Meta Quest 3S All-in-One VR Headset – Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, 8GB RAM, Mixed Reality, Touch Plus Controllers

Overview
The Meta Quest 3S is an all-in-one virtual reality and mixed reality headset. It runs without a PC or a console, using a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset with 8GB of memory. Two RGB cameras provide full-colour pass-through of the room, so virtual content can be placed in the physical space around the wearer. Two Meta Quest Touch Plus controllers are supplied. This listing is available with 128GB or 256GB of storage.

Processor and memory
The headset uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset. Meta states double the GPU processing power of the Meta Quest 2. Memory is 8GB, which Meta states is 33% more than the Meta Quest 2.

Display and optics
Each eye has a display running at 1832 x 1920 pixels, which Meta states as 20 pixels per degree and 773 pixels per inch. Supported refresh rates are 72Hz, 90Hz and 120Hz. The field of view is 96 degrees horizontal and 90 degrees vertical. The optics are Fresnel lenses with three-position interaxial distance (IAD) adjustment. Eye tracking is not featured.

Pass-through and tracking
Pass-through uses two RGB colour cameras at 18 pixels per degree, which Meta states is 4.5 times the pass-through resolution of the Meta Quest 2, in full colour. Depth and room mapping allow movement through the space and interaction with virtual objects. Direct Touch hand tracking uses four infrared cameras and two RGB cameras, with two flood LEDs for illumination, so the headset can be navigated without controllers.

Controllers
Two Meta Quest Touch Plus controllers are included. They use a ring-free design and TruTouch variable haptics for tactile feedback. Wrist straps and two AA batteries are supplied with them.

Audio
Audio is built into the headset, with spatial audio support. USB-C headphones can be connected directly. A 3.5mm-to-USB-C adapter is required for headphones with a 3.5mm jack and is sold separately.

Battery and charging
The battery is 4,324mAh. Meta states up to 2.5 hours of average use, broken down as 2.7 hours gaming, 2.3 hours social, 1.8 hours productivity and 2.8 hours media, and notes that run time varies with settings, usage, battery age and wireless conditions. Charging takes approximately 1.9 hours for the headset alone using the supplied 18W power adapter, through a built-in USB-C port.

Connectivity and PC use
The headset is Wi-Fi 6E certified where the region permits, with a built-in USB-C port for charging and data. It can be connected to a PC using the Meta Quest Link Cable or Air Link, both sold separately.

Fit and comfort
The headset weighs 514 grams. Meta states it is 20% slimmer than the Meta Quest 2, excluding the facial interface. A soft adjustable strap is fitted; a hard strap is sold separately. The standard facial interface is pre-installed and a glasses spacer is included for wearing glasses inside the headset.

Privacy
An external LED signals to people nearby when the external cameras are in use. Settings include data sharing opt-in and opt-out, an electronic microphone and camera disconnect, and password or PIN protection for multiple users.

Content and compatibility
The headset has access to the Meta Quest catalogue of apps, games and experiences, including titles previously downloaded on a Meta Quest 2 and titles available on Quest 3 and Quest 3S.

In the box
Meta supplies the Meta Quest 3S headset with the standard facial interface pre-installed and a glasses spacer, a universal power adapter with a 1-metre USB-C charging and data cable, and two Touch Plus controllers with wrist straps and two AA batteries. Meta notes that available storage is less than the stated capacity because of the software already installed, and that updates are required from time to time, including before first use.