The Meta Quest 3S marks a significant advancement for Meta in the field of mixed reality, aiming to offer a high-quality immersive experience at a more affordable price. Launched as a budget-friendly alternative to the Quest 3, this headset incorporates a simplified version of XR technology, while retaining the essentials for daily virtual and augmented reality use.
Meta’s strategy with the Quest 3S is clear: making mixed reality accessible to a broader audience without compromising on core performance. Offered at an attractive price, it allows new users to explore virtual reality without the high costs associated with more advanced models. This headset positions itself as the successor to the Quest 2, integrating new sensors and a powerful chip for solid performance, while maintaining compatibility with existing VR games and applications.
Whether you are a casual gamer or a tech enthusiast, the Quest 3S provides affordable access to mixed reality experiences.
Design and Ergonomics
The Meta Quest 3S focuses on an improved design and rethought ergonomics to offer optimal comfort. Weighing 514 g and featuring a slightly thicker structure than the Quest 3, it remains lighter than its predecessor, the Quest 2, making it comfortable to wear for long sessions without noticeable discomfort. This headset sports a durable white plastic frame, with a minimalist design reminiscent of the Quest 3, while incorporating practical enhancements.
Adjustments and Fit
One of the standout features of this model is its adjustable elastic strap, designed to easily fit different head sizes and shapes. This provides a comfortable and secure fit for immersive and interactive activities, whether for active VR games or augmented reality experiences. The strap can also be replaced with “Elite Strap” accessories for those seeking extra stability during more intense activities.
Ergonomic Modifications and Interfaces
The Meta Quest 3S also features a USB-C port on the left side, removing the 3.5 mm audio jack for headphones, which simplifies accessory connections but may limit options for some users. However, this change allows for a more streamlined design. In terms of interface, the front houses improved cameras, and the sensor layout ensures smooth and precise motion tracking for optimal immersion in mixed reality.
Quest 3S Technical Specifications
The Meta Quest 3S is built on solid specifications that guarantee smooth and immersive performance, even in this more affordable version of the lineup. Equipped with the powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, the Quest 3S ensures optimized performance for VR games and augmented reality applications. This chip is the same as the one found in the Quest 3, offering a good balance between processing power and energy efficiency, enabling fast application execution and deeper immersion.
Display and Resolution
The Quest 3S features an LCD screen with a resolution of 1,832 x 1,920 pixels per eye (773 pixels per inch), which, while lower than the resolution of the Quest 3, provides satisfactory visual quality for most VR content. The Fresnel lenses used in this model deliver a sharp image but are sometimes prone to the “sweet spot” effect, a central point of clarity, which can limit visual immersion at the edges of the screen. That being said, the display remains clear and pleasant for extended sessions.
Field of View and IPD Adjustment
With a field of view of approximately 96 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically, the Quest 3S offers an immersive experience similar to that of the Quest 2. However, the interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment here operates with three fixed positions (58 mm, 63 mm, and 68 mm), which is less customizable than the continuous adjustment of the Quest 3. Nevertheless, this IPD setting allows for quick configuration, suitable for beginner users seeking a simple and straightforward setup.
Battery and Autonomy
The headset is equipped with a 4,325 mAh battery, offering an autonomy of around 2.5 hours. Although slightly less than the more expensive models, this battery life is ideal for daily gaming or meditation sessions in VR. The single USB-C port makes it easy to recharge and connect compatible wireless accessories.
Mixed Reality Features and Immersive Experience
The Meta Quest 3S incorporates advanced mixed reality features, making the experience as immersive as it is seamless. This model uses two 4 MP RGB cameras for color passthrough, allowing users to see their real environment while integrating virtual elements. This enhances immersion in augmented reality applications, where the headset overlays digital elements in real-time into the physical space.
Cameras and Sensors for Total Immersion
The Quest 3S features several sensors and cameras that ensure precise tracking of user movements. In addition to the two RGB cameras, the headset includes VGA sensors inside for hand and position tracking, along with two flood LEDs that enhance detection in low-light environments. This setup allows users to navigate and interact accurately, even in darker rooms, providing more flexibility for choosing where to use the headset.
Color Passthrough and Mixed Reality Transitions
One of the interesting features of the Quest 3S is its dedicated action button, which allows users to switch between virtual reality and mixed reality with a single click. This feature is perfect for scenarios where you want to quickly return to your physical space without removing the headset, such as during extended gaming or work sessions. The quality of the color passthrough is particularly impressive, surpassing that of the Quest 2 with improved visual accuracy, allowing users to navigate their real environment without losing clarity.
Interaction Experience and Supported Applications
The Quest 3S is compatible with applications developed for mixed reality on the Quest 3, expanding its catalog of experiences. Thanks to its precise sensors and the integration of the Touch Plus Controllers, the Quest 3S facilitates smooth interaction with both virtual and physical objects. Whether for gaming, fitness sessions, or educational applications, users benefit from an immersive mixed reality experience, offering enriched and intuitive interaction possibilities.
Controllers and Compatible Accessories
The Meta Quest 3S comes with Touch Plus Controllers, simplified yet powerful controllers designed to provide optimal motion tracking and interaction experience in VR and mixed reality. These controllers eliminate the bulky tracking ring and replace it with integrated LED sensors, enabling a more compact and lightweight design. The addition of enhanced haptic feedback makes interactions even more immersive, adding a realistic feel to in-game actions.
Compatibility with Quest 3 Accessories
A major advantage of the Quest 3S is its compatibility with a wide range of accessories from the Quest 3 and Quest 2, including the Elite straps and charging docks. For those seeking enhanced comfort during prolonged sessions, the Elite Strap is a popular choice due to its ability to balance and stabilize the headset. Users can also take advantage of quick-charging accessories, making transitions between gaming sessions more seamless.
Audio Options and Practical Adaptations
Although the Quest 3S does not have a 3.5 mm audio jack, it offers wireless adapter options for those who prefer private listening. Bluetooth earphones compatible with the USB-C port can be used, and several wireless options ensure clear sound without cables interfering with immersion.
Performance and Game Compatibility
The Meta Quest 3S, though more affordable, still performs well for VR games and applications thanks to its Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and 8 GB of RAM. This configuration allows for quick application loading and smooth graphics. Resource-intensive games that posed issues on the Quest 2 now run with improved performance, offering richer graphics and enhanced immersion.
Game Compatibility and Mixed Reality Optimizations
The Quest 3S is compatible with the vast majority of games and applications available on the Quest 2, while benefiting from specific optimizations for mixed reality. Some exclusive titles like Batman: Arkham Shadow are integrated into the Quest 3 and 3S models thanks to the headset’s advanced mixed reality capabilities. Moreover, the color passthrough enhances immersion in games that require direct interaction with the real environment, offering a playful experience that blends augmented and virtual reality.
Pros and Cons
The Meta Quest 3S offers an excellent balance between price and performance, aiming to make mixed reality accessible to a wide audience. However, like any entry-level model, it has both strengths and limitations compared to its competitors.
Strengths of the Quest 3S
One of the key advantages of the Quest 3S is its affordable price, allowing users to benefit from the powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip and compatibility with a vast library of VR games and applications. Additionally, the lightweight and balanced design of the headset, combined with its RGB color cameras, makes it easy to immerse in various mixed reality experiences. Finally, its compatibility with several Meta accessories, such as straps and charging docks, allows for user comfort customization without additional costs.
Limitations and Trade-offs
However, the Quest 3S has certain limitations in terms of resolution and field of view, which are lower than the Quest 3 due to the Fresnel lenses and reduced screen resolution. This configuration can result in slightly less sharp edges, especially for users accustomed to more advanced models. Additionally, the lack of continuous IPD adjustment may be less comfortable for some users, and the absence of a headphone jack limits wired audio options.
Comparison with Quest 3 and Quest 2
The Quest 3S offers the powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, but its resolution and Fresnel lenses are similar to those of the Quest 2, whereas the Quest 3 benefits from pancake lenses for better image clarity. Additionally, the Quest 3 offers continuous interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment for optimized eye comfort, while the Quest 3S is limited to three fixed positions.
With an attractive price and solid performance, the Quest 3S is aimed at users looking for mixed reality without the high costs of more advanced models, though it performs better than the Quest 2.
You can find more information on the comparison between the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S.
Conclusion
The Meta Quest 3S stands out as an affordable and powerful mixed reality headset, ideal for beginners or casual users. With solid features like the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and high-quality color passthrough, it offers convincing immersion in VR and AR experiences. While its display and comfort are less advanced than the Quest 3, it remains an excellent option for discovering virtual reality without significant investment. In summary, the Quest 3S represents a great balance between price and functionality, making VR accessible to everyone.
