Meta Quest 3S and DeoVR

Meta’s Quest 3S is coming out soon. This is the affordable version of the hugely popular Quest 3 - #1 in our most recommended VR headsets. Here’s everything you need to know about the price, release date, features and, most importantly, how it will work with DeoVR. 

Should you buy the Quest 3 or Quest 3S? 

Both are great products, but here's our advice: 

Buy the Quest 3S if: 

• You're looking for the most affordable, high-spec VR headset available right now
• You haven't owned a standalone VR headset before (or only an older headset such as the Quest 1, Go, GearVR, etc)

Buy the Quest 3 if: 

• You want the very best visuals available and are willing to pay a little extra
• You're upgrading from the Quest 2

This is because while the internal specs of both headsets are mostly the same, the Quest 3S has fresnel lenses (same as the Quest 2) whereas the Quest 3 has higher-quality pancake lenses. This means when going from the Quest 2 to the 3S, the leap in visual quality won't be quite as great as it would be going from the Quest 2 fresnel lenses to the Quest 3 pancake lenses. The Quest 3 pancake lenses have a greater 'sweet spot' and are worth the (small) extra cost. 

But if this is your first standalone VR headset, the Quest 3S is an incredible purchase. You'll get the vast majority of the benefits of the Quest 3 but at a reduced price. 

Ultimately, whichever headset you choose, you won't be disappointed. Both Quest headsets are perfect for all DeoVR's amazing features, and both come at a very impressive price point. 

What’s the release date and price of the Meta Quest 3S? 

Meta is releasing the Quest 3S in two storage options: 128GB and 256GB, priced at $300 and $400, respectively. Both are a much more affordable alternative to the current Quest 3 headset.

The Quest 3S will officially launch on October 15, and preorders are already open on Meta's online store. As a bonus, if you preorder, you'll receive a bundle that includes Touch Plus Controllers, a power adapter, a subscription to Meta Quest Plus, and a copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow.

Does the Quest 3S work well with DeoVR?

DeoVR will work instantly with the Quest 3S. The visuals will be just as good, and all the extra features, such as passthrough will work perfectly. 

Full AV1 support

As of October 2024, DeoVR supports the new AV1 codec. Our video library is currently being converted to AV1 - this means better quality, with around 30% lower bitrate than the HEVC codec. This means more efficient streaming and lower memory costs. 

The Quest 3S headset fully supports AV1. DeoVR will automatically detect if your headset can support AV1 and apply it. 

Features of the Meta Quest 3S

According to Meta, the Quest 3S delivers the same impressive mixed-reality experience as the Quest 3 - this means 4.5 times the resolution and enhanced color quality compared to the Quest 2. This means virtual objects will appear in stunning high-definition, with a level of realism that makes them feel almost lifelike - perfect for VR content. 

Chipset: 

The Quest 3S is powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, just like its predecessor. This advanced processor ensures fast load times, smooth performance, and high-definition graphics, making sure your VR experience is as seamless and immersive as possible when using DeoVR. 

Battery: 

The Quest 3S will feature a 4,324mAh battery, offering about 2.5 hours of usage on a single charge. Its field of view is reported to be 96 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically, providing an expansive and immersive viewing experience.

Audio: 

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also confirmed that the Quest 3S will support spatial audio, enhancing the 3D sound experience. However, as of now, specific details about the headset's audio system are still under wraps. Keep checking back for the latest updates. 

How is the Quest 3S different from the Quest 3? 

New camera layout: 

The Meta Quest 3S brings a fresh new look compared to the Quest 3, with a striking "spider-eyes appearance." Instead of the vertical camera setup found on the Quest 3, the 3S has lenses arranged in a triangular pattern on each side, giving it a unique and futuristic vibe.

Fresnel lenses: 

Instead of the pancake lenses found in the Quest 3, the Quest 3S is equipped with fresnel lenses, similar to the Quest 2. These feature "3-position interaxial adjustment distances (IAD)," which allows for adjustments to ensure crystal-clear image quality. Each lens outputs a resolution of 1,832 x 1,920 pixels per eye, delivering sharp visuals for an immersive experience. 

Depth sensor: 

The Quest 3S will include the same 4MP RGB cameras with 18 pixels per degree (ppd) for mixed reality experiences, delivering vibrant and detailed visuals. However, it does not feature a hardware depth sensor, so the device relies on other tech to provide its mixed-reality functionality. Despite the absence of a depth sensor, you can still expect an immersive and visually rich experience.

Longer sessions: 

The battery life is billed as 2 hours 30 minutes, substantially longer than the Quest 3 which lasts around 2 hours and 12 minutes. This means longer VR video sessions and less risk of the battery running out. 

Body size: 

The body is bulkier than the Quest 3, more similar to the Quest 2 but about 20% slimmer than that model, despite having the thicker fresnel lenses. 

Full specs for the 3S Vs Quest 3

Verdict: Should I buy the Quest 3S for VR? 

The Quest 3S is the perfect VR headset for those who don't have the Quest 3 - it matches up to the Q3 in many ways, plus costs a lot less. It can cope with all the advanced features and 8K videos at DeoVR and looks set to be the most reliable and affordable model for the next few years.