The Meta Quest 3S has emerged as a budget-friendly option for those interested in mixed-reality and virtual reality experiences. With an introductory price of $299.99 for the 128GB version, it provides an affordable entry point to the Meta Quest ecosystem.
Despite its lower cost, the device retains much of the hardware and software capabilities of the Meta Quest 3, making it a compelling choice for newcomers and casual users. However, there are trade-offs, particularly in display quality and lenses, which may influence your decision.
Let’s discuss everything to help you determine if the Meta Quest 3S is the right VR headset for you.
Key Features Of The Meta Quest 3S
The Quest 3S is designed with accessibility in mind, offering users a robust experience without the premium price tag of the Quest 3. Here’s a breakdown of its main features:
Design And Build
The design of the Quest 3S is remarkably similar to the Quest 3. It features a lightweight body, weighing 1.13 lbs, and a compact form factor with a thickness of 73.9mm. While slightly thicker than the Quest 3, it’s slimmer than its predecessor, the Quest 2.
The layout of the front-facing cameras and tracking sensors differs slightly, with clusters on the left and right sides instead of vertical columns. This design choice doesn't impact functionality but offers a fresh aesthetic.
The device includes a USB-C port, power button, and volume controls. An action button is conveniently located, enabling quick switching between immersive and passthrough modes.
However, the lack of an Aux-In jack may be a drawback for users who prefer wired audio. Fortunately, the Quest 3S supports Bluetooth and USB-C audio accessories, ensuring compatibility with popular gaming headsets.
Display And Lenses
One of the most notable differences between the Quest 3S and Quest 3 lies in the display and lenses. The Quest 3S uses Fresnel lenses and a single-display setup with a resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye.
This is a step down from the Quest 3’s dual-display configuration with 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye. Fresnel lenses, while functional, tend to produce blurriness at the edges of the field of view and have a smaller sweet spot for clarity.
The inter-pupillary distance (IPD) adjustment is limited to three fixed modes, which may not suit everyone. Users who value sharp visuals and a wider field of vision may find the Quest 3’s pancake lenses superior. However, for casual users or those new to VR, the display quality of the Quest 3S remains sufficient for immersive gaming and entertainment.
Performance And Hardware
Under the hood, the Quest 3S shares the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset and RAM as the Quest 3. This means it can run the same apps and games with similar performance. Whether you're exploring virtual landscapes or engaging in fast-paced action games, the Quest 3S delivers a smooth experience with refresh rates of 90Hz and 120Hz.
Battery life is another area where the Quest 3S excels. Its 4324mAh battery provides up to two hours of gameplay, a noticeable improvement over the Quest 3’s runtime. For extended sessions, external battery packs are available as accessories.
Controllers And Tracking
The Quest 3S comes with Meta’s Touch Plus controllers which are compact and lightweight. The controllers omit the bulky tracking rings seen in older models, making them easier to handle.
Tracking performance is generally reliable but can falter if the controllers move out of the headset’s line of sight. This issue is common across the Quest series and can typically be resolved by reseating the batteries.
Hand tracking is another highlight, with improved accuracy thanks to the infrared sensors on the headset. This feature enhances the immersive experience, particularly for MR applications.
Setup And User Experience
Setting up the Quest 3S is pretty easy. The process involves connecting to Wi-Fi, updating the system, and pairing the headset with the Meta Horizon app on your smartphone. New users will need to create a Meta Horizon account, which replaces the previously required Facebook login.
The user-friendly design makes the Quest 3S accessible to beginners, with most users ready to start exploring within 20 minutes of unboxing.
Gaming And Applications
The Quest 3S supports a wide range of VR and MR titles, including popular games like the new Batman: Arkham Shadow. The inclusion of MR capabilities adds another dimension, allowing users to blend virtual elements with their physical surroundings.
While the display quality is not on par with the Quest 3, the overall experience remains engaging, particularly for newcomers.
For those interested in multimedia, the Quest 3S supports apps like Netflix and Xbox game streaming. However, users who prioritize top-notch visuals for streaming may prefer the sharper resolution of the Quest 3.
Pros And Cons Of The Meta Quest 3S
Pros
· Affordable price point at $299.99
· Shares hardware and software capabilities with the Quest 3
· Improved battery life compared to the Quest 3
· Lightweight and comfortable design
· User-friendly setup process
Cons
· Lower display resolution and narrower field of vision
· Fresnel lenses with limited IPD adjustment
· No Aux-In jack for wired audio
· Tracking issues when controllers are out of sight
Who Should Buy The Quest 3S?
The Meta Quest 3S is an excellent choice for:
· Beginners looking for an affordable entry into VR and MR.
· Casual users who don’t require top-tier visuals.
· Budget-conscious buyers upgrading from the Quest 2.
For power users or those who value premium display quality, the Quest 3 remains the better option, especially with its advanced lenses and higher resolution.
Recommended Meta Quest 3S Accessories
1. MaeckerVR Meta Quest 3/3S Direct-Charge Controller Grips
2. MaeckerVR Meta Quest 3S Prescription Lenses
3. MaeckerVR Meta Quest 3S Battery Head Strap
Final Thoughts
The Meta Quest 3S strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, making it an appealing option for many users. While it lacks some of the premium features of the Quest 3, it delivers a solid VR experience at a fraction of the cost.
