So, Meta has just unveiled yet another VR headset for us, huh? The *Meta Quest 3S* – a stripped-back, more affordable counterpart to the *Meta Quest 3*. They’ve added a few compromises but kept it in the modern generation, all for a significantly reduced price. The 3S features a reworked optical system, saving you around £200/$200 compared to its more expensive counterpart.
But is that saved cash worth the compromises, or should you just go for the full-featured Quest 3? Let’s find out, shall we?
### Design & Build
Gone are the days when Meta produced black bricks like the *Rift* headsets. Now, the Quest series, including the 3 and the 3S, showcases a sleek light-grey plastic design.
Here’s a fun tidbit: even though the *Quest 3S* appears more stylish with fewer cameras and a neater design, it only weighs a gram more than the Quest 3. It may look slimmer and rounder, but believe me, once you strap it on, both headsets feel almost identical—front-heavy right out of the box, especially if you have a head like mine.
That being said, the 3S earns points for introducing a new *Action button* on its underside. Just a quick tap, and *boom* – you’re back in the real world via the pass-through camera. It’s a straightforward enhancement compared to the tricky side-tap feature from the Quest 3 days.
However, here’s a downside: the Quest 3 includes a *3.5mm headphone jack*. So, if you prefer wired audio, you’re out of luck with the 3S – you’ll need to settle for Bluetooth or the built-in speakers.
### Screen & Lenses
Let’s face it – the primary reason the 3S is less expensive is due to the screen. Meta has reverted to the fresnel lenses from the *Quest 2* era. In contrast, the Quest 3’s pancake lenses, while pricier, provide a much broader visual sweet spot. If you often fidget with your headset to find that “ideal” view, those pancake lenses make a significant difference.
As for the 3S? Nah, it’s back to fresnel, translating to a smaller field of view (FoV) and increased visual distortions. Throw high-contrast visuals at it, and you’ll quickly notice nuisances like chromatic aberration or halo effects. The 3S has a resolution of 1832×1920 per eye, compared to 2064×2208 on the Quest 3.
Look, if clarity and a wider FoV are crucial for you, dig a little deeper into your wallet. If you just want to have fun playing Beat Saber, the 3S will suffice.
### Performance & Storage
No surprises here, folks. Both devices are powered by the same Snapdragon *XR2 Gen 2 chipset*. They come equipped with 8GB RAM, more than sufficient to handle the rigors of VR gaming and multitasking. Thus, in terms of performance, you’re getting nearly identical systems.
However, the storage options do vary. The *Quest 3S* is available in 128GB and 256GB configurations. If you need more, you must opt for the *Quest 3*, which currently only comes in a hefty 512GB option. The 128GB *Quest 3*? Discontinued. Gone. Just like my motivation after a tough workout. But don’t worry too much – 128GB can still accommodate approximately 30 games. If you have a tendency to hoard, be prepared to delete games or pay for the larger storage.
### Cameras
Meta has improved the pass-through cameras on both headsets for decent mixed reality experiences. Each headset features a 4MP resolution, which works well.
The *ToF* (time-of-flight) sensors on each device allow for quick boundary setup. Quite handy, particularly when your dog is darting around while you’re in the VR world.
### Battery Life & Charging
Here’s an interesting piece of information for you – even though the *3S* has a smaller battery (4324mAh vs. 4879mAh on the 3), Meta claims it lasts longer. But in practical use? Both deliver about 2 hours of runtime, more or less. So, not much of a difference there.
Charging is fairly standard, too. Meta says the 3S charges a bit quicker, but in my experience, we’re talking about a 5-minute difference. Not exactly groundbreaking.
And here’s a point worth mentioning – the Quest 3 includes a proximity sensor that automatically switches it to sleep mode when you take it off. The Quest 3S? Nope. You must manually power it down, or it will continue to drain your battery.
### Software & Apps
Both headsets provide access to the Meta *Horizon* store, giving you a library of over 600 games and close to 3000 apps to explore. Whichever headset you choose, you’ll have plenty of content to enjoy.
They’re also both compatible with Meta’s *Quest Link Cable* or *Air Link*, allowing you to connect to your PC. And remember – Steam Link is supported natively on both. That’s right – no more convoluted workarounds, folks!
### Price & Availability
The *Meta Quest 3* launched in 2023, but currently, the only version available is the 512GB model priced at £469.99/$499.99.
As for the *Quest 3S*? Released in 2024, with a price tag of £289.99/$299.99 for the 128GB variant. Need more storage? The 256GB option is available for £379.99/$399.99.
Both models come bundled with *Batman: Arkham Shadow* as a free gift (for the time being, at least). So go ahead, take a spin in Gotham.
### Should You Buy the Meta Quest 3S or Quest 3?
Now, this is where everything falls into place. The *Meta Quest 3S* is cheaper for one reason – it makes concessions. Smaller FoV, lesser lenses, absence of wired audio. But it does come with a nifty *Action button* and a battery that allegedly lasts a bit longer… in theory.
The *Quest 3*? It’s more compact, includes wired audio, superior lenses, and additional storage. But you’re shelling out at least £100 more for it.
To be frank, if you’re not overly concerned about field of view and wired audio, the *Meta Quest 3S* offers great value. But if you want the very best, then open up that wallet and nab the *Quest 3*. The choice is yours, mate.
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**Title Tag: Should You Buy The Quest 3S? Only If You Dislike Sharp Graphics**
