A more affordable version of the Quest 3, the Quest 3S offers a successful experience of virtual reality with Meta sauce, with a few compromises to lower the price which allows a perfect initiation for novices.
Undeniable value for money for two generations, the Meta Quest range (non-Pro) is a perfect illustration of a successful cocktail for getting started with virtual reality easily and without breaking the bank. The Meta Quest 2 popularized the idea of an autonomous headset permanently free of any wires. The Quest 3 has greatly refined the recipe, at a price which tended to rise, without however rising to the level of the Quest Pro (1200 euros), the HTC Vive XR Elite/FocusVision (from 1000 euros) or even the the Apple Vision Pro (4000 euros).
Hailed by all and despite undeniable improvements, the Quest 3 has undoubtedly not found favor with potential users, starting at 550 euros at its launch when the Quest 2 was at 300 euros and can still satisfy the greatest number. This is undoubtedly why Meta has already launched the Quest 3s.
Important common points
Like the Quest 3, the Quest 3s is positioned much more as a mixed reality headset, truly capable of switching with a click from a completely closed environment to an opening to the outside and a real-virtual mixture with augmented elements added to the environment (color Passthrough function).
The two headsets have a solid common base: the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor to power them along with 8 GB of RAM. From a performance point of view, they will offer the same potential experience, with identical, immersive and detailed graphics.
In terms of autonomy, we find almost the same proposition (around 2h-2h30 to 3h), with a slight advantage over the Quest 3s undoubtedly due to the greater display quality of the Quest 3 with its Pancake lenses (2064 x 2208 pixels per eye, a variable refresh rate of 78/90/120 Hz and a 110° field of view). The Quest 3s was equipped with Fresnel lenses that performed less well in terms of clarity and rendering quality. A configuration that brings it closer to the Quest 2, with an image refresh rate identical to the Quest 3 (1832 x 1920 pixel, 96° field of view), but with the added power of the processor for much better graphics, a mixed reality more fluid and qualitative.
We just regret that Meta has opted for an adjustment of the interpupillary distance in three fixed positions and not for a personalized adjustment using the dial. If you are between two positions, you will have to play with the positioning of the helmet on your head so as not to see blurry.
A deceptively heavy design
In terms of design, we immediately make the change with sensors positioned differently on the front. Where the Quest 3 aligns its own via three vertical slots, the Quest 3s has grouped them in sets of three on the front (4 RGB/VGA camera sensors and two infrared sensors). Its lenses being larger than those of the Quest 3, we have the impression of having a Quest 2 visually rebutted and more rounded.
The volume and power control buttons have been repositioned on the bottom edge for the first (with a new button to switch to your real environment) and on the left side for the second, not far from the USB port- Load C. There is no longer any trace of a jack socket to plug in your headphones. You will have to use Bluetooth or take advantage of the integrated speakers, of much lower quality than those of the Vision Pro for example.
Although the hand tracking is quite effective, you can also use the included Touch controllers (with haptic feedback), the same as those on the Quest 3, with their fairly responsive buttons and triggers that all fall perfectly under the fingers. However, once you have tasted hand tracking by sensors, it is difficult to go back to controllers.
The headset is comfortable on the head and we appreciate the cushion covering which is more pleasant than on the Quest 2. It is a little bulkier and as heavy as the Quest 3 (514 g versus 515 g). Glasses wearers can adjust everything with the plastic rim provided to move the screen away from your face.
What to do with your Quest 3s?
We were able to try out various experiments. Watching a video, show, or other streaming content using the Meta Quest 3s is quite enjoyable. You choose the size of the screen diagonal and where you want to place it. If you can do it in mixed reality, as if suspended in the air in front of you, it must be admitted that the switch to a “closed” environment and cinema effect brings another immersion which cuts off the world in a pleasant way. However, this is perhaps where we notice a difference in display quality between the Quest 3 and the Quest 3s, on Netflix or Prime Video content. But it’s completely bearable.
In terms of productivity, the newcomer has nothing to envy of his little comrades. It does the job very well by offering to display several windows at the same time (menu, work document, contacts window, various applications, video, etc.). You choose how you position them and multitasking is yours. The entertainment aspect is also successful for the game and you have the choice between virtual reality gaming applications or augmented reality experiences which are displayed impeccably.
But the good news is really that the Quest 3s has nothing to envy of the Quest 3 in terms of compatible applications and experiences. It can use the Horizon OS system and the store, in virtual or mixed reality, like the Quest 3. Applications run well, regardless of their level of resource requirements. You can play Xbox Cloud Gaming, pretend to be a DJ and make a mixing deck appear in augmented reality or even learn the piano in your own living room. Beat Saber runs as well as a Quest 3 and you will expend energy playing this rhythm game.
The Quest 3s starts at 330 euros for 128 GB of storage and also offers a 256 GB configuration. If you want more storage space, you will have to opt for the Quest 3 (512 GB).
Conclusion
The Meta Quest 3s presents itself as an entry into the world of mixed reality at a more affordable price. And it is perfectly successful. Certainly the Quest 3 is a more advanced overall proposition. But with slight compromises, its little brother shows that it provides more than the essential, with the same power, and therefore the same experiences of productivity, entertainment, an abundant app store and always the possibility of connecting your PC via the Link cable or wireless with Air Link to run your VR games on a computer.
We will forgive it a screen of less good quality (which will catch your eye – without disturbing it – if you have the possibility of comparing the two models) which allows you to fit the proposition into a more than affordable price (330 euros) . At this price, there is nothing better to democratize mixed reality with a solid, complete and effective proposition. But if picture quality trumps accessible experiences, go with the Quest 3.
