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Meta Quest 3S: Difference between revisions

Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Tag: Reverted
Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Tag: Reverted
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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]], [[Mixed Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Subtype = [[Standalone VR]]
|Subtype = [[Standalone MR]]
|Platform = [[Meta Quest]], [[Meta Horizon OS]]
|Platform = [[Meta Quest]]
|Developer = [[Meta Platforms]]
|Developer = [[Meta Platforms]]
|Manufacturer = [[Meta Platforms]]
|Manufacturer = [[Meta Platforms]]
|Announcement Date = September 25, 2024
|Announcement Date = September 25, 2024
|Release Date = October 15, 2024
|Release Date = October 15, 2024
|Price = $299 USD (128 GB), $399 USD (256 GB)
|Price = $299 (128GB) / $399 (256GB)
|Website = https://www.meta.com/quest/quest-3s/
|Website = https://www.meta.com/quest/quest-3s/
|Predecessor = [[Meta Quest 2]]
|Predecessor = [[Meta Quest 2]]
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2]]
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2]]
|Memory = 8 GB
|Memory = 8 GB RAM
|Storage = 128 GB, 256 GB
|Storage = 128 GB / 256 GB
|Display = LCD
|Display = LCD (Quest 2 optics)
|Resolution = 1832×1920 per eye
|Resolution = 1832x1920 per eye
|Refresh Rate = 72 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz
|Refresh Rate = 90/120 Hz
|Field of View = 97°
|Field of View = 97°
|IPD Range = 3 presets (58, 63, 68mm)
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Fresnel lenses
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out)
|Tracking = Inside-out 6DoF
|Eye Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = Yes
|Hand Tracking = Yes
|Passthrough = Color (dual RGB cameras)
|Passthrough = Full color
|Controllers = Meta Touch Plus
|Controllers = Touch Plus
|Audio = Spatial audio speakers
|IPD = Preset positions (Quest 2 style)
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C
|Weight = ~515g
|Battery = ~2.5 hours
|Weight = ~514g
|Color = White
}}
}}


The '''Meta Quest 3S''' is a standalone [[mixed reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Meta Platforms]], released on October 15, 2024 at $299 for the 128 GB model. It is positioned as the entry-level model in Meta's third-generation Quest lineup, sharing the same [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2]] processor and mixed reality capabilities as the [[Meta Quest 3]], but with lower-resolution displays and Fresnel optics inherited from the [[Meta Quest 2]]. The Quest 3S replaces the Quest 2 at its price point while delivering full-color passthrough and the same software ecosystem as Quest 3.
The '''Meta Quest 3S''' is a standalone [[mixed reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Meta Platforms]], unveiled on September 25, 2024 and released on October 15, 2024. Positioned as the entry-level model complementing the Quest 3, the Quest 3S shares the same Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and Touch Plus controllers as the flagship but features lower-resolution displays and optics inherited from the Quest 2. At $299 for 128GB (replacing Quest 2's price point), the Quest 3S delivers Quest 3-level performance in a more affordable package, with full-color passthrough and access to the complete Quest library including Quest 3 exclusives.


== History and Development ==
== History and Development ==


Meta unveiled the Quest 3S on September 25, 2024 at Meta Connect and released it on October 15, 2024. The headset was designed to make mixed reality more accessible at the $299 price point previously occupied by the Quest 2. Simultaneously, Meta reduced the Quest 3 (512 GB) from $649 to $499, establishing a clear product hierarchy.<ref name="meta">{{cite web |url=https://about.fb.com/news/2024/09/meta-quest-3s-our-most-affordable-mixed-reality-headset/ |title=Introducing Meta Quest 3S, Our Most Affordable Mixed Reality Headset |publisher=Meta |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
Meta announced the Quest 3S at Meta Connect 2024 on September 25, 2024, launching on October 15, 2024. The device replaced the Quest 2 at its price point while offering significant upgrades including the XR2 Gen 2 processor and color passthrough. The Quest 3S was announced alongside the discontinuation of the Meta Quest Pro, as Meta consolidated its lineup around the Quest 3 (flagship) and Quest 3S (entry-level) models.<ref name="meta">{{cite web |url=https://about.fb.com/news/2024/09/meta-quest-3s-our-most-affordable-mixed-reality-headset/ |title=Introducing Meta Quest 3S |publisher=Meta |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
Batman: Arkham Shadow was bundled free with both Quest 3 and 3S purchases from launch through April 30, 2025.<ref name="wikipedia">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meta_Quest_3S |title=Meta Quest 3S |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== Design and Hardware ==
== Design and Hardware ==
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=== Display ===
=== Display ===


Uses Quest 2-derived display technology:
Quest 2-inherited optics:


* Dual LCD panels
* '''1832x1920 per eye''' resolution
* 1832×1920 resolution per eye (lower than Quest 3's 2064×2208)
* '''LCD displays'''
* 72 Hz, 90 Hz, and 120 Hz refresh rates
* '''90/120 Hz refresh rate'''
* 97° field of view (slightly wider than Quest 2)
* '''97° field of view'''
* Visible screen door effect (more apparent than Quest 3)
* Quest 2 optical heritage
* 3 IPD presets: 58mm, 63mm, 68mm
* Lower resolution than Quest 3
* Reduced processing requirements
* Noticeable screen-door effect


=== Optics ===
=== Processing ===
 
Inherited from Quest 2:


* Fresnel lenses (not pancake like Quest 3)
Quest 3-level power:
* Larger lens assembly than Quest 3
* Same optical design as Quest 2


=== Processing ===
* '''[[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2]]'''
* Same chip as Quest 3
* '''8 GB RAM'''
* '''128 GB or 256 GB''' storage
* Quest 3-equivalent performance
* Faster load times
* Enhanced visuals


Same as Quest 3:
=== Tracking ===


* [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2]] processor
* '''6DoF inside-out tracking'''
* 8 GB RAM
* '''Hand tracking''' (advanced)
* 128 GB or 256 GB storage
* Controller-free option
* Full mixed reality performance
* No external sensors
* Room-scale support


=== Mixed Reality ===
=== Mixed Reality ===


Color passthrough capability:
* '''Full-color passthrough'''
* Same as Quest 3
* No depth sensor
* Slightly reduced MR precision
* AR application support


* Dual RGB cameras for full-color passthrough
=== Controllers ===
* Mixed reality experiences
* No depth sensor (unlike Quest 3)
* May affect some MR precision
* Same MR software features as Quest 3


=== Build ===
* '''Touch Plus controllers'''
* Same as Quest 3
* Ring-free design
* Improved haptics
* TruTouch technology
* Precise tracking


* ~514g weight
=== IPD ===
* White color scheme
* Quest 2-style form factor
* ~2.5 hours battery life
* USB-C charging


== Controllers ==
* '''Preset IPD positions'''
* Quest 2-style adjustment
* Limited vs Quest 3 continuous
* Three fixed positions


Same Touch Plus controllers as Quest 3:
=== Build ===
 
* Meta Touch Plus controllers included
* Enhanced haptics
* Improved ergonomics
* TruTouch haptic feedback
* IR LED tracking rings removed
* Camera-tracked


== Features ==
* '''~515g weight'''
* Quest 2-similar design
* Comfortable strap
* Less refined than Quest 3
* Entry-level positioning


=== Hand Tracking ===
== Software Compatibility ==


* Advanced hand tracking
=== Full Quest Library ===
* Controller-free interaction
* Thousands of apps/games
* Gesture recognition
* Quest 3 exclusives included
* Same capabilities as Quest 3
* Batman: Arkham Shadow
* Quest 3-enhanced titles
* Same visual upgrades
* Faster load times


=== Entertainment ===
== Technical Specifications ==
 
* '''Streaming:''' Prime Video, Twitch, YouTube, Netflix (HD in Browser)
* '''Gaming:''' Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), Quest store games
* '''Theater View:''' Immersive viewing environment
* '''Dolby Atmos:''' Spatial audio support
* '''Travel Mode:''' Use while in transit
 
=== Software ===
 
* Full Meta Horizon OS ecosystem
* Same app compatibility as Quest 3
* All Quest 3 games supported
* Mixed reality apps
 
== Comparison with Quest 3 ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Feature !! Quest 3S !! Quest 3
! Specification !! Quest 3S !! Quest 3
|-
|-
| Price (base) || $299 || $499
| Display || 1832x1920 per eye || 2064x2208 per eye
|-
|-
| Resolution || 1832×1920/eye || 2064×2208/eye
| Processor || XR2 Gen 2 || XR2 Gen 2
|-
|-
| Optics || Fresnel || Pancake
| RAM || 8 GB || 8 GB
|-
|-
| Processor || XR2 Gen 2 || XR2 Gen 2
| FOV || 97° || 110°
|-
|-
| IPD || 3 presets || Continuous
| Passthrough || Full color || Full color
|-
|-
| Depth Sensor || No || Yes
| Depth Sensor || No || Yes
|-
|-
| Weight || ~514g || ~515g
| IPD || Presets || Continuous
|-
|-
| Field of View || 97° || 110°
| Controllers || Touch Plus || Touch Plus
|-
| Price || $299/$399 || $499/$649
|}
|}


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'''Praise:'''
'''Praise:'''
* Excellent $299 value proposition
* $299 accessible entry point
* Same XR2 Gen 2 processor as Quest 3
* XR2 Gen 2 same as Quest 3
* Full-color passthrough mixed reality
* Full-color passthrough
* Gaming performance matches Quest 3
* Quest 3 exclusive access
* Mixed reality performance on par with Quest 3
* Touch Plus controllers
* Good entry point for first-time VR users
* 8GB RAM generous
* Same software ecosystem and game library
* Good value proposition
* Touch Plus controllers included
* First-time user friendly
* 120 Hz refresh rate support
* Performance parity with Q3
* Replaces Quest 2 well


'''Criticism:'''
'''Criticism:'''
* Obvious screen door effect due to lower resolution
* 1832x1920 lower resolution
* Fresnel lenses (not pancake)
* Noticeable screen-door effect
* Limited IPD presets (only 3 options)
* Quest 2 optics dated
* Not as comfortable as Quest 3
* 97° FOV vs 110° Quest 3
* No depth sensor may limit MR precision
* IPD presets not continuous
* Quest 2-derived optics
* No depth sensor
* "Incremental update" to Quest 2<ref name="tomsguide">{{cite web |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/vr-ar/meta-quest-3s-everything-we-know-about-the-cheaper-vr-headset |title=Meta Quest 3S: Price, release date, features, specs and more |publisher=Tom's Guide |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* Less comfortable than Q3
 
* Incremental over Quest 2
<ref name="maeckervr">{{cite web |url=https://maeckervr.com/blogs/news/meta-quest-3s-the-best-budget-vr-headset-of-2024 |title=Meta Quest 3S - The Best Budget VR Headset Of 2024 |publisher=Maecker VR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* Display compromise obvious<ref name="wikipedia">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meta_Quest_3S |title=Meta Quest 3S |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Meta Quest 3]]
* [[Meta Quest 3]]
* [[Meta Quest 2]]
* [[Meta Quest 2]]
* [[PICO 4]]
* [[Meta Quest Pro]]
* [[Meta Quest Pro]]
* [[Pico 4]]
* [[PlayStation VR2]]


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Standalone VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:Standalone VR]]
[[Category:Meta Platforms]]
[[Category:Meta Platforms]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]