iFixScreens.com
Price and Availability: The Meta Quest 3 Starts at $479 for 128GB, $649 for 512GB. Meta Quest 3S is expected to start at $299 for 128GB.
Performance: Both headsets use the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, Adreno 740 GPU, and 8GB RAM. Although, Meta Quest 3S might have smoother frame rates due to lower resolution.
Optics and Display: Meta Quest 3 uses dual pancake lenses with 2064x2208 per eye, while Quest 3S has fresnel lenses at 1832x1920.
Pancake Lenses: Pancake lenses have sharper visuals but they may require brighter panels, while fresnel lenses have better light transmission but are prone to artifacts.
Design: The Meta Quest 3 has a slimmer design with pancake lenses and a four-step lens spacer. Meta Quest 3S is slightly thicker and lacks an IPD adjustment wheel.
Controllers and Tracking: Quest 3S may drop Touch Plus controllers for cost, but could offer better depth tracking via dual IR.
Battery Life: The Meta Quest 3 4879 mAh (18.8 Wh), 2-3 hours per charge. Meta Quest 3S: 4324 mAh (16.74 Wh), possibly the same battery life despite smaller capacity due to less power-hungry optics.
Bottom Line: Meta Quest 3S gives a affordable entry into mixed reality with slightly downgraded visual fidelity but similar performance.