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Meta Quest 3S and Meta Quest 2 have some key differences. The Meta Quest 3S is the newer more advanced model with focus on standalone mixed reality, superior visuals, more storage, advanced lenses, and a depth sensor for a premium experience. On the other hand, the Meta Quest 2 remains a popular and budget-friendly choice for gamers and first-time VR users. Let’s explore difference between meta quest 3s and 2!
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:
- Meta Quest 3S features the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip to get faster performance and better graphical rendering for more immersive experiences.
- Meta Quest 2 uses the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 processor.
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Resolution:
- Meta Quest 3s comes with LCD display that delivers 2064 x 2208 resolution per eye to enhance clarity in games and apps.
- Meta Quest 2 has 1832 x 1920 resolution per eye.
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Lenses:
- Meta Quest 3s comes with pancake lenses that reduce headset thickness to improve visual clarity and reduce glare.
- Meta Quest 2 uses Fresnel lenses that are bulkier and show more glare.
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Mixed Reality Capabilities:
- Meta Quest 3s supports full-color passthrough for realistic mixed reality gameplay.
- Meta Quest 2 supports grayscale passthrough.
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RAM:
- Meta Quest 3s comes with 8GB RAM for seamless multitasking and better performance in demanding apps.
- Meta Quest 2 includes 6GB of RAM.
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Internal Storage:
- Meta Quest 3s includes 256GB of internal storage that allows to install more games, apps, and media without running out of space.
- Meta Quest 2 has 128GB of storage.
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Connectivity:
- Meta Quest 3s supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster downloads and reduced latency in online gaming.
- Meta Quest 2 supports Wi-Fi 5 and USB-C with slower connectivity options.
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Field of View:
- Meta Quest 3s features a 110-degree horizontal field of view to enhance peripheral visibility and immersion.
- Meta Quest 2 features 96 degree field of view.
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Controllers:
- Meta Quest 3s includes Touch Plus controllers that eliminate tracking rings to improve ergonomics and field tracking.
- Meta Quest 2 uses standard Touch controllers with tracking rings.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
Meta Quest 3S |
Meta Quest 2 |
| Display |
LCD 2064 x 2208 per eye |
LCD 1832 x 1920 per eye |
| Refresh Rate |
Up to 120Hz |
Up to 120Hz |
| Processor |
Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 |
| RAM |
8GB |
6GB |
| Storage |
256GB |
128GB |
| Mixed Reality |
Full-color Passthrough |
Basic grayscale passthrough |
| Field of View |
Wider |
Moderate |
| Audio |
Spatial audio with 3.5mm jack |
Spatial audio |
| Content Access |
Meta Store and Horizon+ |
Meta Store |
| Battery Life |
Around 2 to 3 hours |
Around 2 to 3 hours |
| Charging Port |
USB-C |
USB-C |
| Weight |
Slightly lighter than Quest 3 |
Lighter than most VR headsets |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Meta Quest 3 if you:
- Want better graphics and a faster processor for next-gen VR and mixed reality.
- Need full-color passthrough and a wider field of view for immersive experiences.
- Prefer a headset with more RAM and double the storage.
- Plan to use spatial audio with wired headphones.
- Can spend more for a future-proof and powerful headset.
Check Meta Quest 3S Best Price
Buy the Meta Quest 2 if you:
- Want a reliable VR headset at a lower price point.
- Only plan to play casual games or use basic VR apps.
- Don’t need full-color passthrough or mixed reality features.
- Prefer a simple design for occasional use.
- Are buying your first VR headset and want something entry-level.
Check Meta Quest 2 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Processor |
Meta Quest 3S |
| Lenses |
Meta Quest 3S |
| RAM |
Meta Quest 3S |
| Mixed Reality |
Meta Quest 3S |
| Field of View |
Meta Quest 3S |
| Content Access |
Meta Quest 3S |
| Storage |
Meta Quest 3S |
| Audio |
Meta Quest 3S |
| Build Flexibility |
Meta Quest 3S |
| Connectivity |
Meta Quest 3S |
| Design |
Meta Quest 3S |
| Comfort |
Meta Quest 3S |
FAQ
Is the Meta Quest 3S compatible with all Meta Quest 2 games?
Yes, the Meta Quest 3S supports full backward compatibility, allowing users to play all existing Meta Quest 2 games and apps without any issues.
Can you use both headsets without a PC?
Yes, both Meta Quest 3S and Meta Quest 2 are standalone VR headsets, meaning you can use them without needing to connect to a PC for most content.
Does the Meta Quest 3S have a better display than the Meta Quest 2?
Yes, the Meta Quest 3S features a higher resolution display with pancake lenses that provide better clarity and a wider field of view compared to the Meta Quest 2.
Is there a difference in battery life between the two models?
No, both headsets offer similar battery life ranging from 2 to 3 hours depending on usage.
Does the Meta Quest 3S support wired headphones?
Yes, the Meta Quest 3S includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing you to use wired headphones. The Meta Quest 2 does not include a built-in headphone jack.
What kind of content is included with the Meta Quest 3S?
The Meta Quest 3S includes Batman: Arkham Shadow and a 3-month trial of Meta Horizon+, which provides access to exclusive multiplayer experiences and premium titles.
Is the Meta Quest 3S lighter than the Meta Quest 2?
The Meta Quest 3S is slightly heavier but has a better weight distribution due to its slimmer optics, which helps improve long-term comfort compared to the front-heavy Meta Quest 2.
Which headset is better for mixed reality experiences?
The Meta Quest 3S is significantly better for mixed reality thanks to its full-color passthrough and improved spatial awareness. The Meta Quest 2 only supports limited grayscale passthrough.
Is the Meta Quest 2 still worth buying?
Yes, the Meta Quest 2 remains a good choice for beginners or casual users looking for an affordable entry into VR, especially if they do not need advanced mixed reality features.