Meta has officially introduced its latest marvel, the Meta Quest 3 Mixed Reality headset. This device represents a significant leap forward in design, performance, and user experience, setting it apart from its predecessor.
The Quest 3 delivers a heightened immersive experience through its upgraded display, boasting an impressive resolution of 2208 x 2064 pixels and a silky-smooth 90Hz refresh rate. Notably, it introduces an experimental mode that elevates the refresh rate to an astounding 120Hz, promising unparalleled visual clarity and fluidity.
When it comes to the field of view, the Quest 3 shines with a horizontal span of 110° and a vertical span of 96°. Remarkably, the integration of Pancake lens technology makes the optical profile 40% slimmer compared to the Quest 2.
In terms of weight, the Quest 3 weighs in at 515 grams, slightly more than its predecessor, the Quest 2, which registered at 503 grams. This versatile headset allows users to experience it as a standalone device or connect it to a PC using the Quest Link cable. Additionally, it offers the convenience of wireless connectivity via Air Link.
Under the hood, the Quest 3 is powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, a substantial upgrade over the Quest 2’s Snapdragon XR2. This robust System on a Chip (SoC) promises a twofold increase in graphics processing power and is paired with a generous 8GB of DRAM.
The Quest 3 doesn’t just excel in visuals; it also enhances the passthrough experience with two RGB color cameras and depth projectors, surpassing the capabilities of both the Quest 2 and Quest Pro.
Other notable features include integrated 3D spatial audio speakers, customizable head straps for optimum comfort, Touch Plus controllers with TruTouch haptic feedback, and an advanced hand-tracking system enabled by four IR cameras.
In terms of battery life, users can expect an average runtime of approximately 2.2 hours, with a full recharge taking 2.3 hours using an 18W charger.
The Quest 3 offers two storage options: a 128GB model priced at USD 500 and a 512GB model at USD 650. Pre-orders for the Meta Quest 3 are now open, and official sales are scheduled to commence on October 10, 2023.