Why is Meta Quest 3 better than Meta Quest 2?
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Softsonix Team
- Feb 22, 2024
- 3 Min Read
Credit - Freepik
In the world of virtual reality meta quest 2 has held its ground as a fan favorite headset for several years. But with the arrival of meta quest 3 the virtual reality landscape is witnessing a major upgrade. In this guide you can learn everything about the differences between meta quest2 and meta quest 3.
Price dilemma
You can start the entire element by addressing the elephant in the room that is the price for meta quest 2 is around $300.00 while its successor the meta quest 3 is little expensive as it demands a premium of $500. The $200 difference might raise eyebrows especially if you are a budget conscious customer. But understanding the added value is very important in making the right decision. Well, when it comes to price the winner is truly meta quest 2.
Pass through cameras
You must know that both the headsets offer pass through cameras allowing you to view the surroundings well. The meta quest 2 provides you a monochrome view while the meta quest 3 provides you sharp color cameras. This advancement goes way beyond just cosmetics, it greatly improves the augmented reality experience for you. Quest 3 features color pass through cameras and it brings a new level of clarity making virtual interactions for you.
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Display
Visual quality plays a very important role in virtual reality experience. The meta quest 2 delivers amazing 1920 by 1800 picture to every eye but meta quest 3 takes it up to a top notch with a resolution of 2064 by 2208. This increase in pixel count results in noticeably sharper visuals making the meta quest a compelling choice for you if you prioritize display quality. So, the winner here is truly meta quest 3.
Processing power
Under the hood meta quest 2 employs the Snapdragon XR2 generation 1 processor. But at the same time meta quest 3 boasts a Snapdragon XR2 generation 2. Qualcomm claims a major leap in geographical and AI processing power with generation 2 offering you 2.5 times the graphical capability and eight times the AI processing power as compared to its predecessor. This upgrade truly translates to a strong and responsive VR experience. Of course, the winner here is meta quest 3.
Aesthetics and comfort
The physical design of VR headsets is often ignored but it plays a very important role in your user comfort. Meta quest 3 weighs slightly more at 18.2 ounces as compared to meta quests 2 17.7 oz surprising you with its sleek and more compact design. The redesigned headband, especially the Y shaped top strap contributes towards better weight distribution ensuring a comfortable fit during extended sessions. If you're looking for aesthetics and comfort, then meta quest 3 is truly a winner.
Battery life woes
Battery life remains a pain point for standalone VR headsets and both quest 2 and quest 3 fall victim to this limitation. Both meta quest 2 and meta quest 3 don't have any lasting memory as they just last around 3 hours. You need to manage your usage judiciously. While the option to use them as a tethered headsets via USB C provides A workaround but the need for regular recharging is an undeniable inconvenience for users.
Meta quest 2- the budget friendly contender
Despite the amazing upgrades of meta quest 3 meta quest 2 holds its ground. It is priced at $300.00, and it remains an amazing choice for budget conscious consumers. While not as fast as its successor, the meta quest 2 continues to run on all software on the meta quest platform smoothly. But you should be aware about the AR experiences might be limited on quest 2.
Beyond quest 3
If you are willing to explore the professional collaborative aspects of VR then meta quest pro enters the conversation here. It is priced at $1500, and it boasts XR2 plus chip. But when compared to the meta quest 3 the processing power and display fall short. The standout feature of the eye tracking and paste tracking technology is impressive but it might not justify the substantial price difference for most of the users. You can use meta quest pro for specialized use cases only.
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Looking beyond meta
Undoubtedly Meta's offerings dominate the VR scene, but other players also enter the arena. The PlayStation VR2 is priced at $549 which introduces eye-tracking technology and hosts amazing game library. It's your best bet if you are a PlayStation 5 owner. The valve index, though aging remains a contender at 999$ with its amazing finger-tracking controllers. So, when it comes to exploring beyond Meta you can check out different options catering to your unique preferences and requirements.
Making the right choice
In the end the decision to choose between meta quest 2 and meta quest 3 boils down to your individual priorities and budget constraints. The meta quest 3 unquestionably outshines the predecessor in different aspects making it a go to choose for you if you are seeking the latest VR technology. But the meta quest too remains a viable option for you if you are a budget conscious user offering a respectable, we are experienced at a more accessible price point.
As the VR landscape is likely to change with meta at the forefront you need to consider alternatives that cater to your specific requirements. Whether it be professional applications came in preferences or budget constraints. The meta quest 2 and meta quest 3 represent significant milestones in the VR journey each catering to unique audiences. The choice lies in aligning your personal preference with the features that matters the most in the ever-expanding world of virtual reality.
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