Meta’s consistent drive into mixed reality and virtual reality hardware has been a reminder that immersive experience is no longer exclusive to those niche tech enthusiasts. A more affordable option of Meta’s flagship Quest 3, the Meta Quest 3S looks to make the technology accessible to everyone. And, boasting an affordable price tag of just $299.99 / £289.99, it comfortably slots in at a mid-range position while retaining much of the functionality one would find in high-end VR and MR headsets.
In this epic review, we will dissect the Meta Quest 3S, breaking down design, performance, features, and its place in the greater MR/VR ecosystem. We also compare it with its sibling, the Meta Quest 3, to give you an idea of whether this more affordable option is right for you.
Introduction: Meta Quest 3S – Mixed Reality for the Masses
The Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality landscape is rapidly changing, and Meta takes it to a whole new level by releasing a wide range of headsets at different price points. With this move, Meta has significantly increased the user base while attracting even casual and dedicated gamers, tech enthusiasts, and even professionals interested in productivity tools for virtual workspaces. The Meta Quest 3S is the company’s latest attempt to offer a mixed-reality experience at a price point significantly lower than competitors like the Quest 3 and Apple’s Vision Pro.
For the budget-conscious consumer, Meta Quest 3S doesn’t just try to be more affordable but to do more for less – high performance at the expense of a few advanced capabilities. It has the same Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 within, retaining most core performance aspects of the pricier versions but sacrificing a few such as display quality or depth sensing. At this end, Meta can chop the price without degrading the experience all that much.
What Makes Meta Quest 3S Outstanding?
From thousands of headsets in the virtual reality and mixed reality marketplace, what truly makes this Meta Quest 3S interesting is its offering of a more immersive experience at one-tenth of the cost. Meta was able to make a headset which is sufficiently perfect for those who come to explore the boundaries of VR and MR worlds, placing a balance in cost, functionality, and performance. In these ways, that make the Quest 3S different:
- Affordable Price: Packed with stronger mixed-reality and virtual reality features for an entry-level device, Meta Quest 3S can be obtained at just $299.99 / £289.99.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2: With this chipset, the Quest 3S would have flawlessly delivered game or navigation in MR applications.
- Hybrid VR/MR: This device meets each user’s requirement, delivering both virtual reality and MR.
Hand Tracking and Controllers: The controllers and intuitive hand gestures for interaction with virtual environments give users plenty of options.
Design and Build Quality: Comfortable and User-Friendly
One of the primary determinants of the overall VR experience is how comfortable the headset is when it’s used for extended periods. Clearly, Meta has focused on making the Meta Quest 3S lightweight and user-friendly. Weighing 514 grams, it’s lighter than many other headsets in the market, ensuring that even extended sessions won’t cause significant discomfort. The headset is designed to be ergonomic, utilizing an adjustable Y-shaped strap that fits numerous head sizes.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort will be paramount for any headset VR or MR, especially if the intention to spend hours playing or using the headset for work and productivity is. Meta Quest 3S thus balances decently via its foam padding on the face, offering a soft yet definite fit that does not get uncomfortable after prolonged use. However, after extended use, a few find the foam to be a bit hot, though it remains comfortable by and large.
The design is also friendly to glasses, a consideration for many users who sport prescription eyewear. The headset makes room for most glasses without requiring extra inserts, a problem that often arises with the more expensive models.
Button Placement and Controls
The controls for the Quest 3S are pretty intuitive and rather accessible. There is a home button on the side, which lets you easily get back to the main menu, and a volume rocker, which can be used in use to keep your sound levels at bay. The buttons lie in good placements and present tactile feel that makes you less likely to fumble while you navigate through menus.
Build Quality
While not being premium in presentation like more expensive versions of the Quest, the Meta Quest 3S certainly does possess robust construction. The plastics used here are decent enough to be withstood under daily use but may not approach that kind of premium feel metal or better materials on a more expensive device lend to some products. For its price, though, build quality is more than acceptable.
Display and Visual Experience: Where Price Meets Performance
The most significant verdict on VR/MR headsets is the quality of vision. While Meta Quest 3S does not support the advanced visuals of the Quest 3 or Vision Pro, still, there’s enough to go around for casual applications.
Fresnel Lenses
Meta Quest 3S features Fresnel lenses with a resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye. At below the Quest 3’s stunning resolution, it’ll still give most users the crisp images they want to see. Text remains readable in apps and games and although colors aren’t quite as bright as in more expensive headsets, still plenty of fun. Upgrading from older models, such as Quest 2, is a treat.
Refresh Rate
The Meta Quest 3S, for example, has a refresh rate of 120Hz, something that really delivers very smooth and strongly immersive experiences, especially when navigating fast virtual environments or playing high-action games-where you will experience little to no motion blur or ghosting in such scenarios. But compared to other headsets that boast even higher refresh rates, 120Hz on the Quest 3S is perfectly acceptable for most VR and MR activities.
Field of View
Horizontal and vertical FOV are of 96 and 90 degrees. They are at the middle rung level of the headset and therefore provide sufficient peripheral vision so that the experience is not felt to be immersive. Users can normally move their heads about without feeling constrained by too narrow a field of view.
As for gaming and casual use, images are enough, but professionals will recognize the limitations of having a lower resolution and fine color accuracy. That is where Meta Quest 3 shines brighter, but for the average consumer, Quest 3S does a great job in quality-quantity balance at affordability.
Performance – What Powers the Meta Quest 3S
The Meta Quest 3S integrates a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor. The same processor used in the Meta Quest 3, although the latter costs more. The metaverse device is capable of running almost all types of VR and MR applications such as a high-intensity gaming app, an app to view multimedia, and even a productivity app, among others.
Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2: The Power Horse
The best chip in a mixed reality unit is the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2. I would say that this chip is absolutely perfect for supporting even the demanding VR applications because they can load really fast and are fluid with very minimal lag or stutter. That is how the Meta Quest 3S punches so way above its weight class on performance.
Of course, despite being a basic entry-level headset, the Meta Quest 3S still benefits from enjoying the same chipset as the Quest 3. It allows you to multitask amongst various apps without bogging down the system. Whether you’re switching between different games or jumping into productivity apps, the Snapdragon chip keeps things smooth.
RAM and Storage
The Meta Quest 3S arrives with 8GB of RAM that supports holistic system performance by fast switching between applications and slick interactivity within virtual environments. Most casual users and gamers will find 8GB plenty, but in terms of VR workspaces, users may notice that some apps take up a bit more memory.
Storage on the Quest 3S comes in 128GB and 256GB. While these options are decent for medium users, anyone installing several large games or various applications may find the storage a bit limited, especially with no microSD card slot to expand. The 256GB model allows for a bit more wiggle room, though it’s still advisable to manage your storage well to avoid running out of space too quickly.
Gaming and Entertainment Capabilities
Gaming can be one of the main reasons many spend money on VR headsets, and in this line, Meta Quest 3S is not behind. Be it action games that are high-octane, role-playing, and other games that include puzzles, this VR headset from Meta promises an adequate number of playing things.
Availability of the Meta Quest Store
The Meta Quest Store offers a massive library of games and apps, and the catalog continues to grow. Given that the Quest 3S utilizes the same operating platform as the Quest 3, it can tap into the full catalog of Meta Quest games and applications. Here’s some of the popular ones:
- Beat Saber: It is a rhythm VR game in which players slice through blocks in time with the music.
- Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners: Survival horror action. Based on the post-apocalyptic Walking Dead series
- Superhot VR: A first-person shooter unique in its mechanics. Here, time moves only when you do.
The system’s power allows these games to run seamlessly, very low latency and load time with near-zero waiting times in between. The images were not nearly as sharp as on the Quest 3, but a lot of the gaming experience was just fun regardless.
Immersive Media Experiences
In addition to gaming, the Meta Quest 3S is a fantastic multimedia device. All popular streaming apps such as Netflix, YouTube VR, and Hulu VR work seamlessly, making you feel as if you are sitting in your personal movie theater. The video playback will be smooth for movies, TV shows, and VR-specific content, thanks to a 120Hz refresh rate.
Social and Multiplayer Gaming
The market for entertainment aside, social gaming has become a significant core part of the Meta Quest ecosystem. Rec Room, and other games like VRChat, provide opportunities for users to communicate with friends or connect with new people in virtual environments. As such, the Meta Quest 3S will prove suitable for the support of such multiplayer experiences.
Though it doesn’t feature the advanced visualization of even headsets in the higher end, the Quest 3S performs solidly and offers easy access to a game library packed with great games for casual and semi-serious gamers.
Mixed Reality: Coming together of the Real and Digital Worlds
Another important factor in the sales pitch for the Meta Quest 3S is its mixed reality. MR brings together elements of a virtual world with aspects from the real world; this means that it is possible to touch and manipulate digital objects from the virtual world while keeping both feet on the ground-reminding one of the physical reality around them.
Passthrough Technology
Passthrough technology lets you see your surroundings through the headset and keeps you from becoming a hermit in a box. Meta Quest 3S has a monochrome passthrough. Your environment in the real world will then be viewed in grayscale. This is a step backward from the fully colored passthrough of the Quest 3, but it will still get you by on the really basic stuff-like finding your controllers, walking around your room, or using mixed-reality apps.
Mixed Reality Applications
Meta Quest 3S features multiple mixed-reality applications. Some of them are simple and straightforward for productivity, while the others are more complex, interactive experiences. The examples include:
- AR Workspaces: Apps such as Meta’s Infinite Office help customers create several virtual monitors along with their personalizing their workspace, but still be able to see the keyboard and the surroundings.
- Fitness: Mixed-reality fitness apps like Supernatural will couple virtual training environments with real-world movement, thus letting you exercise without losing perception of your surroundings.
The Meta Quest 3S is not designed to deliver any depth-sensing capabilities, but it should provide new MR users with a fabulous intro to the tech.
Hand Tracking, Controllers, and Interaction Methods
Interaction forms the center of the VR/MR experience, and Meta has provided the Quest 3S with several ways to interact with digital environments.
Hand Tracking
Not bad for an entry-level device, hand tracking on the Meta Quest 3S is admirably advanced. You can navigate menus, interact with objects, and do many types of gestures without controllers. It’s especially useful in mixed-reality applications, where you would want to interface more organically with the digital world.
Although hand tracking usually works very well, there are those instances where it has inconsistencies with high speed games or applications that heavily rely on detail. Nevertheless, for casual usage and apps for productivity, it’s more than sufficient.
Touch Controllers
Meta Quest Touch Controllers – Comes with the headset and includes an intuitive touch in interacting with games as well as apps. The controllers contain haptic feedback and triggers to achieve precise control within the VR environment. And be it a shooting game or a simple puzzle, the controllers are responsive and well-crafted to handle with ease.
The controllers also support inside-out tracking, using the cameras built into the headset to track their location in space. So no external sensors required so you can get everything set up in no time.
Battery Life and Storage Considerations
Regarding any kind of portable device batter life has to be suitable, and Meta Quest 3S really doesn’t disappoint on this parameter
Battery Life
The Quest 3S should offer around 2 hours and 30 minutes of continuous use on a full charge, according to the intensity of your apps or games. Not so long, likely for gaming sessions or for completely immersive VR experiences, but usually sufficient for casual use. And the device can be charged with the provided USB-C charger from empty to full in just 2.5 hours.
If you’ll be using the headset extensively, especially for productive or gaming purposes, you might want to consider investing in a battery pack or to charge during breaks.
Storage
As stated earlier, the Meta Quest 3S is available in 128GB and 256GB capacities. While 128GB may seem like enough, it’s surprising how fast you can fill it up with games, apps, or media – VR games are particularly large, so if you have plans for multiple games or productivity work, consider the 256GB model.
Lack of expansion through a microSD card for storage, in that case, Meta Quest 3S cannot expand, so managing what you have put in is key not to run out of space.
Price, Value, and Availability
The Meta Quest 3S begins at $299.99 / £289.99, making it one of the more affordable mixed-reality headsets currently available to purchase in the market. For that price, you get a device capable of running most VR and MR apps without much issue, solid display, and Meta’s lavish ecosystem for games and apps.
Coming from the perspective of what it has to offer, the Meta Quest 3S is the wonderful value for casual users, those being introduced to VR/MR, and even a secondary device for a home. It does miss out on some of the more advanced features that its sibling, Quest 3, offers but definitely gives rich, immersive experiences at a much lower price.
Key Pros and Cons
Pros
- Value for Money: Meta Quest 3S is such a value at the price point, opening up VR and MR to countless many.
- Sturdy Performance: With the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, it seems fairly easy to run most applications.
- Mixed Reality Ready: Even with grayscale passthrough, the Quest 3S offers a mixed-reality experience in spades.
- Hand Tracking: Unparalleled hand tracking capabilities make for an even more immersive experience.
- Extensive Game Collection: Easy access to Meta Quest’s huge catalog of games and apps
Cons
- Lower Resolution: Comprehensively lower resolution compared to the flagship models like Quest 3, which could impact the visual quality.
- Limited Storage: There’s no expandable storage facility; thus, proper application and game management is required
- Short Battery Life: With a battery life of 2.5 hours, it may not be ideal for extensive gaming sessions.
- Monochrome Passthrough: Passthrough color may be absent, which could have an effect on mixed-reality use cases.
Meta Quest 3S vs Meta Quest 3 – Which One is Right for You?
The Meta Quest 3S and Meta Quest 3 are very similar, but they also have some major differences. If you are deciding between these two devices, take a look below at a comparison:
Who Should Buy the Meta Quest 3S?
- VR/MR Newbies: If you’re new to mixed reality or virtual reality and don’t want to invest too deeply to get started, the Quest 3S is a great starting point.
- Casual Gamers: Those who like casual VR gaming or immersive media experiences will be more than well-served by the Quest 3S.
- Budget-Friendly Buyer: Although price is an important consideration, the Meta Quest 3S provides great value considering the cost without dropping performance so drastically.
Who Should Buy the Meta Quest 3?
- Pro Users: If you are a more serious user for VR/MR or intend to use the headgear more for creative or productivity purposes, then paying the premium and the higher resolution of Quest 3 would be more worth it to you.
- MR Enthusiasts: All users who do not care for the full-color passthrough feature and depth-sensing features will be elated at the fully boosted capability of MR in this Quest 3.
Final Thoughts
The Meta Quest 3S is a great entry point into mixed and virtual realities, offering solid performance at an unbeatable price. Its lack of advanced features is common in headsets with higher price tags-for example, it does not yet support full-color passthrough or the higher display resolution-but for playing games, watching multimedia, and even getting work done, it’s remarkably fun to use.
Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, the Quest 3S feels much more capable of its name. It is perfect for someone entering the VR/MR ecosystem as well as for a casual user that wants to experience immersive experiences without their wallet feeling the crunch.