Can't decide whether to choose the Quest 3 or Quest 3S? Rest assured - we'll help you decide in this comparison!
The Quest 3 and 3S are the two latest VR devices from Meta. The Quest 3S is the newer model, but does that automatically mean it's better? The simplest answer is no. In short, the Quest 3S is a cheaper alternative for people who don't want to spend a fortune on VR goggles and are able to accept a slightly lower image quality. But what exactly are the differences between the two devices?
The Meta Quest 3 goggle has been on the market for a year now and has made a number of improvements over its predecessor, the Quest 2. One of the key new features is the Pancake lens, which significantly improves image quality and sharpness over almost the entire lens surface. The new optics have also made the goggles slimmer - although they weigh the same, they are 30% thinner compared to the Questa 2. In addition, the display resolution has been increased and the XR2 Gen 1 processor has been replaced by the XR2 Gen 2, almost doubling the processing power of the device. For dessert, Meta has introduced a completely new camera system, enabling mixed reality functionality and interaction with virtual objects in the real world.
How does the Oculus Quest 3S goggle differ from its big brother, the Quest 3? It's fair to say that the Quest 3S has taken over almost all the key features from the Quest 3. Both devices offer colour cameras, a powerful processor, the same operating system and are compatible with the same games and apps. However, the Quest 3S inherits the older Fresnel optics system from its predecessor. As a result, these goggles have a lower resolution compared to the Quest 3. The use of previous-generation optics also affects their appearance - the Quest 3S is less slim and its profile is more forward.
But is this an insurmountable obstacle? In my opinion, no. I personally used the Quest 2 for more than a year - the goggles did a great job as a gaming console and were really reliable at it. The Quest 3S costs the same as the Quest 2, in fact you could argue that it costs even less than its predecessor, as its price was able to drift between £1,600 and £2,000. Additionally, despite using the same lenses, the Quest 3S offers much better graphics in games thanks to the more computing power.
The Quest 3S is a great console for VR and MR gaming, although it won't work so well as a tool for work or watching movies. However, if your main focus is gaming, these goggles will be a solid choice. The slightly lower resolution and older lenses are not a major issue here.
Oculus Quest 3 512GB or Oculus Quest 3S 256GB - which to choose?
The situation is slightly different when you are considering the purchase of a Oculus Quest 3S in 256GB version, i.e. with more memory (the standard version offers 128GB). Meanwhile, the Quest 3 boasts as much as 512GB of built-in memory. The prices of the two devices then start to equalise, making it difficult to make a decision.
In such a situation, I would personally recommend the purchase of Questa 3 with 512GB memory. Not only do you gain a device that offers much better visual quality, but also the ability to store a huge library of games and installed films.
Oculus Quest 3S and Oculus Quest 3 Accessories
As you probably already know, the strap included with the goggles in the standard set is not the most comfortable. Personally, it made me feel quite uncomfortable after just 30 minutes or so of use, which is difficult to accept, especially as the goggles themselves can last up to two hours on a single charge.
To solve this problem, many companies (including Meta) offer accessories to improve comfort. The most important of these, and the one you should invest in first, is the head strap. However, I don't recommend buying one directly from Meta because, although it is a good product, the price is considerably inflated. You can find a better strap at a lower price from third-party companies such as BoboVR or Kiwi Design.
Personally, I use the Kiwi Design K4 Boost Battery Strap, which not only provides incredible gaming comfort and balances the goggles well, but also extends the goggle's runtime thanks to the built-in battery. I also have the 'Halo' straps, which are designed to hold the goggles on my forehead and distribute the weight better. Unfortunately, this affects the stability of the goggles on the head - they can shake during more intense sessions. For me, this is not a problem with the Quest 3, thanks to the lenses being in full focus over almost the entire surface. With the Quest 3S, on the other hand, the image blurs slightly when the goggles shake on my head.
That said, Halo straps may be more comfortable for some people. If you are interested in such a model, I would recommend the Kiwi Design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap or the BoboVR M2 Pro - both are well designed and extremely comfortable.
Another thing worth changing is the facial interface against the skin. While not as uncomfortable as the one on the Quest 2, it can still cause some discomfort. Personally, I use the leather interface from AMVR, but I have also tested those from Kiwi Design and they all perform far better than the default one.
