# Meta Quest 3S vs. Quest 3: An In-Depth Examination of VR Options
The realm of virtual reality (VR) is progressing rapidly, with Meta at the forefront of consumer headset innovation. The newly launched **Meta Quest 3S** presents itself as a more budget-conscious choice, available at **$299**, in contrast to the **$499 Quest 3**. Although the Quest 3S provides an affordable entry into the VR space, it involves considerable trade-offs regarding visual quality and comfort. For potential upgraders or first-time buyers, grasping the compromises between these two models is essential.
## The Aspiration for an Affordable VR Headset
Meta’s previous CTO, **John Carmack**, imagined a super economical VR headset priced at **$250** and weighing merely **250 grams**. While the Quest 3S approaches that target price, it does not meet the weight expectation, coming in at **514 grams**—almost identical to the **515g Quest 3**. This heft can result in a cumbersome and uncomfortable experience over longer periods, particularly when juxtaposed with Carmack’s idea of a lightweight, highly comfortable VR setup.
## Quest 3S: An Economical Choice with Drawbacks
The Quest 3S serves as a simplified iteration of the Quest 3, aimed at achieving a lower cost. However, this comes at the expense of several important features:
### 1. **Display Resolution**
– The Quest 3S is equipped with the same **1832×1920 per-eye resolution** as the predecessor **Quest 2**, which was commendable in 2020 but now feels obsolete. In contrast, the Quest 3 showcases a **2604×2208 per-eye resolution**, providing a significantly sharper and clearer visual experience.
– The disparity in clarity is substantial, particularly when it comes to reading small text or viewing intricate details in VR. The Quest 3S’s reduced resolution leads to a marked decline in visual fidelity, diminishing the immersive quality of the experience.
### 2. **Field of View**
– With a **97-degree horizontal field of view (FOV)**, the Quest 3S falls short compared to the **110-degree FOV** found in the Quest 3. While this difference may seem minor, it can create a more “tunnel vision” sensation, particularly in dynamic games such as **Beat Saber**.
– The limited FOV can constrain VR experiences, restricting peripheral vision and ultimately lessening the sense of immersion.
### 3. **Lens Technology**
– The Quest 3S features **fresnel lenses**, which are bulkier and less sophisticated than the **pancake lenses** of the Quest 3. The pancake lenses enable the Quest 3 to rest closer to the face, enhancing comfort and balance.
– The fresnel lenses utilized in the Quest 3S also result in a blurrier picture, especially at the edges of the display, further detracting from the overall visual quality.
### 4. **Interpupillary Distance (IPD) Adjustment**
– The Quest 3 includes a **continuous IPD adjustment** mechanism via a wheel, giving users the ability to precisely align the lens spacing to their individual eye distance. Conversely, the Quest 3S only allows for **three preset IPD configurations**, which may not suit every user’s requirements, possibly leading to eye strain and focusing issues.
### 5. **Extra Features**
– Lacking in several comforts found in the Quest 3, the Quest 3S does not have an **external depth sensor** for enhanced pass-through video and hand tracking, a **headphone jack**, or **automatic face detection**. While these exclusions might not deter every user, they contribute to a less refined overall experience.
## Meta Quest 3: A More Comprehensive VR Offering
For users willing to invest a bit more, the Quest 3 delivers a notably superior VR experience:
### 1. **Enhanced Visuals**
– The increased resolution of the Quest 3’s display markedly improves clarity, especially while examining finer details or reading text. The **pancake lenses** also enhance sharpness and offer a more comfortable fit.
### 2. **Broader Field of View**
– Featuring a **110-degree FOV**, the Quest 3 grants a more immersive experience, enabling users to explore the virtual environment more freely without feeling restricted by the display edges.
### 3. **Comfort and Fit**
– The thinner pancake lenses of the Quest 3 allow it to position closer to the face, alleviating neck strain and providing a lighter sensation during prolonged use. Furthermore, the continuous IPD adjustment accommodates a broader array of users for a better fit.
### 4. **Future-Proofing**
– The Quest 3 is powered by
