Meta Quest 3S Review: A Budget-Friendly VR Experience Without Compromising Performance

The world of Virtual Reality (VR) is expanding rapidly, and Meta is at the forefront of this technological revolution with its Meta Quest series. While the Meta Quest 3 offers an immersive VR experience, its price may be a barrier for some. Enter the Meta Quest 3S, a more affordable option that trims a few features while still delivering a high-quality experience.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into what makes the Meta Quest 3S stand out, compare it to the Meta Quest 3, and help you decide whether this budget-friendly VR headset is the right choice for you.

What is the Meta Quest 3S?

The Meta Quest 3S is a standalone VR headset that retains much of the Meta Quest 3’s performance but at a more palatable price point. With its starting price of £289 GBP or $299 USD, it is designed for those who want to experience VR without spending over £400 on the Meta Quest 3. The 3S removes a few features to lower costs but still offers a full VR experience, making it a solid choice for casual users or those on a tighter budget.

Quick Overview: What’s in the Box?

When you unbox the Meta Quest 3S, here’s what you’ll find:

• Meta Quest 3S headset
• Two controllers
• Spectacles spacer
• USB-C charging cable (rare inclusion in today’s devices)
• Power adapter
• Quick start guide

The setup process is as straightforward as possible. Simply download the Meta app, sign in, and follow the instructions. You’ll be ready to explore the virtual world in under 5 minutes.

Key Differences Between Meta Quest 3S and Meta Quest 3

Let’s break down the primary differences between the Meta Quest 3S and its more expensive sibling, the Meta Quest 3:

As you can see, the Meta Quest 3S offers a similar core experience but makes adjustments in areas such as display technology and field of view to lower the price. However, the performance remains virtually identical, thanks to the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset and 8GB of RAM.

Design and Comfort

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Meta Quest 3S is its chunkier design. This is because it uses a fresnel lens setup, similar to the older Meta Quest 2, instead of the pancake lens found in the Meta Quest 3. The headset is slightly bulkier as a result, but its weight remains around 0.5 kg, ensuring that it’s comfortable for extended use.

The strap system is identical to the one used in the Meta Quest 3. You can adjust the fit by sliding the side straps to tighten or loosen the headset. While the shiny white design looks sleek, it’s prone to smudges and marks over time, so don’t expect it to stay pristine for long.

Build Quality and Durability

The Meta Quest 3S is sturdy and well-constructed, designed to withstand the usual wear and tear of frequent VR sessions. However, due to its white finish, it’s more prone to getting dirty or scratched. This is a common issue across VR headsets, but it’s worth mentioning for users who prioritize aesthetics.

Visual Performance: Display and Field of View

The Meta Quest 3S does take a hit when it comes to display quality. Unlike the Meta Quest 3, which uses dual LCDs to deliver high-resolution visuals, the 3S opts for a single LCD setup. This is more in line with the older Meta Quest 2 and results in slightly less sharpness and clarity.

Resolution and Field of View

• Horizontal Field of View: 96° (vs 110° in the Meta Quest 3)
• Vertical Field of View: 90° (vs 96° in the Meta Quest 3)

While these reductions may not seem significant on paper, they do affect the overall immersion when using the headset. The narrower field of view creates a slight “space helmet” effect, limiting the peripheral vision in virtual environments.

However, the visuals are still impressive for the price. Games like Asgard’s Wrath 2 and Pistol Whip still look fantastic, though you won’t be able to fully appreciate the sharper textures that the Meta Quest 3 is capable of displaying.

Display Technology

The 3S’s LCD panel performs adequately, especially in less graphically demanding games. You’ll occasionally notice dropped frames in more intensive titles like Les Mills Body Combat, but overall, the experience is smooth. The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset ensures that the performance remains high, even with the more basic display.

Audio Quality: Built-in Speakers and Bluetooth Support

The Meta Quest 3S features the same built-in speakers as the Meta Quest 3. The open design means that there is some audio bleed, so others in the room will hear your VR experiences. If you’re gaming next to someone watching TV, this could become a minor issue.

However, the built-in speakers deliver a powerful and immersive stereo effect, making them suitable for most users. If you prefer a more isolated audio experience, the 3S supports Bluetooth, allowing you to pair your favorite wireless headphones or earbuds.

• Built-in Speakers: Good stereo effect, slight audio bleed.
• Bluetooth Support: For wireless earbuds or headphones.

Controllers: Same Ergonomic Design

The controllers that come with the Meta Quest 3S are identical to the ones with the Meta Quest 3. These ergonomically designed controllers are lightweight, comfortable to hold, and feature the same responsive joysticks and triggers.

• Power Source: Each controller runs on a single AA battery, and you’ll get a warning well before the battery runs out. For extended gaming sessions, you can buy a rechargeable battery pack.

The controller tracking is powered by four VGA cameras that map the environment. While this works well in most cases, there can be some issues with fast hand movements. However, the tracking is generally smooth as long as the room is well-lit.

Battery Life: Lasting Power for Your VR Sessions

Despite being chunkier, the Meta Quest 3S actually has a smaller battery than the Meta Quest 3. However, thanks to the more basic display, the battery life is comparable, if not slightly better.

• VR Gaming: ~2 hours of battery life.
• Mixed Use: ~2.5 hours when streaming or using VR apps like YouTube.

This should be sufficient for most users, as extended VR sessions beyond 2 hours can lead to eye strain and even headaches. If you’re looking for extended playtime, you can purchase a battery pack strap for additional power.

Storage Options: 128 GB or 256 GB

The base version of the Meta Quest 3S comes with 128 GB of storage, which is enough for most users. Some of the larger games, such as Asgard’s Wrath 2, can take up over 30 GB, but many popular titles range between 3 to 5 GB.

• Base Model: 128 GB
• Upgraded Model: 256 GB (for users who want more storage flexibility)

Unlike the Meta Quest 3, which offers up to 512 GB of storage, the Meta Quest 3S tops out at 256 GB. For most users, the base model will be sufficient, as games can always be uninstalled and reinstalled without losing your progress.

Why Choose the Meta Quest 3S?

The Meta Quest 3S is designed for VR enthusiasts on a budget. It provides excellent performance for its price, and although it trims some features, it still allows for a rich VR experience without the need for an expensive gaming rig.

Here’s why you might choose the Meta Quest 3S:

• Affordable Price: At $299, it’s one of the best-value VR headsets on the market.
• Solid Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, it runs most VR titles smoothly.
• Comfortable Design: Despite being chunkier, the Meta Quest 3S remains lightweight and comfortable.
• Bluetooth Support: Pair with your wireless earbuds for a more immersive audio experience.

Limitations of the Meta Quest 3S

However, there are some trade-offs to consider:

• Lower Display Quality: The single LCD panel isn’t as sharp as the dual displays in the Meta Quest 3.
• Reduced Field of View: The narrower FOV slightly limits immersion.
• Storage Cap: No 512 GB model available, so you may need to manage your games more carefully.

Final Verdict: Is the Meta Quest 3S Worth It?

For casual VR users or those new to the VR world, the Meta Quest 3S offers incredible value. It retains the core features of the Meta Quest 3 without the high price tag, making it a fantastic option for anyone looking to dip their toes into virtual reality. If you’re willing to compromise on display sharpness and field of view, the Meta Quest 3S will more than satisfy your needs.

For those seeking cutting-edge visuals and maximum immersion, the Meta Quest 3 may still be the better option. However, for everyone else, the Meta Quest 3S is a solid investment that won’t break the bank.