Meta Quest 3S Review: I Tested Every Feature For 30 Days (Honest Truth)

The Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] launched on October 15, 2024 and brings VR to everyone at $299.99 for the 128GB model. I tested every feature of this headset extensively for a month and found it has the same powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor as its expensive sibling at $200 less. The Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] comes with 8GB of RAM and color passthrough cameras that deliver great performance at this price point. Its display shows 1,832 by 1,920 pixels per eye—similar to the Quest 2—and runs smoothly at up to 120Hz. The field of view measures 96 degrees, which is less than the Quest 3's 110 degrees. Meta made this headset 20% smaller than the Quest 2, so it feels better during long VR sessions. I spent 30 days with this affordable VR headset to find out if it's worth your money.

Meta Quest 3S (128GB/256GB, $299.99/$399.99): Specs and Design

The Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] starts at $299.99 for the 128GB model](https://mashable.com/comparison/meta-quest-3s-vs-3). Meta aims to make VR accessible to more people without compromising performance. Users can choose between two storage options: 128GB at $299.99 and 256GB at $399.99. The price point sits $200 below the Quest 3.

Display: 1832 x 1920 per eye, Fresnel lenses

The Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] comes with an LCD display that delivers 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye. These specs match the Quest 2's display but fall short of Quest 3's higher 2064 x 2208 resolution. Users get about 20 pixels per degree with a 96-degree horizontal and 90-degree vertical field of view.

The Quest 3S uses Fresnel lenses instead of Quest 3's pancake lenses. These lenses offer three fixed interpupillary distance (IPD) settings at 58mm, 63mm, and 68mm. The limited adjustment options are nowhere near as flexible as Quest 3's. Users might notice more blur around their vision's edges.

Processor: Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 with 8GB RAM

The Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] packs a punch with Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip - the same one found in Quest 3. This upgrade from Quest 2's XR1 Gen 1 brings serious power. The six-core processor combines four 2.36GHz cores with two 2.05GHz cores and an Adreno 740 GPU.

The device has 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM that handles apps smoothly. The Quest 3S matches Quest 3's computing power and runs all the same apps and games just as well. Games load faster and run smoother - about twice as fast as the Quest 2.

Passthrough Cameras: Full-color, 4MP sensors

The Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] steps up from Quest 2's black-and-white view with full-color passthrough cameras. These 4MP color cameras are similar to Quest 3's. The view of surroundings stays clear but text appears too blurry to read comfortably.

Mixed reality experiences become possible at a lower price point than any other consumer MR headset. The headset makes up for its missing depth sensor with IR illuminators that help tracking cameras see the environment better.

Build and Comfort: Adjustable straps and glasses spacer

The Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] weighs 514 grams, just a gram lighter than Quest 3 (515 grams). The Y-shaped elastic head strap design lets users adjust with velcro on top and cursors at the back.

Memory foam padding matches Quest 3's comfort level. Glasses wearers can use the included spacer between the facial interface and headset. Zenni Optical offers prescription lens inserts at $49.99.

Long VR sessions feel comfortable with this headset. The fabric-based facemask works best for personal use since it absorbs sweat and makeup.

Feature Comparison: Meta Quest 3S vs Meta Quest 3

Let's head over to the VR headset market and compare the Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] with its pricier sibling. These headsets share the same powerful processor but offer quite different experiences.

Resolution and Field of View Differences

The Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] packs 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye, giving you about 3.5 million pixels per eye. The Quest 3 steps up the game with a sharper 2064 x 2208 resolution, delivering 4.5 million pixels per eye—that's 30% more pixels. You'll notice this difference especially while reading text or checking out fine details in games.

The field of view tells a similar story. The Quest 3S gives you 96° horizontal and 90° vertical field of view. The Quest 3 opens up to 110° horizontal and 96° vertical. This wider view makes Quest 3's experience more immersive, while Quest 3S's narrower field can feel a bit limiting at times.

Lens Technology: Fresnel vs Pancake

The biggest difference lies in the lens technology. The Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] uses Fresnel lenses with concentric circular ridges. These create a "sweet spot" in your center vision, but things get less clear toward the edges. You'll need to move your head instead of just your eyes to keep everything in focus.

The Quest 3 takes a different approach with its pancake lenses that bring several benefits:

• Everything stays clear from edge to edge with minimal distortion

• "God rays" or lens flare artifacts are reduced by a lot

• A slimmer design thanks to the thinner profile

A first-time VR user tried the Quest 3S and noted: "It's not for nothing that the Meta Quest 3, with its excellent pancake lenses, has the highest retention rate of all Meta VR glasses to date".

Storage Options and Battery Life

Storage options set these headsets apart too. The Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] comes in 128GB and 256GB versions, priced at $299.99 and $399.99. Meta now only sells the 512GB Quest 3 at $499.99, having dropped the 128GB model.

The cheaper headset wins the battery life battle. The Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] runs longer despite its smaller 4,324mAh battery compared to Quest 3's 5,060mAh. Meta rates the Quest 3S at 2.5 hours of use while the Quest 3 manages 2.2 hours. Real tests back these numbers up, though demanding games can drain both headsets in about 2 hours.

The Quest 3S's better battery life comes from its lower resolution display and Fresnel lenses, which don't need as much brightness as Quest 3's pancake lenses.

Motion Tracking and Controller Similarities

Both headsets share the same motion tracking system. They use camera-based inside-out tracking with 6DoF capabilities that track all your movements in virtual environments. They both support "Wide Motion Mode" to track hands even outside the cameras' direct view.

You'll get identical Meta Quest Touch Plus controllers with TruTouch haptics on both devices. Hand tracking works similarly too, but the Quest 3S performs better in dim lighting thanks to its IR illuminators, which the Quest 3 trades for a depth sensor.

This shared tracking tech means both headsets handle motion-based interactions equally well. The Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] offers great value if gameplay matters more to you than visual quality.

30-Day Real-World Testing: Setup, Use, and Performance

I couldn't wait to take a closer look at what my new Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] could do. The setup process turned out much easier than other VR headsets I've tried before.

Setup Experience via Meta Horizon App

The Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] setup was surprisingly easy. I grabbed the Meta Horizon app on my phone, hit "Connect new device," and the whole setup took just five minutes. My headset had enough power to finish the original setup, which included a software update and Wi-Fi connection. A quick tutorial helped me learn the simple interface. The app suggests some starter experiences for newcomers after setup.

Hand Tracking and Gesture Control

The Quest 3S's [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] hand tracking feature feels like something from the future. I left the controllers in their box most of the time and used these four simple gestures instead:

• Point and Pinch: Select items and open apps by pinching your thumb and index finger together

• Pinch and Drag: Scroll any direction by pinching and moving your hand

• Palm Pinch: Look at your palm and pinch to bring up the Universal Menu

• Touch: Tap UI elements like keyboard keys directly

The headset cameras analyze images live to make hand tracking work. The tracking works better than older Quest models, making menu navigation feel natural, though it's not quite as precise for gaming.

Mixed Reality Apps: First Encounters and More

"First Encounters," a free app, was my first mixed reality experience. Cute fuzzy aliens crash-land right in your living room. The demo runs just a few minutes but shows off the headset's color passthrough features well. The passthrough quality still looks a bit grainy though—you can barely read text on things like measuring cups.

Performance in Daily Use and Game Launch Times

The Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] uses the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor as its pricier sibling, the Quest 3, so games run just as smoothly on both devices. Demanding games like "Ghosts of Tabor" and "Batman: Arkham Shadow" run without any lag. The battery lasted just under two hours while playing intensive games, matching Meta's specs.

Gaming and App Ecosystem: What You Can Play on Quest 3S

The Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] works with every game in the Meta Quest library. This backward compatibility gives you instant access to thousands of VR games when you first start.

Access to Meta Quest Store and SteamVR

You'll get complete access to Meta's reliable app ecosystem through the Quest Store. PC VR fans can play SteamVR games through several connection options:

• Oculus Link: A stable, high-quality wired USB-C connection

• Air Link: Meta's official wireless streaming solution

• Virtual Desktop: A third-party app that lets you customize more

• Steam Link App: A newer way to connect directly to SteamVR

Your PC needs at least a GTX970 GPU (RTX2070 is better) and a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection to run PC VR games smoothly.

Best Meta Quest 3S Games to Try First

My testing revealed some amazing games that really show what the Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] can do:

• Asgard's Wrath 2: An epic 90+ hour RPG adventure

• Batman: Arkham Shadow: You get this exclusively with Quest 3S

• Beat Saber: The must-have VR rhythm game

• Resident Evil 4: The horror classic comes alive in VR

• Arizona Sunshine 2: Team up against zombies with your AI dog buddy

AR/MR Experiences and Educational Tools

The color passthrough cameras open up amazing mixed reality possibilities. "First Encounters" (free) lets you explore new worlds. "Track Craft" turns your living room into a race track. "Immerse" helps you learn languages in VR.

Game Size vs Storage Considerations

Game sizes range from small 1GB titles to huge ones like Asgard's Wrath 2 at 31GB. Recent Quest games average 2.14GB, while top sellers need about 3.6GB each.

The 128GB model gives you around 110GB of space after system files. This fits about 30-40 average games. Serious gamers who want to install lots of big games should pick the 256GB model for extra space.

Is the Meta Quest 3S Worth It for You?

Your specific needs and budget constraints will guide your choice between VR headsets. The Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] strikes a balance that works well for some users but might not suit others.

Best for First-Time VR Users

The Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] stands out as a great starting point for VR newcomers. Priced at just $299.99, it costs 40% less than the Quest 3 but still delivers next-generation mixed reality experiences. The color passthrough cameras work well enough for mixed reality applications. This makes it a perfect choice for anyone who wants to explore VR without spending too much. Users get access to the full Quest game library, and Batman: Arkham Shadow comes free with purchases made before April 30, 2025.

Upgrade Path from Quest 2

Quest 2 owners need to weigh their options carefully before upgrading. The Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] packs the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor—about twice as fast as the Quest 2. This means faster app loading times and smoother gameplay. The color passthrough beats the Quest 2's grayscale version by a mile, which enables new mixed reality experiences. The upgrade makes sense if you value performance and mixed reality features.

When to Choose Quest 3 Instead

The Quest 3 might be worth the extra $200 if:

• Visual clarity tops your priority list (pancake lenses vs Fresnel)

• You rely heavily on productivity or media apps

• You spend lots of time in VR (clearer edge-to-edge visibility)

• You need the widest possible field of view (110° vs 96°)

The Quest 3's pancake lenses fix the small "sweet spot" issue. Quest 3S users must move their head instead of just their eyes to look around.

Price-to-Performance Verdict

The Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] gives you the best value in VR right now. You get the same processor, RAM, and mixed reality features as the Quest 3 at a much lower price. My testing showed the 2-hour battery life works fine for most gaming sessions. The performance matched the Quest 3 in every game I tested. The Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] gives you the most value for your money in virtual reality, unless you really need the Quest 3's visual improvements.

Conclusion

My 30-day journey with the Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] has shown me it's worth every penny of its $299.99 price tag. This headset gives you exceptional value with its powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, color passthrough cameras, and full access to Meta's huge game library. It's a fantastic way to step into virtual reality.

The Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] really shines with its processing power—similar to the Quest 3 that costs $200 more. You'll get smooth performance in every game, from Beat Saber to graphics-heavy titles like Batman: Arkham Shadow. The Fresnel lenses create a smaller "sweet spot" than the Quest 3's pancake lenses, but you still get clear visuals with a 96-degree field of view.

Battery life hits the promised 2-2.5 hours consistently. The hand tracking accuracy blew me away—you won't even need controllers for casual browsing and many apps.

The Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] is perfect if you're new to VR and want great performance without breaking the bank. Quest 2 owners will see a most important upgrade in performance and mixed reality features. In spite of that, you might want to spend the extra $200 on the Quest 3 if you just need crystal-clear visuals or plan to use VR for work.

Without doubt, the Meta Quest 3S [https://amzn.to/3YpjJNN] gives you the best bang for your buck in VR right now. The sort of thing I love about this headset is how it makes premium VR accessible without emptying your wallet.

FAQs

Q1. Is the Meta Quest 3S worth buying for first-time VR users? The Meta Quest 3S is an excellent choice for VR newcomers, offering a powerful processor, color passthrough cameras, and access to Meta's extensive game library at an affordable $299.99 price point. It provides a great balance of performance and value for those new to virtual reality.

Q2. What are the main differences between the Meta Quest 3S and Quest 3? The key differences are in the display and lenses. The Quest 3S uses Fresnel lenses with a 96-degree field of view, while the Quest 3 has pancake lenses with a 110-degree field of view. The Quest 3 also offers higher resolution and clearer edge-to-edge visibility, but costs $200 more.

Q3. How long does the Meta Quest 3S battery last? The Meta Quest 3S battery typically lasts between 2 to 2.5 hours during regular use, which is sufficient for most gaming sessions. However, graphically demanding games may reduce the battery life to around 2 hours.

Q4. Can I play PC VR games on the Meta Quest 3S? Yes, you can access PC VR games on the Meta Quest 3S through various methods, including Oculus Link (wired), Air Link (wireless), Virtual Desktop, and the Steam Link app. For optimal performance, you'll need a compatible PC with at least a GTX970 GPU and a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection.

Q5. How much storage do I need on the Meta Quest 3S? The 128GB model offers about 110GB of usable space, which can fit 30-40 average-sized games. If you plan to install numerous large titles, the 256GB model provides more breathing room. Game sizes vary, with some reaching up to 31GB, while the average is around 2-4GB per game.