Meta Quest 3S Review: A Guide for VR Newcomers and Upgraders

by Atom Bomb Body 14. oktober 2024

Are you new to virtual reality or thinking about upgrading your Quest 2? Meta's latest offering, the Quest 3S, might be just what you're looking for. This guide will help you understand what the Quest 3S brings to the table and how it compares to other options. VR WAVE now sells lenses for the latest Meta Quest 3S.

Note: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase a Quest headset through these links, you'll earn $30 in Quest Cash that you can use for Quest apps and games. This also helps support our content at no additional cost to you.

What is the Meta Quest 3S?

The Quest 3S is Meta's newest VR headset, designed to offer an improved VR experience at a mid-range price point. It's a standalone device, meaning you don't need a powerful PC to use it - everything you need is built right into the headset.

Quick Quest 3S Specifications:

Let's dive into the detailed specs of the Quest 3S:

Display: Single LCD with 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye
Lenses: Fresnel lenses
Field of View: 96 degrees horizontal, 90 degrees vertical
Refresh Rate: Fixed 120Hz
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
RAM: 8GB
Storage Options: 128GB or 256GB
Weight: 514g
Battery: 4,324mAh, approximately 2.5 hours of use
IPD Adjustment: 3-position (58mm, 63mm, 68mm)
Audio: Integrated spatial audio, no 3.5mm headphone jack
Passthrough: Full-color for mixed reality experiences
Controllers: Touch Plus controllers (same as Quest 3)
Additional Features: Hand tracking, new "home" button on the headset

Setting Up Your Quest 3S:

Getting started with your new Quest 3S is quick and straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you'll be in VR in no time!

Download the Meta Horizon app for Android or Apple onto your smartphone.
Turn on the headset, you’ll get a quick tutorial on using the controllers and adjusting the headset for a good fit.
Connect to your home WiFi.
Check the Meta Horizon phone app and you should see a ‘pair new’ headset prompt. If not, you can go to your profile (bottom center photo)> the three lines button (top right)> devices and then 'Connect new device'.
Let the headset update it's software (this can take about 10-15 minutes).
You're ready to explore VR!

Upgrading from Quest 2? Here's What's New

If you already own a Quest 2, here's what the Quest 3S offers:

Better Performance: Faster processor and more RAM for smoother experiences.
Color Passthrough: See your real environment in full color, great for mixed reality.
Improved Controllers: More precise tracking and better ergonomics.
Higher Refresh Rate: Fixed at 120Hz for extra smoothness.

However, keep in mind that the Quest 3S is pricier than the Quest 2 and does not have a headphone jack.

Quest 3S vs Quest 3: A Detailed Comparison

While both the Quest 3S and Quest 3 offer great VR experiences, there are several key differences that may influence your choice.

Display and Optics

Resolution: The Quest 3 boasts a higher resolution of 2,064 x 2,208 per eye, compared to the Quest 3S's 1,832 x 1,920. This results in sharper, more detailed visuals in the Quest 3.
Lenses: The Quest 3 uses pancake lenses, while the Quest 3S uses fresnel lenses. Pancake lenses offer several advantages:

Larger "sweet spot" for clear vision
Reduced glare and god rays
Allow for a slimmer headset design

Field of View: The Quest 3 provides a wider field of view (110° horizontal, 96° vertical) compared to the Quest 3S (96° horizontal, 90° vertical), making the 'goggles' look around the edge of your view less noticeable.

Design and Comfort

IPD Adjustment: The Quest 3 features a continuous IPD (Interpupillary Distance) wheel, allowing for fine-tuning between 53mm to 75mm. The Quest 3S uses a 3-point adjustment system (58mm, 63mm, 68mm). Continuous adjustment can provide a more precise fit for a wider range of users.
Headphone Jack: The Quest 3 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent in the Quest 3S. This may be important for users who prefer wired headphones or have favorite audio gear they want to use.

(The headphone jack on the Quest 3)

Performance and Features

Depth Sensing: The Quest 3 includes a physical depth sensor, while the Quest 3S relies on software for depth detection. This hardware difference allows the Quest 3 to offer more accurate and responsive mixed reality experiences, potentially enabling more advanced AR applications.
Refresh Rates: Both headsets support up to 120Hz refresh rates, but they differ in their options:

Quest 3: 72Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz
Quest 3S: 90Hz and 120Hz

The Quest 3's lower refresh rate options (72Hz and 80Hz) can be beneficial for running very demanding games or applications, especially in PC VR scenarios where maintaining higher frame rates might be challenging. Higher refresh rates generally provide smoother motion and can reduce motion sickness for some users.

Price Consideration

The Quest 3S is significantly more affordable, starting at $299 for the 128GB model, compared to the Quest 3's $499 for the 512GB model.

You can purchase the Quest 3S here and the Quest 3 here.

Accessory Compatibility Notes

Headstraps: Most Quest 3 headstraps will work with the Quest 3S. If you find a Quest 3 headstrap you like, it should be compatible even if not explicitly mentioned.
Facial Interfaces: Quest 2 or 3 facial interfaces are not compatible with the Quest 3S.
Prescription Lenses: The Quest 3S supports prescription lens inserts compatible with Quest 2. You can get yourself some Quest 3S lens inserts directly from VR Wave here!

Making Your Choice: 3S, or 3?

Choosing the right Quest headset depends on your needs, budget, and experience level. Here's a guide to help you decide:

Choose Quest 3S if:

You're new to VR or upgrading from Quest 2.
You want a significant improvement in performance and mixed reality capabilities.
You're interested in a balance between features and affordability.
You don't mind some compromises in display quality and depth sensing.

Choose Quest 3 if:

You're after the best possible VR and mixed reality experience.
You prioritize image quality, wider field of view, and more accurate depth sensing.
You plan to use the headset extensively for both standalone and PCVR gaming.
You want the most future-proof option and don't mind paying a premium.

Additional Considerations:

If you already own a Quest 3, getting a Quest 3S would be a slight downgrade in overall capabilities.
If you're interested in the Quest 3 but find it too expensive, consider looking for pre-owned units for better deals! Refurbished Quest 3 headsets start as low as $379.99.
Remember that all Quest models can be used for PC VR gaming, expanding your content options beyond the Quest store.

Ultimately, your choice should align with your VR goals, technical requirements, and budget. Each model offers a great VR experience, with the main differences being in display quality, mixed reality capabilities, and price point.

Expanding Your Horizons: Using Quest with SteamVR

One of the great features of the Quest lineup, including the Quest 3S, is its versatility. You're not limited to just the Quest store - you can also use your headset to play SteamVR games on your PC. Here are some options on how to get it working on your Quest headset:

Oculus Air Link: Wirelessly connect your Quest to your PC.
Link Cable: Use a USB-C cable for a wired connection to your PC.
Virtual Desktop: A third-party app that allows wireless PC VR streaming and more control via a variety of settings.
Steam Link: Another option for streaming Steam games from your PC.

Each method has its pros and cons in terms of latency, image quality, and ease of use. For a detailed guide on how to set up and use these methods, check out our previous blog post here.

Final Thoughts for VR Users

The Meta Quest 3S represents an interesting middle ground in the current VR market. It offers significant improvements over the Quest 2 in terms of performance and mixed reality capabilities, while maintaining a more accessible price point than the Quest 3.

For newcomers to VR or those upgrading from the Quest 2, the 3S provides a strong entry point into the latest generation of VR tech. Its improved processor, increased RAM, and color passthrough for mixed reality experiences offer a noticeable step up in immersion and functionality.

However, it's important to consider the trade-offs. While more affordable than the Quest 3, the 3S makes some compromises in display quality, field of view, and depth sensing capabilities. For enthusiasts or those planning to use VR extensively, these differences might be significant enough to warrant considering the Quest 3 instead.

The choice between Quest 2, 3S, and 3 ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and how you plan to use VR. Each model has its strengths:

Quest 2 remains a solid budget option for casual VR users.
Quest 3S offers a balance of improved performance and affordability.
Quest 3 provides the best overall VR experience for those willing to invest more.

Remember that all Quest models offer the flexibility of both standalone VR and PC VR gaming through various connection methods. This versatility allows you to expand your VR horizons beyond the Quest store, potentially influencing your decision.

As you embark on or continue your VR journey, consider not just the current specs and prices, but also your long-term VR goals. Whether you choose the Quest 3S or another model, you're stepping into an exciting world of new experiences and cutting-edge technology!