# Meta Quest 3S vs. Quest 3: A Cost-Effective Option with Notable Similarities
The Meta Quest 3S has launched as a more economical alternative to the Meta Quest 3, providing a next-gen VR experience at a more accessible price. Although it may appear to be a budget version of the Quest 3, the Quest 3S incorporates numerous identical features and performance attributes, making it an attractive choice for those looking to transition from the Quest 2 without overspending. Nevertheless, it reintroduces some of the cost-effective elements of the Quest 2, which might make it less enticing for those aiming for the pinnacle of VR performance.
In this piece, we’ll outline the primary similarities and distinctions between the Meta Quest 3S and Quest 3 to assist you in determining which headset suits your needs best.
## Meta Quest 3S vs. Quest 3: Major Similarities
Even though it’s branded as a budget-friendly choice, the Meta Quest 3S encompasses many of the same features found in the Quest 3, establishing it as a robust VR headset on its own.
### 1. **Processing Power and RAM**
Both the Meta Quest 3S and Quest 3 are equipped with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, delivering double the GPU performance relative to the Quest 2. This translates to faster loading times and seamless gameplay for both headsets. Moreover, both models include 8GB of RAM, enabling them to effortlessly manage the latest VR and mixed-reality (MR) games.
### 2. **Game Library and Quest 3 Upgrades**
The Quest 3S and Quest 3 enjoy access to the same game library, which means you’ll find the same titles available whether you opt for one headset or the other. However, the Quest 3 iteration of many titles typically features graphical enhancements, such as increased refresh rates, improved lighting effects, and enhanced textures. Certain highly anticipated AAA games, such as *Batman: Arkham Shadow* and *Alien: Rogue Incursion*, will be exclusive to the Quest 3 and 3S due to their advanced graphical requirements.
### 3. **Full-Color Passthrough for Mixed Reality**
Both headsets are armed with a 4MP RGB camera featuring 18 pixels per degree (PPD) passthrough resolution, enabling a full-color view of your surroundings when utilizing mixed-reality applications. This capability has seen significant enhancements since the debut of the Quest 3, with Meta addressing concerns like warping and minimizing GPU processing demands for MR applications.
### 4. **Touch Plus Controllers**
The Meta Quest 3S and Quest 3 incorporate Touch Plus controllers, which eliminate the bulky tracking ring of older models and depend on LEDs for inside-out tracking. These controllers also boast enhanced haptics, providing a more immersive gaming experience.
### 5. **Weight and Accessories**
Interestingly, the Meta Quest 3S is just 1g lighter than the Quest 3 (514g vs. 515g), resulting in virtually the same fit and comfort level. Furthermore, the majority of Quest 3 accessories—such as the Elite Strap, carrying case, and Link cable—are compatible with the Quest 3S, allowing for an easy upgrade to enhance your headset’s comfort and utility.
## Meta Quest 3S vs. Quest 3: Main Differences
While the Meta Quest 3S aligns with many features of the Quest 3, it also makes certain sacrifices to achieve its lower price. Here are the key differences between the two models.
### 1. **Display and Resolution**
The Meta Quest 3S is equipped with the same 1,832 x 1,920 LCD display as the Quest 2, in contrast to the Quest 3, which offers a higher resolution of 2,064 x 2,208. Consequently, the Quest 3 boasts 30% more pixels, resulting in crisper visuals and a more immersive experience. Additionally, the Quest 3 features a higher pixel density (25 PPD) compared to the Quest 3S (20 PPD), making it the preferable option for users who value visual fidelity.
### 2. **Field of View (FoV)**
The Quest 3 presents a broader field of view (110º horizontal, 96º vertical) compared to the Quest 3S (96º horizontal, 90º vertical). This expanded FoV facilitates a more immersive experience, particularly in high-action games where peripheral vision is crucial.
### 3. **Lens Type**
One of the most considerable disparities between the two headsets is the lenses utilized. The Quest 3 employs pancake lenses, which are sleeker and deliver superior visual clarity throughout the entire display. Conversely, the Quest 3S utilizes Fresnel lenses, which are bulkier and have a distinct “sweet spot” at the center of the display. This indicates that the Quest 3S might feel more
