Meta Quest 3S VR Headset: Budget Friendly Mixed Reality Headset By Meta
The Meta Quest 3S is the newest addition to Meta’s line of VR and mixed-reality headsets, launched on October 15, 2024. Positioned as a more affordable alternative to the flagship Meta Quest 3, the Quest 3S offers a well-rounded experience for those exploring the VR and AR landscapes without splurging on high-end devices. By maintaining a competitive price point and offering innovative features, the Quest 3S caters to entry-level and mid-tier audiences.
Design and Comfort
The Meta Quest 3S carries forward the design ethos of its predecessors but introduces subtle refinements to enhance usability.
- Build: The headset weighs 514 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Quest 2 but heavier than the slimmer Quest 3. The weight is well-distributed, reducing fatigue during extended use.
- Materials: It features a durable plastic shell with a soft-touch fabric facial interface for comfort. The fabric is hypoallergenic and designed to wick away sweat, ensuring it remains comfortable during long gaming or workout sessions.
- Straps: The adjustable elastic head strap provides a secure fit, while third-party accessory compatibility allows users to upgrade to more premium head straps if needed.
- Eyewear Compatibility: A glasses spacer is included, accommodating users who wear prescription glasses without compromising comfort.
- New Addition – Action Button: A standout feature is the Action Button, allowing users to quickly switch between VR mode and the full-color passthrough view. This simplifies transitioning between immersive experiences and real-world interactions.
Display and Visuals
The Quest 3S offers immersive display technology tailored for users seeking high-quality visuals without breaking the bank.
- Screen Type: Dual RGB LCD panels with a resolution of 1832×1920 pixels per eye deliver crisp and vibrant visuals.
- Pixel Density: At 773 pixels per inch (ppi), the screen ensures text and textures appear sharp, even in graphically demanding applications.
- Refresh Rate: The panels support 72 Hz, 90 Hz, and 120 Hz, ensuring smooth gameplay and video playback. The adaptive refresh rate adjusts based on content requirements, balancing performance and battery life.
- Field of View: The Quest 3S offers a 96° horizontal and 90° vertical field of view, slightly narrower than the Quest 3’s 110° FOV but sufficient for most use cases.
- Passthrough: Full-color RGB passthrough allows users to view their surroundings with minimal distortion, making it ideal for augmented reality (AR) applications and situational awareness.
Performance and Internals
The Quest 3S strikes a fine balance between affordability and performance by leveraging powerful hardware.
- Processor: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, the headset delivers impressive computational performance capable of running demanding VR games, AR applications, and multitasking between apps.
- Memory: The 8 GB of RAM ensures smooth performance across applications, even during multitasking or when running large, open-world VR games.
- Storage Options: Available in 128 GB and 256 GB variants, the Quest 3S offers sufficient space for apps, games, and multimedia content.
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi 6E ensures low-latency, high-speed wireless connectivity.
- Bluetooth 5.2 allows pairing with external peripherals, such as headphones or game controllers.
Controllers and Input
The Quest 3S includes a pair of Touch Plus controllers with several innovations:
- Ergonomic Design: The controllers are lightweight and designed for comfortable use, even during long gaming sessions.
- TruTouch Haptics: Advanced haptics provide realistic tactile feedback, enhancing immersion in games and experiences.
- Ringless Design: Unlike previous models, the Touch Plus controllers lack tracking rings, reducing the risk of physical interference and enabling freer movement.
- Hand Tracking: The Quest 3S supports hand-tracking 2.0, allowing users to interact with menus, type on virtual keyboards, and even play certain games without using the controllers.
Audio Capabilities
Immersive sound is a vital component of VR, and Meta has prioritized this with the Quest 3S:
- Integrated Speakers: Dual open-air speakers deliver spatial 3D audio, providing directional sound that enhances immersion.
- 3.5mm Jack: A standard audio jack is included for those who prefer wired headphones.
- Microphone: The built-in microphone array offers clear audio for in-game communication or virtual meetings.
Battery Life and Charging
The Quest 3S includes a 4,324 mAh battery that provides approximately 2.5 hours of continuous usage.
- Usage Variability: Battery life depends on the type of application; graphically intensive VR games drain the battery faster than simpler applications like 2D media apps.
- Charging: A USB-C port enables fast charging, with the device reaching 80% capacity in about 45 minutes.
Mixed Reality Features
The Quest 3S excels in delivering an accessible mixed reality experience:
- Color Passthrough: The full-color passthrough ensures users can interact with their environment seamlessly while wearing the headset.
- Guardian System: Meta’s Guardian boundary system allows users to define safe play areas, preventing accidental collisions with furniture or walls.
- AR Applications: The Quest 3S supports AR content through the Meta Horizon platform, enabling users to overlay virtual elements onto their physical surroundings.
Software Ecosystem
The Quest 3S runs on Meta Horizon OS, an Android-based operating system that provides access to a vast library of content.
- Content Library: Users can access thousands of VR and AR applications on the Meta Quest Store, including games, fitness apps, and productivity tools.
- Cross-Compatibility: Content from previous Quest models is fully compatible with the Quest 3S.
- 2D Apps: Popular apps like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are supported, allowing users to multitask and stay connected while in VR.
Pricing and Availability
Meta has positioned the Quest 3S as a budget-friendly mixed reality device:
- Pricing:
- 128 GB model: $299.99
- 256 GB model: $399.99
- Availability: Available globally through Meta’s official website, Amazon, and select retailers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point for mixed reality capabilities.
- Excellent performance for its class, thanks to Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2.
- Comfortable design with eyewear compatibility.
- Expansive software library with AR and VR apps.
- Full-color passthrough for mixed reality applications.
Cons:
- Narrower field of view compared to premium headsets.
- Limited battery life for extended sessions.
- Fresnel lenses result in a bulkier design.
Conclusion
The Meta Quest 3S is a well-rounded, budget-conscious mixed reality headset that delivers exceptional value. While it lacks some high-end features found in more expensive models, it compensates with robust performance, an intuitive user experience, and access to a rich library of content. Whether you’re a VR newcomer or a seasoned enthusiast, the Quest 3S offers a gateway into immersive worlds without straining your wallet.
