# Meta Quest 3S vs. Quest 2: Are They Truly Identical?
The Meta Quest 3S represents the most recent addition to Meta’s VR lineup, and for many owners of the Quest 2, it might feel like a known experience. At a cursory view, the two headsets look almost the same regarding design and features. Nonetheless, despite their resemblances, the Quest 3S offers several important upgrades that render it a significant successor to the Quest 2. In this article, we’ll delve into the distinctions and commonalities between the Meta Quest 3S and the Quest 2, aiding you in determining whether an upgrade is justified or if you should remain with your existing headset.
## **Meta Quest 3S: Partially Enhanced, Partially Unchanged**
Meta has introduced the Quest 3S as a sort of next-generation headset while keeping the price at $299, same as the Quest 2. To accomplish this, Meta has preserved numerous features of the Quest 2, while implementing some subtle yet impactful enhancements. The Quest 3S, for example, maintains the overall design and feel of the Quest 2, yet it introduces improvements in performance, mixed reality capabilities, and controllers that experienced VR users will value.
### **Advantages of the Meta Quest 3S:**
– Full-color, high-definition mixed reality
– Advanced Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip with 33% additional RAM
– Redesigned cloth strap for enhanced comfort
– Dual flood LEDs for optimal low-light gaming
– Revamped Touch Plus controllers with superior haptics
### **Disadvantages of the Meta Quest 3S:**
– No enhancements to lens quality, resolution, or field of view (FoV)
– Absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack
## **Meta Quest 2: Still Thriving**
Even after its launch in 2020, the Meta Quest 2 continues to be a favored VR headset, and with good reason. It achieved sales of over 20 million units thanks to its affordability, wireless convenience, and dependable performance. Although Meta has ceased selling the Quest 2, it remains supported by most VR developers, who still create their games with the Quest 2 in mind before adapting them for newer models like the Quest 3 and Quest 3S.
### **Advantages of the Meta Quest 2:**
– Matches Quest 3S in lens quality, resolution, and field of view
– Includes a 3.5mm jack for wired headphone connectivity
– Compatible with almost all the same games as newer headsets
– Extensive range of available accessories
### **Disadvantages of the Meta Quest 2:**
– Older chipset struggles with Quest 3-exclusive features and enhancements
– Longer loading times compared to the latest headsets
– Low-resolution, monochrome passthrough for mixed reality
– Outdated controller design with less advanced haptic feedback
## **Meta Quest 3S vs. Quest 2: Key Commonalities**
While the Quest 3S introduces some novel features, it shares numerous essential characteristics with the Quest 2. Below are the significant similarities:
### **1. Fresnel Lenses**
Both the Quest 3S and Quest 2 utilize Fresnel lenses, requiring more space between the lens and display than the pancake lenses in the Quest 3. This design results in a distinct “sweet spot” in the center of your vision, while peripheral areas may appear a bit blurry. Despite the Quest 3S being slimmer than the Quest 2, the lens technology stays consistent.
### **2. LCD Resolution**
The Quest 3S and Quest 2 come equipped with the same LCD display featuring a resolution of 1,832 x 1,920 pixels per eye, delivering 773 pixels per inch (PPI) and 20 pixels per degree (PPD). This resolution is adequate for most VR experiences, though it doesn’t reach the Quest 3’s enhanced resolution of 2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye.
### **3. Field of View (FoV)**
Both headsets offer a 96º horizontal and 90º vertical field of view, which suffices for a majority of VR games and experiences. However, the Quest 3 boasts an expanded field of view (110º horizontal and 96º vertical), positioning it as a preferable option for those desiring a more immersive experience.
### **4. Wireless, Modular Design**
Similar to the Quest 2, the Quest 3S is entirely wireless, facilitating untethered VR experiences. Furthermore, both headsets showcase a modular design, allowing for effortless swapping of the strap or facial interface without voiding the warranty. This makes it straightforward to customize your headset using third-party accessories.
## **Meta Quest 3S vs. Quest 2: Design Discrepancies**
Although the Quest 3S and Quest 2 initially appear similar, there are key design distinctions that differentiate them:
