Since the release of the Oculus DK1 in March 2013, consumer VR has evolved by leaps and bounds, and Meta’s latest offerings, the Quest 2 and Quest 3, represent significant milestones in the VR landscape. The Meta Quest 3 has been around for a while now, and we’ve decided to delve into a comparison of these two cutting-edge VR headsets to help you decide which one is right for you, whether you’re stepping into VR for the first time, or considering upgrading.
Design
We’re going to start with comparing the physical design of both headsets. The Quest 2 headset has a simple design, and is constructed with a plastic shell that feels durable.
The Meta Quest 2
The Quest 3 headset maintains a similar design but it's more refined and it’s actually slimmer than the Quest 2. Even though the Quest 3 is slimmer than the Quest 2, it’s slightly heavier but we find the difference to be negligible. In our experience with the Meta Quest 3, we've noticed notable improvements, including enhanced adjustable straps for a better fit, a more adaptable lens spacing adjustment for improved comfort, and an expanded selection of accessories.
The Meta Quest 3
The wider variety of accessories not only allows for increased customization but also reflects a diverse design approach, accommodating individual preferences. We now have the option to select accessories that not only boost the headset's functionality but also match our personal style, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing and individually tailored design for each user.
Controllers
Meta Quest 3 controllers
The Quest 3 features controllers with a more comfortable design, thanks to improved shaping and button placement. The controllers follow the path of the Quest Pro controllers and omit the rings. They unfortunately doesn't come with the cameras of the Quest Pro and so do not have self tracking. In all, they are lighter and easier to maneuver, providing a natural feel in the hands and reducing fatigue during long gaming sessions.
Meta Quest 2 Controllers
Display
At a resolution of 1920 x 1832 the Quest 2’s visuals aren’t the sharpest, but they are decent - at the very least you’re getting full HD quality. On the other hand, the Quest 3 comes with the next gen pancake lens, a resolution of 2064 x 2208 resolution per eye, and a wider Field of View (FOV). Apart from providing increased resolution, sleeker form and improved colours, the pancake lens resolves the blurry edge issues Quest 2 of blurry edges.
Top: Meta Quest 3 Bottom: Meta Quest 2.
Image Credit: Tyriel Wood
In addition to this, we really enjoy the fact that the Quest 3 has a full colour pass through mode and accommodates Mixed Reality. This is not only a game changer for mixed reality projects, but the ability to automatically set up playspace boundaries by scanning your space is quite convenient and time saving. With the meta quest 2, this has to be done manually, that said the option to adjust manually is also available on the Quest 3.
Watch this video to learn more about the Quest 3's full color passthrough
Performance
The Quest 2 has proven itself as a capable VR headset, offering an enjoyable performance that aligns with its accessible price point. While you can’t play graphically intense games such as Half Life: Alyx without connecting it to a gaming PC, there is a wide range of options to enjoy. If you're not interested in performance power or mixed reality, and are just looking for an affordable gateway in VR to go for the Quest 2. It comes with either 128GB of storage, or 256GB which is sufficient for entry point customers.
Moving on to the Quest 3, Meta claims the new Snapdragon XR2 chip platform and 8GB RAM will offer a 30% bump in performance. In our experience that sounds about right. Moving around the Quest 3 is snappier, multitasking is seamless, and the upgraded GPU allows for more details to render in games. In terms of storage the Quest 3 comes in 128GB and 512GB versions.
Whether you're diving into intense gaming sessions or pushing the boundaries of virtual creativity, the Meta Quest 3's performance sets a new standard, providing a level of immersion and responsiveness that surpasses its predecessor.
Meta quest 3 vs Meta quest 2 Comparison table:
|
Meta Quest 3 |
Meta Quest 2 |
|
|
Price |
R15,499 (128GB), R18,499 (512GB) |
R10,899 (128GB), R13,299 (256GB) |
|
Release date |
October 10 2023 |
2020 |
|
Chipset |
Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 (Gen 2) |
Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 |
|
Display resolution |
2064 x 2208 pixels per eye |
1832 x 1920 per eye |
|
Storage |
128GB, 512GB |
128GB, 256GB |
|
RAM |
8GB |
6GB |
|
Battery life |
Up to 2.9 hours (rated) |
2-3 hours (rated) |
|
Size |
18.3 x 16 x 9.7 cm |
19.1 x 13.2 x 10.16 cm |
|
Weight |
499 g |
499 g |
|
Mixed reality passthrough |
Full color passthrough (4MP 18 PPD) |
Limited black and white passthrough |
Conclusion
In this head-to-head comparison, the Meta Quest 3 definitely takes the mantle as the more advanced and capable VR headset. We’ve been really impressed with improvements in display quality, performance, and wireless connectivity, thus making it a more immersive and versatile VR experience. However, the Quest 2 remains an attractive option for those on a budget or new to VR, as it still offers a decent VR experience at a more affordable price point and is still supported by Meta in terms of updates.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your priorities, whether it's cost-effectiveness or having access to the latest VR innovations. Whichever you choose, Meta's Quest lineup continues to set the standard for consumer VR experiences.
UPDATE: We made a comparison video of the Quest 2 and Quest 3, check it out below:
NOTE: The Meta Quest 2 (256GB) is currently on promotion and available for R10,999. Don't miss out, get one here.
To purchase the Quest 3, click here