Meta Quest 3S
| Meta Quest 3S | |
|---|---|
| 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 | September 25, 2024 |
| Release Date | October 15, 2024 |
| Price | $299.99 (128GB), $399.99 (256GB) |
| Website | https://www.meta.com/quest/quest-3s/ |
| Versions | 128GB, 256GB |
| 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 256GB |
| Memory | 8GB LPDDR5 |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Dual fast-switch LCD |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB stripe |
| Peak Brightness | ~100 nits (perceived) |
| Resolution | 1832 × 1920 per eye (3664 × 1920 combined) |
| Pixel Density | ~20 PPD |
| Refresh Rate | 72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 96° horizontal, 90° vertical |
| Horizontal FoV | 96° |
| Vertical FoV | 90° |
| Average Pixel Density | ~20 PPD |
| Peak Pixel Density | ~20 PPD |
| Foveated Rendering | Fixed foveated rendering |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Fresnel lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 58mm, 63mm, 68mm (3 fixed positions) |
| 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 |
| Body Tracking | No |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | Yes |
| Update Rate | Up to 120Hz |
| Tracking Volume | Room-scale |
| Play Space | Roomscale |
| Latency | <20ms motion-to-photon |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated spatial audio speakers |
| Microphone | Yes (dual microphones) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes |
| Camera | Passthrough cameras, tracking cameras, depth sensor |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| 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 5.2 |
| Power | Internal battery |
| Battery Capacity | Similar to Quest 3 |
| Battery Life | ~2.2 hours |
| Charge Time | ~2 hours |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | Similar to Quest 3 |
| Weight | ~514g |
| Material | Plastic |
| Headstrap | Soft fabric strap |
| Haptics | Controller haptics |
| Color | White |
| Sensors | Tracking cameras, passthrough cameras, depth sensor, proximity sensor, IMU |
| Input | Touch Plus controllers, hand tracking, voice |
| Compliance | FCC, CE |
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The Meta Quest 3S is a standalone mixed reality head-mounted display developed by Meta Platforms, announced at Meta Connect on September 25, 2024, and released on October 15, 2024. Priced at $299.99 for the 128GB model, the Quest 3S serves as the entry-level successor to the Meta Quest 2, combining the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and full-color passthrough capabilities of the Meta Quest 3 with the more affordable Fresnel optics and lower-resolution displays of the Quest 2. This strategic positioning allows Meta to offer most of the Quest 3's mixed reality experience at the original Quest 2 price point, democratizing access to high-quality standalone VR and MR while maintaining the Quest 3 as a premium option for users prioritizing visual clarity.
History and Development
Quest 2 Legacy
The Meta Quest 2, released in October 2020 at $299, became the best-selling VR headset ever, validating the standalone VR market and establishing the $299 price point as the entry-level standard. By late 2024, Meta needed a modern replacement that could maintain this price point while delivering contemporary capabilities.
Quest 3 Launch
Meta released the Quest 3 in October 2023 at $499, featuring significant upgrades including pancake lenses, higher resolution, and dramatically improved passthrough. However, this left a gap in Meta's lineup at the accessible $299 price point.
Quest 3S Strategy
The Quest 3S was designed to fill this gap:
- Same processor as Quest 3 (XR2 Gen 2)
- Full-color passthrough like Quest 3
- Lower cost optics from Quest 2 generation
- Accessible $299 entry point maintained
- Quest 2 officially discontinued
Meta Connect 2024
Announced at Meta Connect September 2024 alongside other Meta hardware, the Quest 3S was positioned as making mixed reality accessible to everyone while Quest 3 serves as the premium option.
Design Philosophy
Accessible Mixed Reality
Core strategy:
- Bring Quest 3's MR capabilities to $299
- Lower barrier to XR adoption
- Maintain software compatibility
- Same game and app library
Strategic Component Selection
Cost optimization through:
- Quest 2-generation displays
- Fresnel lenses (vs. Quest 3's pancake)
- Simplified optical design
- Same processor and passthrough
Display Technology
LCD Panels
Same displays as Quest 2:
- Resolution: 1832 × 1920 per eye
- Total: 3664 × 1920
- Type: Fast-switching LCD
- Subpixels: RGB stripe
Display Comparison
| Spec | Quest 3S | Quest 3 | Quest 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution/eye | 1832×1920 | 2064×2208 | 1832×1920 |
| Lenses | Fresnel | Pancake | Fresnel |
| Horizontal FOV | 96° | 110° | ~89° |
Refresh Rate
Full range support:
- 72Hz: Default mode
- 90Hz: Standard VR
- 120Hz: High refresh mode
Visual Quality
Trade-offs versus Quest 3:
- Lower resolution (same as Quest 2)
- Narrower field of view
- Fresnel artifacts visible
- Adequate for most content
Optical System
Fresnel Lenses
Inherited from Quest 2 design:
- Single-element Fresnel
- Cost-effective manufacturing
- Some god rays in high-contrast
- Larger form factor than pancake
Field of View
Improved over Quest 2:
- Horizontal: 96° (vs Quest 2's ~89°)
- Vertical: ~90°
- Better than Quest 2, less than Quest 3
IPD Adjustment
Same as Quest 2:
- 58mm, 63mm, 68mm fixed positions
- Physical slider
- No continuous adjustment
Processing Power
Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
Same chip as Quest 3:
- CPU: Octa-core Kryo
- GPU: Adreno 740
- Performance: 2× GPU improvement over XR2 Gen 1
- Full Quest 3 software compatibility
Memory
- RAM: 8GB LPDDR5 (same as Quest 3)
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
Performance Parity
Quest 3S runs:
- Same games as Quest 3
- Same graphical settings
- Full MR capabilities
- Complete software library
Mixed Reality
Full-Color Passthrough
Quest 3's passthrough system:
- High-resolution color cameras
- Depth sensing
- Environmental understanding
- Real-world integration
MR Capabilities
Same as Quest 3:
- Room scanning
- Surface detection
- Object recognition
- AR overlays
MR Applications
Compatible with all Quest 3 MR content:
- Mixed reality games
- AR productivity apps
- Spatial computing features
Tracking System
Inside-Out Tracking
Camera-based tracking:
- 6DoF head tracking
- 6DoF controller tracking
- Room-scale capability
- No external sensors
Hand Tracking
Full hand recognition:
- Articulated hand model
- Gesture interaction
- Controller-free experiences
- Same as Quest 3
Controllers
Touch Plus Controllers
Same controllers as Quest 3:
- 6DoF tracking
- TruTouch haptics
- Thumbstick and buttons
- AA battery power
Controller Features
- Improved haptics over Quest 2 controllers
- Direct Touch (no rings)
- Comfortable ergonomics
Audio System
Integrated Speakers
Built-in spatial audio:
- Positioned near ears
- Adequate quality
- Environmental awareness
3.5mm Jack
Standard audio output for headphones
Battery and Power
Internal Battery
- Runtime: ~2.2 hours
- USB-C charging
- Similar to Quest 3
Charging
- Standard USB-C
- Charging dock compatible
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6E
Latest wireless standard:
- High-bandwidth Air Link
- Low-latency streaming
- Improved over Quest 2's Wi-Fi 6
PC VR
Full PCVR support:
- Quest Link (wired)
- Air Link (wireless)
- SteamVR compatible
Software Platform
Quest Store
Complete library access:
- All Quest 2 games
- All Quest 3 games
- MR applications
- Social experiences
Software Parity
Same software as Quest 3:
- Identical app compatibility
- Same features and updates
- Full MR software support
Value Proposition
Quest 3 Features at Quest 2 Price
What you get at $299:
- XR2 Gen 2 processor
- Full-color passthrough
- Mixed reality capabilities
- Complete software library
- Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
What You Give Up
Versus Quest 3 ($499):
- Lower resolution displays
- Fresnel vs. pancake lenses
- Narrower field of view
- Larger form factor
Comparison
| Feature | Quest 3S | Quest 3 | Quest 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $499 | Discontinued |
| Processor | XR2 Gen 2 | XR2 Gen 2 | XR2 Gen 1 |
| Resolution/eye | 1832×1920 | 2064×2208 | 1832×1920 |
| Lenses | Fresnel | Pancake | Fresnel |
| Passthrough | Full color | Full color | Grayscale |
| FOV | 96° | 110° | ~89° |
| MR Capable | Yes | Yes | Limited |
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Dual LCD, 1832 × 1920 per eye |
| Lenses | Fresnel |
| FOV | 96° horizontal |
| Refresh Rate | 72/90/120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| Memory | 8GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB |
| Passthrough | Full-color stereo + depth |
| Hand Tracking | Yes |
| Battery | ~2.2 hours |
| Weight | ~514g |
| Price | $299.99 / $399.99 |