Meta Quest 3S Review: Cordless and the Future is coming…
Summary: Meta Quest 3S is an excellent entry level headset that proves that the future is really coming our way thanks to Meta!
4.5
Future coming
The Meta Quest 3S represents Meta’s latest endeavor to make virtual reality more accessible while maintaining a solid level of performance. Importantly, it offers a cordless experience with a decent battery. Positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Meta Quest 3, the Quest 3S aims to deliver a streamlined VR experience without significant feature compromises.
Does it succeed? Well, spoiler alert: it gets remarkably close!
Read on to find out more.
At its core, the Meta Quest 3S is a standalone VR headset, meaning it operates independently of a PC or console. It features dual LCD panels with a resolution of 1832×1920 per eye, delivering sharp visuals. The refresh rate goes up to 120Hz, providing fluidity that helps reduce motion sickness. However, unlike the standard Quest 3, the 3S forgoes real IPD (Inter-Pupillary Distance) adjustment, instead offering three fixed positions. This might affect eye comfort for some users, although the headset is compatible with glasses, which could mitigate this for many.
Powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset with 8GB of RAM, the Quest 3S delivers excellent performance. While its resolution is slightly lower than the Quest 3, it comes with a more affordable starting price of $499 AUD. It also supports colour pass-through, enabling users to engage with mixed reality applications. While the depth correction isn’t as refined as its more expensive sibling, it still offers an intriguing glimpse into the future of VR and mixed reality.
The tracking system employs inside-out tracking, utilizing built-in cameras to monitor movement without the need for external sensors. This system generally performs well, though it might encounter challenges in very low-light environments or during rapid movements. Thankfully, this wasn’t an issue experienced during testing. Complementing this technology is the controller-free hand tracking, allowing for intuitive interactions reminiscent of the interface seen in “Minority Report.”
In terms of design, Meta has opted for a slightly simpler aesthetic compared to the Quest 3, yet it maintains a professional build quality. The included controllers are similar to those of the Quest 3, featuring improved haptic feedback and ergonomic grips that feel comfortable and have well-placed buttons.
Comfort-wise, the Quest 3S offers a fairly balanced weight distribution, contributing to a comfortable experience. However, maintaining good posture is advisable to prevent neck strain, a common consideration with all VR headsets. The Quest 3S is powered by a 4,324mAh battery, providing an average runtime of around 2.5 hours. For storage, users have options of 128 GB or 256 GB.
Unboxing
As you can see, Meta has clearly designed the Quest 3S for a diverse range of applications, including gaming, entertainment, and productivity.
Beyond gaming, users can also leverage the Quest 3S to browse the web, participate in virtual meetings, and create content using various VR applications. The hand tracking feature enhances immersion, although its precision isn’t on par with dedicated controllers. Nevertheless, it functions relatively well, even for tasks like typing. While the vision of a full-fledged VR workplace is still on the horizon due to current resolution limitations and occasional interface awkwardness, the Quest 3S represents a significant step in that direction, and its capabilities will undoubtedly improve with technological advancements.
Gaming on the Quest 3S is a smooth and captivating experience, thanks to its high-resolution display and 120Hz refresh rate. Titles like Batman: Arkham Shadow (included with the headset), Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR, Beat Saber, Resident Evil 4 VR, and Asgard’s Wrath 2 run effectively, drawing players into these virtual worlds. The controllers are responsive, though mastering the button layout may take a short while to fully immerse oneself in the gameplay. While there are some action buttons on the headset itself, the controllers are essential for truly engaging with these gaming worlds.
The Quest Store offers a wide array of games, spanning from action-packed shooters to relaxing puzzle experiences. Furthermore, users can connect the headset to a PC via Air Link or a USB-C cable to access an even broader library of PC VR games.
For movie enthusiasts, the Quest 3S provides an excellent way to enjoy content in a virtual theatre. Apps like Netflix, YouTube VR, and Bigscreen VR allow for immersive viewing experiences. The available video documentaries are particularly impressive, offering surreal encounters like “swimming” with sharks, “walking” with elephants, and even enjoying a “live” virtual concert with Sabrina Carpenter, complete with “live” performances of songs like “Espresso,” “Nonsense,” and “Feather.”
The spatial audio system further enhances the experience by providing directional sound, making movies and games feel more immersive. Users also have the option to connect Bluetooth headphones or earbuds for a more personalized audio experience.
Another noteworthy feature is Meta’s virtual space, a central component of the Quest 3S experience. Users can interact with others in Horizon Worlds, attend virtual events, and explore various social VR environments. The avatars within Meta’s virtual space have seen improvements, offering more nuanced facial expressions and movement tracking. However, the overall experience can still be influenced by internet connection quality and server stability, occasionally leading to lag or glitches.
Final Thoughts?
The Meta Quest 3S stands out as a solid, budget-friendly VR headset that delivers a commendable standalone experience without a hefty price tag. While it may lack some of the premium features found in the Quest 3, such as real IPD adjustment and advanced mixed reality capabilities, it still serves as an excellent entry point into the world of virtual reality. If you’re seeking an affordable way to dive into VR, the Quest 3S is definitely a compelling option to consider.
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