Meta Quest 3S is the most affordable mixed reality headset on the market, offering a great deal of VR gaming and reality features with really strong performance.
Official trailer courtesy of Meta
Introduction
The main goal behind making this mixed reality headset was to make it as affordable as possible while still delivering powerful performance. When it was officially unveiled on 25 September 2024, it was not disappointing.
Quick Facts
Feature
Details
Brand
Meta
Product
Meta Quest 3S
Type
VR / Mixed Reality Headset
Processor
Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
Storage
128GB / 256GB
Display
LCD
Release
October 2024
Design & Comfort
This device is easy to set up and offers a wireless experience. Meta Quest 3S wins points for its lightweight design. It also features comfort for gaming sessions. You can use it for multiple purposes: gaming, entertainment, social media, and even fitness.
Features & Spaces
Meta Quest 3S uses Meta Horizon OS as its operating system, which is based on Android source code. You can control Meta Quest 3S with and without controllers.
It holds 8 GB of memory and comes in 128 GB or 256 GB of storage. The display is an RGB LCD with 1832×1920 resolution per eye that supports 90–120 Hz. It comes with 2 built-in speakers and 1 microphone. The chip is incredible because the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset delivers double the graphics processing power of Quest 2. Like the Apple Store, Meta provides its own app called the Meta Quest Store. The battery can last up to 2.5 hours on average, which translates to 4,324 mAh. The Meta Quest 3S comes with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.
On the outer side, there are 4× 400×400px IR cameras, 2 on each side, and 2× 4MP RGB cameras.
Image courtesy of Meta
Comparison
There are a lot of similarities, like the chip that comes with 8 GB of RAM is the same one that comes in Quest 3. On top of that, the two cameras and touch controls are exactly the same as the Quest 3.
Different
The Quest 3S also has some upgrades, like the thickness of the lenses compared to Quest 3. There are also downgrades to make it more affordable, like the resolution being lower than the Quest 3, but it has the same resolution as the Quest 2. It also comes with a 96° field of view, while we see 110° in Quest 3. It also misses a depth sensor that the Quest 3 has within the camera lens.
It’s official that they discontinued Quest 2, but they took some parts of the Quest 2 and some parts of the Quest 3 to make a more affordable one that still packs a performance punch.
Image courtesy of Meta
The Release Date
It has already been released, and it’s available on the Meta app to buy.
Why Meta Quest 3S Is So Popular
At a point where technology is mainly directing itself in this way, and most headsets are really expensive, making one affordable enough with good performance makes it stand out.
Who Should Buy It?
Personally, I think having them is a new way to explore life. You’re not obligated to go for higher-end models like the Apple Vision Pro, which costs more than $2000, but more affordable ones like this. So you gotta have it, and when you get bored with life or you’re free, then you can explore the technology.
Image courtesy of Meta
Price
If we look at the pricing, the Meta Quest 3S with 128GB costs CA$479.99, and if you choose to go with 256 GB, that’s going to cost you CA$479.99.
FAQ Section
What is Meta Quest 3S?
It is the most affordable headset that you can find on the market.
Can Meta Quest 3S play Steam VR games?
Yes, you can play games, use it for interactive experiences, and more.
Image courtesy of Meta
Conclusion
To be honest, if you’re looking to get a headset without spending a lot of money, I think you can definitely go for the Meta Quest 3S. In this way, we’re not going to miss out on a lot of things.
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