Detailed Review of Meta Quest 3s VR headset: Is It Still Worth Buying?

Summary

There's a whole world of high-end VR headsets with cutting-edge displays and optics that most people can't afford, and Meta's Quest 3S is exactly what we've been waiting for.

It only took Meta three generations to deliver a VR headset that feels accessible without sacrificing the core experience, but the Quest 3S delivers in almost every aspect that matters. 

Overview of Meta Quest 3S VR Headset

The Meta Quest 3S is Meta's attempt to democratize mixed reality without completely gutting the experience.

It's a fascinating middle child that borrows the best parts of its older siblings while making some calculated compromises to hit that sweet price point. At its core, this is still a Quest 2 wearing Quest 3's brain – and that's not necessarily a bad thing.

The standout feature is the full color passthrough mixed reality capabilities, something that was completely absent from the Quest 2's primitive black-and-white cameras. When I first put the Quest 3S on, I was genuinely impressed by how convincing the mixed reality experience felt.

You can pet your cat, grab a drink, or interact with real-world objects without removing the headset. It's the kind of seamless integration that makes VR feel less isolating and more connected to your actual environment. 

Under the hood, the Quest 3S packs the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor that powers the Quest 3, paired with 8GB of RAM instead of the Quest 2's 6GB. This isn't just a spec sheet upgrade – it translates to genuinely better performance, with games loading faster and running smoother than they ever did on the Quest 2.

The 33% RAM boost means you can multitask without everything grinding to a halt, all powered by Meta's Horizon OS software.

The Touch Plus controllers is a welcome evolution from the Quest 2's clunky ring-based design. They're lighter, more intuitive, and significantly less likely to smash into each other during enthusiastic gaming sessions.

The tracking feels solid and responsive, though it still requires line-of-sight to the headset's cameras, a limitation that's becoming increasingly outdated in 2025.

What you're giving up for that price tag is immediately apparent when you compare displays. The Quest 3S uses the same 1,832 × 1,920 resolution LCD panels as the Quest 2, with traditional Fresnel lenses that create noticeable god-rays and a narrower field of view compared to the Quest 3's pancake lenses.

It's perfectly functional, but it's the kind of compromise that reminds you this isn't the premium option.

Comparison of Meta Quest 3S, 3, and 2

Design and Build Quality 

You have to hold the Quest 3S in your hands to appreciate how much Meta has refined the VR headset formula. Even though it shares the Quest 2's basic proportions, the Quest 3S feels 20% slimmer and significantly more balanced.

The weight distribution is noticeably better. I can wear it for extended sessions without the front-heavy feeling that plagued the Quest 2. 

The fabric Y-style strap is a mixed bag. It's more breathable than the Quest 2's original design, but I still found myself fighting with it to get a secure fit. After about an hour of active gaming, it tends to loosen up, which is frustrating when you're in the middle of an intense session. 

Build quality feels solid, though I couldn't help but notice the Quest 3S gets noticeably warm during extended use. The thinner profile means less room for thermal management, and during summer gaming sessions, I found myself taking breaks more frequently than I'd like. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's something to be aware of if you live in a warmer climate.

The camera placement is well-considered, with the mixed reality sensors positioned to minimize occlusion.

I rarely experienced tracking issues, though the controllers still need to stay within the headset's field of view. The flood LEDs for low-light gaming are a nice touch that actually works – I was able to play comfortably in my dimly lit living room without any tracking hiccups. 

One minor annoyance is the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack, which both the Quest 2 and Quest 3 had. Meta's integrated audio is decent, but if you prefer your own headphones, you'll need to rely on Bluetooth or USB-C adapters.

It's the kind of cost-cutting measure that makes sense on paper but feels needlessly restrictive in practice. 

Visual Performance

The Quest 3S delivers a perfectly serviceable visual experience that sits comfortably in the "good enough" category.

The 1,832 × 1,920 resolution per eye produces sharp text and detailed environments, though you'll notice the screen door effect if you're specifically looking for it. For most gaming and media consumption, the display quality is more than adequate. 

The Fresnel lenses are the most obvious compromise compared to the Quest 3. God-rays are noticeable, particularly in high-contrast scenes, and the sweet spot for clarity is smaller than I'd like.

I found myself constantly adjusting the Quest 3S position to find the optimal viewing angle, which can be distracting during longer sessions. The chromatic aberration at the edges is minimal but present – it's most noticeable when reading text near the peripheral vision. 

Color reproduction is vibrant and punchy, though it lacks the depth you'd get from OLED displays. Black levels are acceptable but not impressive, which becomes apparent during darker scenes or when watching movies.

The 90Hz and 120Hz refresh rate options help maintain smooth motion, and I didn't experience any significant ghosting or motion blur during fast-paced gaming. 

The mixed reality passthrough is genuinely impressive for a ₹58,199 device. The 18 PPD color cameras provide a clear enough view of your surroundings to navigate safely and interact with real-world objects.

It's not as crisp as the Quest 3's implementation, but it's miles ahead of the Quest 2's primitive black-and-white feed. Mixed reality games like Starship Home feel magical and convincing, turning your living room into an interactive playground. 

Battery Life and Charging

The Quest 3S delivers 2.5 hours of battery life in ideal conditions, which represents a solid improvement over both the Quest 2 and Quest 3. The 4,324mAh battery strikes a good balance between capacity and weight, though your mileage will vary significantly depending on what you're doing with the headset.

During standard gaming sessions, I consistently hit the 2.5-hour mark before needing to charge. Casual experiences like media consumption or social VR apps tend to be easier on the battery, sometimes stretching usage to nearly 3 hours.

However, graphically intensive games like Batman: Arkham Shadow or heavy mixed reality usage can drain the Quest 3S battery in closer to 2 hours. 

Charging takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes from empty to full using the included USB-C cable and charging brick. It's not the fastest charging experience, but it's reasonable for the battery capacity. The headset supports pass-through charging, so you can play while plugged in if you're near an outlet.

The battery degradation concern is real with any lithium-ion battery. After a few months of regular use, you'll likely notice reduced capacity, potentially dropping to 1.5-2 hours per charge.

Meta offers Elite Strap with Battery options that can double your playtime, but it's a significant additional investment that pushes the total cost closer to Quest 3 territory.

Experience with Games

Gaming on the Quest 3S is where the headset truly shines. The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor provides a genuine performance boost over the Quest 2, with games loading faster and running smoother.

Many Quest 2 titles receive graphical enhancements when running on the Quest 3S, including improved textures, better lighting, and reduced fog effects. 

Mixed reality gaming is the killer feature that sets the Quest 3S apart from its predecessor. Games like Racket Club transform your living room into a virtual sports arena, and the experience feels genuinely magical. The ability to see your real environment while playing adds a layer of immersion that traditional VR simply can't match.

The controller tracking is reliable and responsive, though it still requires line-of-sight to the headset cameras. I experienced occasional tracking hiccups when controllers were directly in front of the headset or aligned with each other, but these moments were brief and didn't significantly impact gameplay.

Setting up your Meta account and accessing games is straightforward through the intuitive interface. 

AAA exclusives like Batman: Arkham Shadow and Alien: Rogue Incursion are only available on Quest 3 and Quest 3S, giving Quest 2 owners a compelling reason to upgrade. These games showcase the improved processing power and demonstrate what's possible when developers target the newer hardware.

The wireless freedom cannot be overstated. After years of dealing with cable management on PC VR setups, the Quest 3S feels liberating. You can move naturally without worrying about tripping over cables or hitting your play space boundaries.

Price vs Performance

At ₹58,199 for the 128GB model, the Quest 3S occupies a challenging position in Meta's Indian lineup. It's significantly more expensive than the discontinued Quest 2's price point, but those savings come with meaningful compromises that might not be worth it for everyone when the Quest 3 is available for potentially less money.

The value proposition becomes complex when you consider Meta Quest 3S costs in the Indian market. The Quest 3S is strongest for first-time VR buyers or Quest 2 owners looking for a substantial upgrade. The mixed reality capabilities, improved performance, and access to newer games justify the price for these users.

The ecosystem value is significant. Meta's Quest store offers hundreds of games, and the headset works seamlessly with PC VR through Air Link or cable connection. The platform feels mature and well-supported, with regular software updates and new features rolling out consistently.

Should You Buy the Meta Quest 3s VR Headset?

The Quest 3S is a headset caught between worlds – too expensive to be the budget option many hoped for, but too compromised to compete directly with the Quest 3. If you're a Quest 2 owner, the upgrade makes sense for the mixed reality features and improved performance, but only if you can't justify the similar price for the Quest 3.

For VR newcomers, the Quest 3S represents a solid entry point into mixed reality, though the pricing in India makes it less compelling than in international markets. The experience is polished, the game library is extensive, and the wireless freedom is genuinely liberating.

However, I'd strongly recommend considering the Quest 3 if your budget allows – the superior display and lenses make a noticeable difference in daily use. 

The sweet spot for the Quest 3S is users who primarily care about mixed reality features and wireless convenience over absolute visual fidelity. If you're planning to use the headset for fitness, social VR, or casual gaming, the display compromises matter less than they would for intensive gaming or media consumption.

Conclusion

The Quest 3S is more than good enough for most people. I know the Quest 3 is still the better choice for most users, but I understand why the Quest 3S exists and who it's for. If you can stomach the compromises and find it at a discounted price, the Quest 3S will serve you well. 

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