In this review I’ll go over everything you need to know before buying the Meta Quest 3. Try to answer all the frequently asked questions and whether it’s worth upgrading from the Quest 2.
Why I’ve decided to Upgrade to Quest 3 from Quest 2
I owned the Quest 2 and decided to upgrade to the Quest 3. The main reason is due to its advanced mixed reality features.. Yes, for me that was the main reason for upgrading. I personally didn’t care a lot about the marginal upgrade when it comes to performance and screen sharpness.
But there are plenty of updates that might lead you to want to upgrade or buy the Quest 3 regardless of its mixed reality features.
Unboxing Video of the Meta Quest 3 512GB Model
If you are interested in an unboxing video, here you go!
Quest 3 vs Quest 2 Key Specs Differences
Among the key differences comparing the Meta Quest 3 to its predecessor, the Quest 2 are:
| Specification | Meta Quest 3 | Meta Quest 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 2,064 × 2,208 pixels per eye | 1,832 × 1,920 pixels per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz, 120Hz | 60Hz, 72Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Optics | Pancake non-Fresnel | Single element Fresnel |
| Field of View | 110ºH × 96ºV | 96ºH × 96ºV |
| IPD Adjustment | 53–75mm Dedicated IPD adjustment scroller button | 58mm, 63mm, 68mm |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Snapdragon XR2 |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Connectors | USB-C, contact pads for optional dock | USB-C |
| Weight | 515g | 503g |
| Dimensions | 184mm x 160mm x 98mm | 191.5mm x 102mm x 142.5mm |
| Tracking | Inside-out (no external beacons) | Inside-out (no external beacons) |
| Controllers | Headset-tracked (line-of-sight needed) | Headset-tracked (line-of-sight needed) |
| Audio | In-headstrap speakers, 3.5mm aux output Improved audio quality and bass | In-headstrap speakers, 3.5mm aux output |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Pass-through | Yes (color) 10x times higher resolution than Quest 2 | Yes (B&W) |
| Price | $500 (128GB), $650 (512GB) | $300 (128GB), $350 (256GB) |
Specs aside, one of the most obvious things when you use the headset is the slimmer (30%) profile, the new headstrap with 2 supporting straps at the back (compared to one on the Quest 2). The new controllers without the rings and with a a dedicated battery cover removal button. The amazing new color passthrough with 10x time higher passthrough resolution, the depth scanning, improved audio, and improve viewing experience.
These are the things that you immediately notice in my opinion once you started using the Q3 VR/MR headset.
Does the Quest 3 Comes Charged Out of the Box?
Yes, for me it was around 50%. The controllers also come charges 100%. You’ll need to remove two plastics to enable the batteries to work as by default the electric circle is blocked and the controller don’t work out of the box until you pull those plastics out.
What is the Battery Life of the Quest 3
The Meta Quest 3’s battery life is anticipated to align closely with the Meta Quest 2’s performance. Andrew Bosworth, the Chief Technology Officer of Meta, indicated in a Q&A session that users could expect a battery duration for the Quest 3 that’s roughly equivalent to the Quest 2, with slight variations. Consequently, the battery of the Quest 3 is likely to last about two to three hours on a single charge. However, the actual battery life may vary based on how the device is used.
The Meta Quest 3 is expected to have a battery life of approximately two to three hours, similar to that of the Meta Quest 2. The exact duration may vary depending on the specific usage of the device.
What Controllers Does the Quest 3 Comes with?
The Meta Quest 3 comes with the new Touch Plus Controllers, which have undergone significant redesigns compared to the controllers of the Quest 2. These redesigned controllers have eliminated the tracking rings, making them less bulky and easier to store. The reduction in size also translates to a lighter weight, enhancing ease of movement and comfort during gameplay. The Touch Plus Controllers feature built-in camera-like sensors for tracking, which is expected to offer more accurate tracking capabilities. Despite these changes, the button layout remains largely the same, ensuring a familiar user experience for those transitioning from the Quest 2.
How to Open the Battery Cover of the Quest 3 Controller?
For me the most important part was getting rid of the plastic ring and having a dedicated (triangle) button to easily open the battery cover of the Meta Quest 3 controllers.
Here is a video that shows you how to replace the battery of the Quest 3 Touch Controller.
Quest 3 vs Quest 2 Size Comparison
Here are two videos that give you a very detailed dimension comparison between the Quest 2 and the new Quest 3.
Can I Still See Screen Pixels & Screen Door Effect
Yes, bot are visible but much reduces compared to the Meta Quest 2 by far. The added viewing angle, extra sharpness and new lenses lead to a better overall viewing experience which is noticeably better compared to the Quest 2.
Does the Quest 3 have a physical IPD adjustment?
Yes, and not just that, it has a scroll wheel that enables you to change the size without touching the lenses themselves. Compared to the Quest 2 where you needed to move the lens housing to change the diopter.
Does the Quest 3 can be used Wearing Glasses?
Yes. In fact, that is a button on the inner side of the Quest 3 headset that allows you to increase the distance between the facial interface and your face, making room for wearing glasses.
How Good is the Mixed Reality Experience on the Quest 3
If you ask me, the main reason to get the new Meta Quest 3 VR/MR headset is for its mixed reality features. It now offers color passthrough, high-resolution (10x times than Q2), and depth scanning.
What is the Depth Scanning Feature on the Quest 3?
The Depth Scanning is a feature that exist on the Meta Quest 3 and don’t exist on neither the original Quest or Quest 2. It features front-facing cameras that can scan your physical environment and create a low-res mesh replica of it. This allow virtual content to be occluded (hidden) or intersected (collisions) with its when playing games and using compatible apps.
When you start your Quest 3 (it comes charged ~50% and 100% for the controllers) you will be able to play a bundled free Mixed Reality game called First Encounters.
Here is First Encounters gameplay in my small room.
As you can see in the video, you can see the little fury ball-shaped enemies climbing on real world surfaces, hidden behind them—all thanks to the previous scan I’ve done before using the app. You don’t have to scan every single time before playing a game, the Quest 3 headset remembers the room scan and will use it if you play in the same area. If you plan to use another area that wasn’t previously scanned, you’ll need, obviously, to scan it again.
Will the Quest 3 have backwards compatibility?
The Quest 3 can run Quest and Quest 2 games, so it has backwards compatibility. This means that any game that was released for the Quest platform on the Oculus Store and SideQuest apps will be supported and compatible with the Quest 3.
What games will be available for the Quest 3?
The Quest 3 will be compatible with all of the games that are currently available for the Quest 2. Additionally, there are a number of new games that are being developed specifically for the Quest 3.
Some games already got some updates to support the Quest 3 with better graphics, textures and more detailed worlds. Some will be developed as dedicated apps exclusively to the Quest 3. This also include mixed reality apps that require the depth scanning, which is exclusive to the Quest 3 and Quest Pro to work. There aren’t many of them as of the time writing this review, but there will be plenty on the way.
Does the Quest 3 has Eye Tracking?
No, the Meta Quest 3 does not have eye tracking. This feature is present in the Meta Quest Pro but has not been included in the Quest 3 model. The Quest 3 focuses on other advancements like improved display resolution, mixed reality features, and a new controller design, but eye tracking is not among its features.
Is the Quest 3 comfortable to wear
Yes, the Quest 3 is designed to be comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. It has a lightweight design and a soft, adjustable head strap.
Is the Quest 3 safe for children to use?
The safety of the Meta Quest 3 for children, like any VR headset, depends on a few factors:
- Age Recommendations: Most VR headset manufacturers, including Meta, recommend their devices for users aged 13 and older. This is due to concerns about the potential impact of VR on developing vision and cognitive abilities in younger children.
- Parental Supervision: For younger users, parental supervision is advised. This ensures that children use the device safely and for appropriate periods of time.
- Content Appropriateness: Parents should ensure that the content being accessed is suitable for the child’s age and maturity level.
- Physical Safety: As with any VR headset, there’s a risk of physical injury from bumping into objects or falling while immersed in VR. Ensuring a safe play area and monitoring usage can mitigate these risks.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and consider the individual child’s maturity and ability to follow safety instructions when deciding if a VR headset like the Quest 3 is appropriate for them.
Is the Quest 3 worth the price?
The Quest 3 is a high-end VR headset with a lot of features. Whether or not it is worth the price depends on your individual needs and budget.
The being said, when it comes to mixed reality, it’s a no brainer. If you are not a fan of mixed reality nor planning to use it a lot, still, I think that the other improvement for the visual experience, improved ergonomics and higher processing power, will a good buy compared to the Quest 2, but might not convince some to upgrade and wait for the Quest 4 instead.
Haven’t decided yet, watch this Meta Quest 3 video review:
Buy the Meta Quest 3 from Amazon.com here
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What are your thoughts?