The Meta Quest 3S is an affordable mixed reality (MR) headset. It blends features from the Quest 2 and Quest 3 at a much lower price, around $300. This makes it a great choice for people who want solid VR and MR experiences without spending too much.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Meta Quest 3S |
| Resolution (per eye) | 1832 x 1920 |
| Display Type | Single LCD |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz (some mention 120Hz) |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB |
| Field of View | 96° horizontal, 90° vertical |
| Lenses | Fresnel (3-step IPD adjust) |
| Weight | ~514g |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6 |
| Tracking | Inside-out |
| Audio | Integrated speakers, no 3.5mm jack |
| Battery Life | 2–3 hours |
Design & Comfort
- Combines design elements from Quest 2 and Quest 3 with a white and black color scheme.
- Comfortable with adjustable straps and a fabric face mask.
- Six front cameras for tracking and RGB passthrough for MR.
- No headphone jack, but has built-in speakers.
- Bulky shape, similar to older VR headsets, which might look unusual but is fine when worn.
Performance & Experience
- Runs VR and MR games smoothly with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 chip and 8GB RAM.
- Visuals match the Quest 2’s resolution; some minor screen-door effect and lens glare.
- Reliable tracking and ergonomic controllers similar to Quest 3.
- Good quality mixed reality passthrough lets users switch between VR and MR easily.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable price (~$300) | Lower resolution than Quest 3 |
| Powerful processor and smooth performance | Bulky design |
| Good mixed reality passthrough | No headphone jack |
| Comfortable to wear | Fresnel lenses cause minor glare |
| Easy setup and user-friendly interface | Limited IPD adjustment (preset) |
| Includes a free game | Battery life moderate (2–3 hours) |
Final Thoughts
The Meta Quest 3S offers great value. It makes mixed reality accessible to more people at a low cost. While it doesn’t have all the premium features of the Quest 3, it’s perfect for casual users and those new to VR. It is expected to be popular during holiday seasons and could sell as well as the Quest 2.
Key Takeaways
- Best value standalone VR/MR headset under $400.
- Solid performance with the latest chipset and MR features.
- Comfortable but somewhat bulky design.
- Great for casual and new VR users.
- Limited by lower resolution and no headphone jack.
FAQs
Q: Does the Meta Quest 3S effectively replace the Oculus Quest 2 at the same $300 price point?
A: Yes, the Quest 3S offers better performance and mixed reality features at the same price, making it a solid upgrade from the Quest 2.
- A: Yes, it is easy to set up and use.
Q: How does it compare to Meta Quest 3?
- A: It is cheaper with lower resolution and older lenses but shares the same processor and MR features.
Q: Can I use headphones with the Quest 3S?
- A: There is no headphone jack, but you can use Bluetooth headphones.
Q: How long does the battery last?
- A: About 2 to 3 hours per charge.
Q: Does it support mixed reality?
- A: Yes, it offers RGB passthrough for mixed reality.
The Meta Quest 3S is a practical and affordable way to experience VR and MR without spending a lot.
