When it comes to the Meta Quest 2 vs Quest 3 comparison, the competition is notably tougher than the showdown between PSVR 2 and Meta Quest 3. This is largely due to the striking similarities between the Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3 headsets.
Both the Quest 2 and Quest 3 headsets hold their positions as the best VR headsets in 2023, creating a conundrum for potential buyers when deciding between them. To make the right choice, it is crucial to identify which headset gives you what you want at a price you're comfortable with.
We've made this Meta Quest 2 vs Quest 3 comparison guide to offer you a clearer picture of whether the Meta Quest 2 suits your needs or if you will be more satisfied by the advancements offered by the Meta Quest 3.
Meta Quest 2 vs Quest 3 - specs and key differences
Looking at technical details, it's easy to see how the Meta Quest 3 is clearly better than Quest 2. It's the newer version and comes with improved hardware, showcasing Meta's dedication to pushing the boundaries of VR technology.
Meta Quest 3 | Meta Quest 2 | |
|---|---|---|
Chipset | TBA next-gen Qualcomm Snapdragon | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 |
Resolution | Nearly 30% greater than Quest 2 | 1832 x 1920 per eye |
Storage | 128GB, TBA larger size | 128GB, 256GB |
RAM | TBA | 6GB |
Battery life | 2-3 hours (reported) | 2-3 hours (rated) |
Size | TBA (40% slimmer than Quest 2) | 7.5 x 4 x 5.2 inches |
Mixed reality passthrough | Full color passthrough | Limited black and white passthrough |
Price | $499 (128GB) | $299 (128GB), $349 (256GB) |
Meta has brought about significant enhancements with the Quest 3. Notably, it's 40% slimmer compared to the Quest 2, plus it boasts a higher resolution. Additionally, its next-gen Snapdragon chipset delivers double the graphical performance of the Quest 2's GPU.
The Quest 3 introduces a brand-new camera array on its front visor, featuring dual 4MP RGB colour cameras flanking a depth sensor. This setup provides accurate surroundings visualization and enables full-color video passthrough.
Regarding battery life, both the Quest 3 and Quest 2 perform similarly. According to Meta's CTO Andrew Bosworth, the Quest 3's battery life is roughly equivalent to the Quest 2's, lasting around 2-3 hours.
Meta Quest 2 vs Quest 3 - price
Arguably the standout factor in favor of the Meta Quest 2 is its pricing, which stands out as a significant advantage.
Currently, the 128GB model is attractively priced at $299, and for those seeking more storage, the 256GB version is available for $349. This affordability contributes to the Quest 2's appeal as a cost-effective option in the realm of VR.
Meanwhile, the Meta Quest 3 carries a price tag of $499 for the 128GB storage variant. As for the remaining storage options, their respective prices are still under wraps, leaving room for anticipation and curiosity.
Meta Quest 2 vs Quest 3 - which to buy?
Choosing between the Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3 depends on your budget and priorities.
If your budget allows and you're aiming for the ultimate immersive experience, the Quest 3 is definitely the top pick. The upgraded specs of the Quest 3 translate to smoother performance, incredibly crisp details, and an overall improved experience.
The inclusion of pancake lenses in the Quest 3, without any additional features, turns it into an instant buy for numerous users. This alteration results in increased clarity, a larger sweet spot, reduced size, and an overall improvement in comfort.
However, if you're seeking the most budget-friendly entry into VR, the Quest 2 remains the ideal choice. Considering the $299 price tag and the continued software updates to improve performance, investing in a Quest 2 now remains worthwhile.
If you're worried about the Quest 2's less potent chipset, it's worth noting that you have the option to connect it to your VR-ready PC. This allows you to harness the PC's robust hardware for playing the best Oculus games, mitigating any concerns about performance limitations.
And with that, we are wrapping up our Meta Quest 2 vs Quest 3 comparison guide. If you're choosing the Quest 3, don't miss out on our informative guides about the headset, including instructions on how to set it up and details about its charge time.