The TRUTH about the Meta Quest 3S! (The Most In-Depth Review)

YouTube Video

Summary

This YouTube video provides a comprehensive comparison of the Meta Quest 3s, Quest 3, and Quest 2 VR headsets. The reviewer, who purchased all devices, details the key differences and similarities across various aspects, helping viewers make informed purchase decisions. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Display and Visuals:

• Lenses:
  • Quest 3s & Quest 2: Use Fresnel lenses, resulting in god rays (light rays around bright objects on dark backgrounds) and blurry corners.
  • Quest 3: Features pancake lenses, eliminating god rays and providing edge-to-edge clarity. Pancake lenses are also thinner, making the headset less bulky and allowing for a wider field of view.
• Screens:
  • Quest 3s & Quest 2: Share the same LCD screen with 1832x1920 pixels per eye.
  • Quest 3: Higher resolution LCD screen with 2064x2208 pixels per eye, offering a ~30% increase in resolution. Perceived resolution increase is around 25% due to wider FOV.
• Resolution & Aliasing:
  • Quest 3 and 3s show dramatically improved aliasing (jagged edges) compared to Quest 2 due to the more powerful processor.
• Dynamic Range & Color:
  • All three headsets have identical dynamic range and color quality due to using LCD screens. Dark scenes appear dark gray, not true black.
• Field of View (FOV):
  • Quest 2: Baseline FOV.
  • Quest 3s: Marginal 6° increase in horizontal FOV compared to Quest 2. Vertical FOV remains 90°.
  • Quest 3: Significant increase to 110° horizontal and 96° vertical FOV thanks to pancake lenses. This wider FOV is noted as a potential competitive advantage in gaming.

Performance:

• Processor & RAM:
  • Quest 3s & Quest 3: Equipped with the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and 8GB of RAM. This allows for enhanced graphics, details (reflections, foliage, shadows), and smoother motion compared to Quest 2.
  • Quest 2: Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 (older generation) and less RAM.
• Refresh Rate:
  • All three headsets are capable of 120Hz refresh rate, but Quest 2 struggles to maintain this in graphically demanding games, leading to motion blur. Quest 3s and 3 provide significantly smoother motion.
• Visual Improvements:
  • Quest 3s provides a significant visual improvement over Quest 2 due to the newer processor, even without mixed reality features.

Mixed Reality (MR):

• Pass-through:
  • Quest 3s: Features high-resolution color cameras and IR flood LEDs, offering vibrant color pass-through and 10x the pass-through pixels of Quest 2. Allows reading phone messages and checking watches without removing the headset.
  • Quest 2: Low-resolution, grainy black and white pass-through, making it impractical for most MR applications.
  • Quest 3: Similar high-quality color pass-through as Quest 3s.
• Warping Issue: Warping in pass-through when objects are close to the face, present in Quest 3 initially, is largely fixed on both Quest 3 and 3s. However, further improvements are needed in resolution, color accuracy, dynamic range, and low-light performance.
• Guardian Setup:
  • Quest 3s & Quest 3: Automatic Guardian setup using IR flood LEDs, scanning the room by just looking around.
  • Quest 2: Manual Guardian drawing.
  • All headsets remember Guardian setups.
• Space Setup & Furniture Scanning: Quest 3 and 3s can scan furniture for mixed reality experiences in up to 1000 sq ft areas. Furniture can obscure virtual objects, but hands and arms cannot (currently).
• Depth Sensor: Quest 3 has a dedicated depth sensor, while Quest 3s uses two flood LEDs. No significant difference in room mapping or low-light performance was observed between the two for MR.

Sensors & Privacy:

• Proximity Sensor:
  • Quest 2 & Quest 3: Have a proximity sensor to automatically turn the screen on/off when the headset is worn/removed.
  • Quest 3s: Lacks a proximity sensor. Requires pressing the power button to turn on. Screen, mics, and camera still turn off automatically after a minute of stillness. Meta claims this is a privacy feature, but likely a cost-saving measure.

Productivity:

• Virtual Screens: Quest 3s can connect to laptops/desktops for virtual screens via apps like Immersed. However, due to Quest 3s’s screen limitations (Quest 2 screen quality), Quest 3 is recommended for productivity due to significantly better clarity and resolution, allowing for comfortable extended use as a virtual monitor.

Comfort:

• Facial Interface: Quest 3 and 3s use the same fabric, more breathable but slightly less soft than Quest 2’s fabric. Both are comfortable for extended use. Light leak around the nose is present in all, with Quest 3s leaking the most, but negligible once the display is on.
• Adjustable Facial Interface:
  • Quest 3: Adjustable interface with three positions for glasses accommodation.
  • Quest 3s & Quest 2: Use a separate attachable spacer for glasses. Quest 3s facial interface is not compatible with Quest 3’s adjustable interface.
• Glasses Comfort: All headsets are comfortable with glasses after adjustment.
• Head Strap:
  • Quest 3s & Quest 3: Split-style head strap, ponytail compatible, comfortable for short-term use but tensioners can become uncomfortable after an hour.
  • Quest 2: Hard plastic tensioners, less comfortable.
  • Recommendation: Premium head straps (Meta Elite Strap, BoboVR M3/S3) are highly recommended for longer play sessions for all headsets.

IPD Adjustment:

• Quest 3s & Quest 2: Three fixed IPD settings: 58mm, 63mm, 68mm.
• Quest 3: Continuous IPD adjustment wheel from 58mm to 70mm, wider eyebox accommodating 53mm to 75mm IPD.
• IPD Recommendation: Choose the wider IPD setting within your range for wider FOV.

Action Button (Quest 3s):

• New button on Quest 3s, currently only switches between VR and pass-through (functionality already available via double-tapping the side on all Quest headsets).
• Currently not customizable, considered a missed opportunity. Suggestions for customization include mute/unmute mic, screen recording start/stop, etc.

Performance & Features:

• Boot-up & Loading Times: Slight improvements in Quest 3s and 3, but not dramatic.
• PC VR Streaming (AirLink): All headsets support wireless PC VR streaming via Meta AirLink with 120Hz, 1.7x render resolution, and 200 Mbps bitrate. Streaming quality depends on PC and Wi-Fi.
• Wi-Fi:
  • Quest 3s & Quest 3: Wi-Fi 6E for smoother AirLink and faster downloads compared to Quest 2.
  • Quest 2: Wi-Fi 6.
• Audio:
  • Quest 3s: Meta claims reduced distortion, improved bass, and better spatial audio compared to Quest 2.
  • Quest 3 & Quest 2: Headphone jack included.
  • Quest 3s: Headphone jack removed. Requires USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. Dual adapters with power pass-through are needed for simultaneous charging and headphone use. Adapters may not support data transmission (battery percentage from Elite Strap). Bluetooth headphones are not recommended due to latency.
  • Wireless Audio Options: Soundcore VR P10, Razer Hammerheads, RYR earbuds (2.4 GHz USB transceiver for low latency). Soundcore buds are recommended for balance of price, comfort, and features.

Microphone Test: Microphone tests were conducted for Quest 2, 3s, 3, and Pro. Viewers are asked to comment on which mic sounds best.

Controllers:

• Quest 3s & Quest 3 Controllers: Same controllers, using IR tracking LEDs in the body and constant hand tracking. Ringless design allows closer proximity, reducing ring smashing and being lighter and less top-heavy than Quest 2 controllers.
• Quest 2 Controllers: IR LEDs in large rings for tracking.
• Finger Tracking: All headsets support finger tracking for menu navigation even while holding controllers.
• Tracking Accuracy: New controllers perform well in Beat Saber Expert+, throwing, grabbing, aiming, and bow & arrow. Occasional tracking loss can occur in fast-paced fitness apps, more frequent on Quest 2.
• Haptic Feedback: Quest 3 and 3s controllers have crisper haptics compared to Quest 2, which feels “loose” and rattly. Quest 2 vibrations are stronger, but crisper vibrations are preferred.
• Controller Battery Life: Weeks of playtime on a single AA battery. Battery cover removal is easier on Quest 3/3s controllers. Battery level indicators are visible in the home environment and quick menu.

Battery Life & Charging:

• Headset Battery Life:
  • Mixed reality gaming: ~2 hours.
  • Mix of games: ~2 hours.
  • Graphics-intensive games: ~2 hours.
  • Basic games: Up to 2.5 hours (meta’s estimate).
• Battery Extension: Meta Elite Strap with Battery Pack adds up to 2 more hours. BoboVR S3 Pro with hot-swappable batteries for potentially infinite playtime. BoboVR is heavier and bulkier.
• Charging:
  • Quest 3s: USB-C charging port (no charging pads). Charges to 99% in 90 minutes, then slows down for the last 1% (total ~1.9 hours). Fast to 99%.
  • Quest 3: USB-C and charging pads. Charges consistently but slightly slower than Quest 3s to 99%.
  • Quest 2: Notably slower charging than Quest 3/3s, especially from 85% to 100% (70 minutes longer charge time).

Accessories:

• Optional accessories: Elite Strap (with/without battery), carrying cases (full-size/compact), compact charging dock, prescription lens inserts, breathable facial interface, active controller straps.
• Storage: Quest 3s available in 128GB and 256GB versions.

Purchase Recommendations:

• First-time VR user or Oculus Quest 1 owner: Quest 3s (128GB) is an excellent entry point, offering a significant upgrade at a lower price.
• Quest 2 owner playing VR games weekly or competitively: Quest 3s is worth the upgrade due to visual, performance, and MR improvements.
• Quest 2 owner with a large game library planning to buy Quest 3s 256GB: Consider Quest 3 instead. For $100 more, you get 512GB storage, significantly better visuals, and wider FOV.
• Seeking the best standalone VR experience: Quest 3 is the top choice.
• Quest Pro owner primarily using PC VR: Stick with Quest Pro until a Quest Pro 2 or similar device is released. Quest 3 is recommended for standalone gaming.

Accuracy

The information provided in the transcript appears to be largely accurate based on established knowledge and general tech consensus regarding Meta Quest headsets. Here’s a breakdown:

• Technical Specifications: The specifications mentioned for lenses, screens, processors, RAM, refresh rates, FOV, and storage capacities align with official Meta product information and widely reported tech reviews.
• Performance Comparisons: The described performance differences between Quest 3s, Quest 3, and Quest 2 regarding visual fidelity, processing power, and smoothness are consistent with real-world user experiences and professional reviews. The improvements in aliasing and motion smoothness with the newer headsets are accurately portrayed.
• Mixed Reality Capabilities: The descriptions of pass-through quality, Guardian setup, and space scanning accurately reflect the advancements from Quest 2 to Quest 3s and Quest 3. The limitations and areas for improvement in MR are also correctly pointed out.
• Comfort and Design: The observations on comfort, facial interfaces, head straps, and IPD adjustments seem to align with common user feedback on these headsets. The reviewer’s subjective experiences with comfort are reasonable and acknowledged as personal opinions.
• Battery Life and Charging: The battery life estimations and charging times are within the generally accepted ranges reported for these devices in various tests and reviews.
• Controller Features: The controller descriptions, tracking methods, haptics, and battery life are consistent with known information about Quest controllers.
• Accessory Compatibility and Features: The information on optional accessories and their functionalities is accurate based on Meta’s accessory offerings.

Minor Points to Consider (Not Inaccuracies, but Nuances):

• “Perceived Resolution Increase” of 25% on Quest 3: While technically accurate considering the wider FOV spreading the pixels, it’s important to understand this is a subjective perception. The raw pixel count increase is ~30%.
• “Privacy Feature” Claim for Proximity Sensor Removal: While Meta markets it as privacy, the reviewer correctly points out the likely primary reason is cost-saving. This is a widely accepted interpretation within the tech community.
• Subjectivity in Audio and Comfort: Audio quality and comfort are somewhat subjective. While the reviewer provides their assessments, individual experiences may vary. The microphone tests allow viewers to form their own opinions on audio quality.

Overall: The transcript presents a balanced and largely accurate comparison of the three Meta Quest headsets. The reviewer’s claims are well-supported by general tech knowledge and common experiences with these VR devices. There are no major inaccuracies or misleading statements identified.

Resources

Here are the top 5 most relevant resources to learn more about the subjects presented in the transcript:

1. Official Meta Quest Website: (https://www.meta.com/quest/) - This is the primary source for official information about Meta Quest headsets. You can find detailed specifications, features, comparisons between models, accessory information, and purchase options directly from the manufacturer. It’s essential for getting the most accurate and up-to-date product details.

2. Road to VR: (https://www.roadtovr.com/) - A leading online publication dedicated to virtual and augmented reality news, reviews, and in-depth articles. Road to VR provides comprehensive reviews of VR headsets, including the Meta Quest series, offering detailed performance analysis, comparisons, and user experience insights. They often have early access and thorough testing, making it a valuable resource for deeper dives beyond marketing materials.

3. UploadVR: (https://uploadvr.com/) - Another prominent VR news and review website. UploadVR offers similar content to Road to VR, including news, reviews, guides, and features focused on VR technology and the metaverse. They provide hands-on reviews of Meta Quest headsets, often with video content, and cover the broader VR ecosystem, including games and applications.

4. Reddit Communities (r/Oculus, r/oculusquest): (https://www.reddit.com/r/oculus/, https://www.reddit.com/r/oculusquest/) - These Reddit communities are excellent for user-generated content, discussions, and troubleshooting related to Meta Quest headsets. You can find real user experiences, ask questions, get advice from other owners, and stay updated on community news and software updates. These communities offer diverse perspectives and can be helpful for getting practical insights not always found in formal reviews.

5. YouTube Channels focused on VR (e.g., channels like the video source, Cas and Chary VR, MRTV - Mixed Reality TV): - YouTube is a rich source of VR content. Channels dedicated to VR often provide video reviews, comparisons, gameplay footage, tutorials, and accessory showcases for Meta Quest headsets. Visual demonstrations and real-time comparisons can be very helpful in understanding the differences between devices and seeing features in action. Channels like the one the transcript is from, Cas and Chary VR, and MRTV are known for their in-depth VR coverage and reviews. Searching “Meta Quest 3s review” or “Quest 3 vs Quest 3s” on YouTube will also yield numerous helpful video comparisons.

These resources, used together, will provide a comprehensive understanding of Meta Quest headsets, from official specifications and professional reviews to user experiences and community discussions, allowing for well-rounded knowledge of the subject.