Meta Quest 3
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| Meta Quest 3 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Mixed Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | Standalone VR |
| Platform | Meta Quest Platform |
| Creator | Meta Platforms |
| Developer | Reality Labs |
| Manufacturer | Meta Platforms |
| Announcement Date | June 1, 2023 |
| Release Date | October 10, 2023 |
| Price | $499.99 (128GB), $649.99 (512GB) |
| Website | https://www.meta.com/quest/quest-3/ |
| Versions | 128GB, 512GB |
| Requires | Meta account |
| Predecessor | Meta Quest 2 |
| System | |
| Operating System | Meta Quest OS (Android-based) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| CPU | Octa-core Kryo (1× 3.2 GHz + 3× 2.8 GHz + 4× 2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 740 |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 128GB or 512GB |
| Memory | 8GB LPDDR5 |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Dual LCD |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB stripe |
| Peak Brightness | ~100 nits (perceived) |
| Resolution | 2064 × 2208 per eye (4128 × 2208 combined) |
| Pixel Density | 25 PPD, 1218 PPI |
| Refresh Rate | 72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 110° horizontal, 96° vertical |
| Horizontal FoV | 110° |
| Vertical FoV | 96° |
| Average Pixel Density | 25 PPD |
| Peak Pixel Density | 25 PPD |
| Foveated Rendering | Fixed foveated rendering |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Custom dual-element pancake lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 53-75mm (continuous adjustment) |
| Adjustable Diopter | No (glasses spacer included) |
| Passthrough | Yes (full-color stereo, high resolution) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF inside-out |
| Tracking Frequency | 60Hz (cameras) |
| Base Stations | None required |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | Yes (v2.2) |
| Body Tracking | No |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | Yes |
| Update Rate | Up to 120Hz |
| Tracking Volume | Room-scale |
| Play Space | Roomscale |
| Latency | <12ms motion-to-photon |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated spatial audio speakers |
| Microphone | Yes (3D spatial audio microphones) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes |
| Camera | 2× RGB passthrough cameras, depth projector, tracking cameras |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Ports | USB-C, 3.5mm audio |
| Wired Video | Yes (Quest Link via USB-C) |
| Wireless Video | Yes (Air Link) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Power | Internal battery |
| Battery Capacity | 5060mAh (19.44Wh) |
| Battery Life | ~2.2 hours (gaming), ~2.9 hours (media) |
| Charge Time | ~2.3 hours |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | 184mm × 160mm × 98mm |
| Weight | 515g |
| Material | Plastic |
| Headstrap | Soft fabric strap |
| Haptics | Controller haptics (TruTouch) |
| Color | White |
| Sensors | Tracking cameras, RGB passthrough cameras, depth projector, proximity sensor, IMU |
| Input | Touch Plus controllers, hand tracking, voice |
| Compliance | FCC, CE |
The Meta Quest 3 is a standalone mixed reality head-mounted display developed by Meta Platforms, announced on June 1, 2023, and released on October 10, 2023. Priced at $499.99 for the 128GB model, the Quest 3 represents Meta's first headset designed from the ground up for mixed reality, featuring breakthrough full-color passthrough cameras, a depth sensor for environmental understanding, and custom dual-element pancake lenses enabling a 40% slimmer optical profile than the Quest 2. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor delivering 2× the graphics performance of its predecessor, the Quest 3 offers 2064 × 2208 resolution per eye (~30% more pixels than Quest 2), a wide 110° horizontal field of view, and support for up to 120Hz refresh rate. The Quest 3 established mixed reality as a mainstream capability, blending virtual content seamlessly with the real world and setting the standard for standalone XR devices.
History and Development
Quest Platform Evolution
The Quest platform established Meta's dominance in standalone VR:
- Quest 1 (2019): First standalone 6DoF VR
- Quest 2 (2020): Mainstream breakthrough, 20+ million sold
- Quest Pro (2022): Premium with pancake lenses and eye tracking
- Quest 3 (2023): Mixed reality focus, pancake lenses mainstream
Development Focus
Quest 3 prioritized mixed reality:
- Full-color high-resolution passthrough
- Depth sensing for world understanding
- Pancake lenses from Quest Pro
- Mainstream pricing
Announcement and Launch
Meta unveiled Quest 3 through:
- June 2023: Initial announcement
- September 2023: Full reveal at Meta Connect
- October 2023: Worldwide launch
- Coincided with new games and MR experiences
Apple Vision Pro Competition
Quest 3 launched months before Apple Vision Pro:
- Positioned as accessible MR alternative
- Fraction of Vision Pro's price
- Established MR market presence first
- Different target demographics
Display Technology
Dual LCD Panels
High-resolution displays:
- Resolution: 2064 × 2208 per eye
- Total: 4128 × 2208 (~9 million pixels)
- Improvement: ~30% more pixels than Quest 2
- Pixel Density: 25 PPD (1218 PPI)
Visual Quality
Significant improvements:
- Sharper text and details
- Reduced screen door effect
- Better color reproduction
- Wide viewing angle
Refresh Rate
Multiple modes:
- 72Hz: Power saving
- 90Hz: Standard VR
- 120Hz: High refresh mode
Pancake Lens Optics
Custom Design
First mainstream Meta headset with pancake lenses:
- Type: Dual-element pancake design
- Profile: 40% slimmer than Quest 2's Fresnel
- Clarity: Edge-to-edge sharpness
- God rays: Significantly reduced vs. Fresnel
Field of View
Wider than Quest 2:
- Horizontal: 110°
- Vertical: 96°
- Total: ~104° diagonal
- Improved immersion
IPD Adjustment
Continuous mechanical adjustment:
- Range: 53-75mm
- Motor-assisted
- Wider range than Quest 2
- Better accommodation
Optical Quality
Benefits of pancake design:
- Clearer sweet spot
- Better uniformity
- Reduced chromatic aberration
- Premium visual experience
Processing Power
Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
Significant generational improvement:
- CPU: Octa-core Kryo
- GPU: Adreno 740
- Performance: 2× GPU over XR2 Gen 1
- Efficiency: 4nm process
Performance Gains
Over Quest 2:
- 2× graphical performance
- Better sustained performance
- More complex games possible
- Improved MR processing
Memory
- RAM: 8GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 128GB or 512GB
Mixed Reality Capabilities
Full-Color Passthrough
Breakthrough passthrough system:
- High-resolution color cameras
- Stereoscopic 3D view
- Good color accuracy
- Low latency
Depth Sensing
Dedicated depth sensor enables:
- Room understanding
- Surface detection
- Object recognition
- Occlusion handling
MR Applications
New category of experiences:
- AR games in your space
- Virtual screens in real rooms
- Interactive MR experiences
- Spatial productivity
Environmental Understanding
Scene understanding features:
- Automatic room scanning
- Wall and floor detection
- Furniture recognition
- Persistent spatial anchors
Tracking System
Inside-Out Tracking
Enhanced camera system:
- 6DoF head tracking
- 6DoF controller tracking
- Room-scale capable
- No external sensors
Hand Tracking v2.2
Improved hand recognition:
- Full articulated hands
- Better accuracy
- Lower latency
- More reliable
Controller-Free Experiences
Direct Touch capabilities:
- Touch virtual buttons directly
- Natural hand interactions
- Controller optional for many apps
Controllers
Touch Plus Controllers
New controller design:
- Design: No tracking rings
- Tracking: Via headset cameras
- Haptics: TruTouch technology
- Power: AA batteries
Controller Improvements
Over Quest 2 Touch:
- Slimmer profile
- Better haptic feedback
- Direct Touch support
- Improved ergonomics
Audio System
Integrated Speakers
Improved spatial audio:
- Positioned near ears
- Better bass response
- 3D positional audio
- Environmental awareness
3D Audio Microphones
Enhanced capture:
- Multiple microphones
- Spatial audio recording
- Clear voice quality
Battery and Power
Internal Battery
- Capacity: 5060mAh (19.44Wh)
- Gaming: ~2.2 hours
- Media: ~2.9 hours
- Charging: ~2.3 hours via USB-C
Extended Play
Options available:
- Elite Battery Strap accessory
- Third-party battery packs
- USB-C power bank
PC VR Connectivity
Quest Link
Wired PC VR:
- USB-C connection
- Full Rift library
- SteamVR games
- High quality
Air Link
Wireless PC VR:
- Wi-Fi 6E streaming
- Low latency
- Freedom of movement
- Recommended: 5GHz dedicated
Physical Design
Form Factor
Slimmer than Quest 2:
- 40% thinner optical profile
- Better weight balance
- Modern aesthetic
- White color scheme
Weight
- 515g (similar to Quest 2)
- Improved distribution
- Comfortable for most users
Head Strap
Basic strap included:
- Soft fabric design
- Adequate for casual use
- Elite Strap recommended for extended sessions
Software Platform
Quest Store
Comprehensive library:
- Hundreds of VR games
- MR applications
- Productivity apps
- Social experiences
Backward Compatibility
Full Quest 2 library:
- All Quest 2 games
- Enhanced for Quest 3 graphics
- Automatic upgrades available
MR-Specific Content
New category of apps:
- Mixed reality games
- AR utilities
- Spatial productivity
- Interactive experiences
Accessories
Official Accessories
- Elite Strap
- Elite Battery Strap
- Charging Dock
- Carrying Case
- Prescription lens inserts
Third-Party Ecosystem
Extensive accessory market:
- Head straps
- Facial interfaces
- Controller grips
- Protection cases
Comparison
| Feature | Quest 3 | Quest 2 | Quest Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $299 (discontinued) | $999 (discontinued) |
| Processor | XR2 Gen 2 | XR2 Gen 1 | XR2+ Gen 1 |
| Resolution/eye | 2064×2208 | 1832×1920 | 1800×1920 |
| Lenses | Pancake | Fresnel | Pancake |
| FOV | 110° | ~89° | 106° |
| Passthrough | Full color HD | Grayscale | Full color |
| Eye Tracking | No | No | Yes |
| Weight | 515g | 503g | 722g |
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Dual LCD, 2064 × 2208 per eye |
| Total Resolution | ~4128 × 2208 |
| Lenses | Dual-element pancake |
| FOV | 110° horizontal |
| Refresh Rate | 72/90/120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| Memory | 8GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 128GB / 512GB |
| Passthrough | Full-color stereo + depth |
| Hand Tracking | Yes (v2.2) |
| Battery | ~2.2 hours gaming |
| Weight | 515g |
| Price | $499.99 / $649.99 |