The Meta Quest 3S is a comprehensive virtual reality headset that offers excellent hand controllers, built-in speakers, and a solid software library with great games and apps. It features a new cluster of cameras and sensors for faster performance, comfortable design, and improved battery life.
Controllers
The Meta Quest 3S comes with two excellent hand controllers that are light, comfortable, accurate, and intuitive. They feature capacitive buttons that can detect finger presence without pressing them for hand gestures.
Sustainability
The headset has built-in speakers in the arms, eliminating the need for external devices to jump into an experience. However, Meta does not offer battery swap or repair services but provides out-of-warranty replacements, refurbishing, and reselling of returned devices.
Specifications
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Screen: 120Hz LCD (1832×1920 per eye)
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Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
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RAM: 8GB
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Storage: 128GB or 256GB
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Operating System: Horizon OS (Android)
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Connectivity: Wifi 6E, Bluetooth, USB-C with Oculus Link, stereo speakers, microphone
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Headset Dimensions: 191.5 x 102 x 142.5mm
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Headset Weight: 514g
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Controller Weight: 103g (without battery)
Games and Apps
The Quest 3S has a solid software with a great library of games, including Meta’s own publishing studios’ titles such as Beat Saber, Asgard’s Wrath 2, and Batman: Arkham Shadow. The headset also supports multitasking for up to three floating windows and more in a dock.
Hardware
The headset works with excellent controllers that can track hand movement for controller-free interaction. A spacer for glasses is included, and prescription lenses are available for £50.
Specifications:
- Operating system: Horizon OS (Android)
Performance
The Quest 3S has a new cluster of cameras and sensors that track the movement of the headset, body, hands, and controllers. This provides faster and smoother performance, making everything more detailed and crisper.
Battery life is around two hours of intensive play, which is sufficient for most users. A USB-C charger can be used to top up the battery, and extra battery packs are available for longer play sessions.
Comfort
The headset has a well-designed strap that fits across the back and top of the head, along with pivotable arms and a foam faceplate that make it comfortable to wear for prolonged periods. Meta sells additional straps and faceplates for different fits.
Conclusion
The Meta Quest 3S has a battery that should last at least 500 full charge cycles, but the company does not offer battery swap or repair services. However, out-of-warranty replacements, refurbishing, and reselling of returned devices are available.
Solid Software with a Great Library of Games
The Quest’s Horizon OS software has improved significantly in recent years, supporting multitasking for up to three floating windows and more in a dock. Instant switching between immersive and pass-through views is also possible, along with great sensing of the environment and virtual boundaries to prevent collisions.
A Meta account registered to an email address is required to use the Quest, but a Facebook or Instagram account is not necessary. Parental control and supervision tools are available, and security updates will be provided until at least October 2029.
App Store
The app store for the Quest is large, with games ranging in price from a few pounds to about £45. Quality titles are available across various genres, including fitness and workout apps. Some notable brands have titles on the Quest, such as Assassin’s Creed, Medal of Honor, and Resident Evil, along with cross-platform games like Superhot VR, Red Matter 2, and Arizona Sunshine 2.
- theguardian.com | Meta Quest 3S review: the best bang for your buck in VR Virtual ...
