Meta’s latest venture into the realm of mixed reality, the Quest 3S, has arrived to revolutionize the VR market. Unveiled at Meta Connect 2024, this budget-friendly headset aims to make mixed reality experiences more accessible than ever before.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll highlight everything you need to know about the Meta Quest 3S, from its specifications and features to how it stacks up against its more expensive counterpart.

What will be in the box?

• Meta Quest 3S headset
• Meta Quest Touch Plus controllers
• Glasses spacer with attached folio containing:

             – Charging cable

             – Power adapter

• Quick Start guide
• Safety and Warranty guide

Processor

Both the Quest 3S and Quest 3 utilize the “Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2” chipset. It’s worth noting that this processor delivers more than double the raw graphics (GPU) performance compared to the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 found in the Quest 2.

By employing the same processor in both the Quest 3S and Quest 3, it suggests that these headsets should provide similar performance capabilities in terms of processing power. However, the Quest 3S may perform better in some cases due to lower resolution.

RAM

The Quest 3S boasts an impressive 8 GB of RAM, matching the memory capacity of its pricier counterpart, the Meta Quest 3. It utilizes LPDDR5 RAM, a cutting-edge memory technology that delivers exceptional performance while consuming minimal power.

Storage

The Quest 3S comes with two storage options: 128 GB and 256 GB, just like the Quest 3. However, the Quest 3S does not offer a 512 GB option, which sets it apart from the Quest 3.

Battery Life

The Quest 3S boasts a battery capacity of 4,324 mAh and an average battery life of 2.5 hours. Interestingly, despite having a smaller battery compared to the Quest 3, which has a 4,879 mAh battery, the Quest 3S manages to outlast its predecessor by approximately 18 minutes. This slight improvement in battery life is attributed to the energy-efficient components used in the Quest 3S, particularly its lower resolution displays in comparison to the Quest 3.

While the battery life of the Quest 3S is considered adequate for the majority of VR sessions, it might be a point of consideration for users who intend to engage in extended sessions. Nevertheless, the Quest 3S offers a compelling balance between battery capacity and energy efficiency, ensuring a satisfactory user experience for most VR enthusiasts.

Displays

The Meta Quest 3S features a single LCD display, unlike the dual LCD displays found in the Quest 3. The resolution per eye is 1832 x 1920 pixels, matching the Quest 2 but lower than the Quest 3’s 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye. The pixel density is 773 pixels per inch (ppi) or 20 pixels per degree (PPD).

The display boasts a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. The field of view (FOV) is 96° horizontal and 90° vertical, which is slightly smaller than the Quest 3’s 110° horizontal and 96° vertical FOV.

The total pixel count is 3.5 million, compared to the Quest 3’s 4.5 million pixels. The Quest 3S uses Fresnel lenses, while the Quest 3 employs pancake lenses.

Optical adjustments include a stepped IPD (Interpupillary Distance) adjustment with an IPD range of 58mm, 63mm, and 68mm.

The Quest 3S display specifications more closely resemble those of the Quest 2 rather than the Quest 3, likely as a cost-saving measure for this more affordable version. Although the resolution and field of view are lower compared to the Quest 3, the Quest 3S still delivers a high-quality VR experience with its high refresh rate.

Audio

The Meta Quest 3S features integrated stereo speakers with enhanced clarity and bass compared to previous models, as well as support for spatial audio.

It includes a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting wired headphones and a built-in microphone, although specific details about the microphone are not yet clarified.

The device supports Bluetooth 5.2, but most wireless earbuds are not compatible due to latency issues. However, specialized low-latency wireless earbuds, such as the Soundcore VR P10, can be used with the Meta Quest 3S by connecting them via a USB-C dongle.

The improved spatial audio technology delivers better directional sound in games and applications, enhancing the overall audio experience. The Meta Quest 3S is expected to offer better support for 2D apps like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

Design and Measures

The Quest 3S bears a striking resemblance to the Quest 3, albeit with a slightly bulkier design. Despite being around 20% slimmer compared to the Quest 2, it still maintains a more substantial appearance. Weighing in at 514g, the Quest 3S manages to shave off a single gram from its counterpart, the Quest 3, which tips the scales at 515g.

A notable addition to the Quest 3S is the inclusion of a new button situated adjacent to the volume bar, serving as a dedicated home button. This thoughtful feature aims to enhance navigation ease, particularly when utilizing the hand tracking functionality.

Cameras

The Quest 3S is equipped with 4MP RGB cameras designed for mixed reality experiences. These cameras have a resolution of 18ppd (pixels per degree), matching those found on the Quest 3.

Similar to the Quest 3, the Quest 3S supports full-color passthrough for mixed reality experiences. However, unlike the Quest 3, the Quest 3S lacks a hardware depth sensor, which may impact certain mixed reality applications that depend on accurate depth information.

The headset also includes four IR cameras (400x400px) for tracking and other functions.

In contrast to the Quest 3’s three frontal “pills,” the Quest 3S has two sets of sensors and cameras arranged in triangular patterns. Additionally, the Quest 3S features a dedicated hardware “action button” specifically designed for toggling the passthrough cameras.

Controllers

The Quest 3S utilizes the Meta Quest Touch Plus Controllers, which are 6 degrees of freedom (6 DoF) controllers. These controllers provide partial finger and thumb tracking through the use of sensors. AA batteries are used to power the controllers. The Touch Plus controllers are identical to those that come with the Quest 3. While specific details are not mentioned in the search results, it is probable that the controllers also feature haptic feedback.

Release Date

The Meta Quest 3S was officially unveiled during the Meta Connect event on September 25, 2024, and made available for pre-order with a release date set for October 15. Pre-orders for the Quest 3S are now available on Meta’s website in advance of its official launch on Tuesday, October 15.

Price

The Meta Quest 3S is available in two storage configurations: the 128GB model is priced at $299.99 (USD), while the 256GB model is priced at $399.99 (USD).

As Meta’s most affordable mixed reality headset, the Quest 3S is positioned to attract a wide audience. It is significantly more affordable than the Quest 3, which has recently seen a price reduction to $499.99 for the 512GB version. The pricing of the Quest 3S makes it an appealing choice for those who are new to mixed reality or for those seeking an affordable upgrade from older Quest models. The purchase also includes some additional benefits: a free three-month trial of Quest+ and a complimentary copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow.

Will you be able to connect the Quest 3S to PC?

The Quest 3S offers PC connectivity, just like other Quest models. There are two ways to connect: using a wired connection with a USB-C cable (Meta Quest Link) or a wireless connection using Air Link over Wi-Fi.

To use this feature, you’ll need a PC that meets the system requirements of the Meta Quest app. It’s recommended to have a recent 6-core Intel Core i5 processor or an equivalent AMD Ryzen 5 chip. For the graphics card, an NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon (or better) is suggested.

Where can you buy the Quest 3S?

Pre-orders for the Meta Quest 3S are now available directly through Meta’s official website. While Amazon hasn’t specifically mentioned pre-orders yet, they are expected to have stock available.

Based on their history with previous Quest models, Best Buy is likely to offer pre-orders as well. Walmart is also anticipated to provide pre-order options, potentially with competitive pricing to attract customers.

Conclusion

The Meta Quest 3S marks a major milestone in bringing mixed reality technology to the masses. By offering a competitive price point, a powerful processor, and an impressive array of features, it achieves an appealing balance between performance and affordability.

Although it may not have the top-of-the-line specifications found in its more expensive counterpart, the Quest 3, the 3S provides more than enough to satisfy both VR beginners and enthusiasts seeking an affordable upgrade. With its full-color passthrough, spatial audio, and access to Meta’s extensive library of apps and games, the Quest 3S guarantees a rich and immersive experience.