re willing to spend more. At $500, it feels like a “pro” version intended for those who want the best VR experience that Meta has to offer without jumping to the ultra-premium $3,500 Apple Vision Pro.
But for those seeking a more casual, fun intro into VR, the Quest 3S is great. You get a sense of what’s possible with mixed reality, and it doesn’t come at such a high price point. For those into fitness, gaming, or just seeing what’s next in virtual experiences, the Quest 3S does a really good job of providing bang for your buck.
Conclusion: A Great Budget Buy with Room to Grow
The Meta Quest 3s proves you don’t have to break the bank in order to get a quality VR and mixed reality experience. Not a monumental leap from the Quest 2 by any means, but its improved performance and richer MR functionality make for a solid upgrade in their own right.
For the true VR rookie or for those looking for a fun, more affordable way to explore the growing world of mixed reality, the Quest 3s offers ample headroom for future innovations-but won’t break the bank.
