Meta Quest 3S
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.
| Meta Quest 3S | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Mixed Reality |
| Type | Head-Mounted Display |
| Subtype | Standalone MR |
| Platform | Meta Quest |
| Developer | Meta Platforms |
| Manufacturer | Meta Platforms |
| Announcement Date | September 25, 2024 |
| Release Date | October 15, 2024 |
| Price | $299 (128GB) / $399 (256GB) |
| Website | https://www.meta.com/quest/quest-3s/ |
| Predecessor | Meta Quest 2 |
| System | |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM |
| Display | |
| Display | LCD (Quest 2 optics) |
| Resolution | 1832x1920 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 90/120 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 97° |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Passthrough | Full color |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out) |
| Hand Tracking | Yes |
| Audio | |
| Connectivity | |
| Device | |
| Weight | ~515g |
History and Development
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.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
Quest 2-inherited optics:
- 1832x1920 per eye resolution
- LCD displays
- 90/120 Hz refresh rate
- 97° field of view
- Quest 2 optical heritage
- Lower resolution than Quest 3
- Reduced processing requirements
- Noticeable screen-door effect
Processing
Quest 3-level power:
- 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
Tracking
- 6DoF inside-out tracking
- Hand tracking (advanced)
- Controller-free option
- No external sensors
- Room-scale support
Mixed Reality
- Full-color passthrough
- Same as Quest 3
- No depth sensor
- Slightly reduced MR precision
- AR application support
Controllers
- Touch Plus controllers
- Same as Quest 3
- Ring-free design
- Improved haptics
- TruTouch technology
- Precise tracking
IPD
- Preset IPD positions
- Quest 2-style adjustment
- Limited vs Quest 3 continuous
- Three fixed positions
Build
- ~515g weight
- Quest 2-similar design
- Comfortable strap
- Less refined than Quest 3
- Entry-level positioning
Software Compatibility
Full Quest Library
- Thousands of apps/games
- Quest 3 exclusives included
- Batman: Arkham Shadow
- Quest 3-enhanced titles
- Same visual upgrades
- Faster load times
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Quest 3S | Quest 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1832x1920 per eye | 2064x2208 per eye |
| Processor | XR2 Gen 2 | XR2 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| FOV | 97° | 110° |
| Passthrough | Full color | Full color |
| Depth Sensor | No | Yes |
| IPD | Presets | Continuous |
| Controllers | Touch Plus | Touch Plus |
| Price | $299/$399 | $499/$649 |
Reception
Praise:
- $299 accessible entry point
- XR2 Gen 2 same as Quest 3
- Full-color passthrough
- Quest 3 exclusive access
- Touch Plus controllers
- 8GB RAM generous
- Good value proposition
- First-time user friendly
- Performance parity with Q3
- Replaces Quest 2 well
Criticism:
- 1832x1920 lower resolution
- Noticeable screen-door effect
- Quest 2 optics dated
- 97° FOV vs 110° Quest 3
- IPD presets not continuous
- No depth sensor
- Less comfortable than Q3
- Incremental over Quest 2
- Display compromise obvious[2]