Get ready to enter the amazing world of Meta Quest 3 and 3S
Amy Flower
STACK Senior Editor
If you’re after an immersive VR (virtual reality) or MR (mixed reality) experience, then prepare to be wowed by the Meta Quest 3 and 3S, which are hitting JB Hi-Fi any time now. Let’s catch up with what they’re all about.
At a glance
Do I need a PC?
What if I wear glasses?
What are the differences physically?
Performance
Display
Audio
Controllers
Battery life
Mixed reality
Beyond gaming
Who's it for?
Do I need a PC?
No! As the Meta Quest 3 and 3S are standalone units, there’s a range of games and experiences available that will run directly on the hardware, with no need for any sort of console or computer. Just use the handy Meta Horizon app on your smartphone to shop titles.
But wait, there’s more! Should you be PC equipped, you can also use either the Meta Quest 3 or 3S to stream PC-based VR games, including your Steam collection. These are versatile little units!
What if I wear glasses?
No problem! A glasses spacer is included with every Meta Quest 3 or 3S. You can even go all-in and order prescription lenses from Meta (sold separately).
What are the differences physically?
The Meta Quest 3 is the high-end model in the lineup, while the two 3S models still pack an incredible array of features into top-value packages.
At a quick glance, the Meta Quest 3 and 3S look quite similar, as they both feature a white plastic body, coupled with a Y-shaped head strap. However, take a closer look and subtle differences become apparent.
The Quest 3S is a little bulkier and features six openings at eye level for camera lenses and sensors, while the Quest 3 has three such front openings.
Performance
At the heart of both wireless headsets processing-wise sit Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processors, which are paired with 8GB of RAM.
The beauty of this is that regardless of which of the headsets you plump for, you’ll be able to play the same extensive range of VR games and apps.
One of the key differences between models is inbuilt storage. The Meta Quest 3 offers a beefy 512GB, while the Meta Quest 3S is available with two storage sizes, a choice between 256GB and 128GB. The bigger your game collection, the handier the larger storage.
Display
When talking VR, and total immersion, resolution is a key factor. The Quest 3 delivers a detailed 4K+ infinite display image with a resolution of 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye, and a higher refresh rate. It uses pancake lenses, which sit closer to the display and help eliminate stray light, meaning greater clarity.
The Meta Quest 3S, meanwhile, gives users a still impressive per-eye resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels. This one utilises a bulkier Fresnel lens system, which uses concentric rings of prisms to focus light.
Audio
Whether you opt for the Meta Quest 3 or 3S, you get to enjoy built-in stereo speakers that support 3D spatial audio. But you can also use your own ear gear for deeper immersion, with full Bluetooth support.
When it comes to audio connectivity, there’s a key difference between the Meta Quest 3 and 3S. The flagship model includes a 3.5mm audio jack as well as Bluetooth, meaning that you can connect any headphones, or send audio to an amplifier or receiver.
The Quest 3S lacks this jack, however you can connect via Bluetooth or the USB-C port and could employ a USB-C to 3.5mm convertor if you really want to use your favourite wired ear gear.
Controllers
Regardless of whether you opt for the Meta Quest 3 or 3S, you’ll receive Touch Plus controllers, which offer improved haptics over the previous Meta Quest models, as well as no tracking rings – so they’re more compact.
They’re designed to act as extensions to your hands, rather than feeling like old school game controllers.
Battery life
When you’re immersed, you don’t want to be jolted out of the experience by a low battery warning. Battery performance is actually quite similar between both models, with the Meta Quest 3S packing a 4324mAh battery that delivers around 2.5 hours of runtime.
Meanwhile, the Meta Quest 3 features a slightly bigger 5060mAh battery, offering around 2.2 hours of use. That’s a little less uptime as it’s pushing some serious extra pixel numbers around.
Mixed reality
If you haven’t encountered this technology, it combines virtual and real-world environments on the Meta Quest 3 or 3S’s screens for an interactive experience that sees digital objects existing within physical surroundings. It’s like a halfway point between VR and AR (augmented reality – think Pokémon Go as an example).
Both the Meta Quest 3 and 3S support MR via full colour passthrough vision. As well as being great for adding a new dimension to games, this technology also has applications ranging from education to the professional World.
Beyond gaming
Thanks to a convenient cinema mode, you can use your Meta Quest 3 or 3S to watch movies anywhere you and your unit go.
Another great use is for fitness – such as connecting with personal trainers, or using MR features to train in exotic worldwide locations.
Who’s it for?
As a flagship model with a higher band of features, including double or quadruple the storage of the 3S models, the Meta Quest 3 tops the pricelist. It’s perfect fro VR enthusiasts, as well as professionals to whom high-end graphics and decent storage are key requirements.
The 3S is certainly no slouch performance-wise though, and if you’re more budget conscious, or dipping your toes into this exciting virtual world for the first time, then it may be a better starter option. Like its big sister it also supports MR, so you’re not missing out on one of the most exciting Meta Quest 3 capabilities.
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