Meta quest 3 vs Meta quest 2: All you need to know

2 May 2024 | Augmented reality, Virtual reality, 360° video, Immersive technologies

Table of contents

Meta quest 3 vs Meta quest 2: Everything you need to know about meta's latest VR headset

Find out more about Meta Quest 3, comparing it with its predecessor, the Meta quest 2. Discover the specific improvements that set the Quest 3 apart. Dive into the article to find out all about it!

What is the Meta Quest 3 VR headset?

The Meta Quest 3 is Meta's latest autonomous, wireless virtual reality headset, requiring neither computer nor console. It offers an immersive experience in introducing the mixed reality, merging the virtual and the real for even greater immersion.

Discover Meta Quest 3

On October 10, 2023, the world of virtual reality enthusiastically welcomed the long-awaited release of the Meta Quest 3. This next-generation VR headset embodies a significant evolution, promising to redefining our immersive experience. What makes this helmet revolutionary is its ability to merging virtual and augmented reality (mixed reality).

The Quest 3 follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, which have made a significant contribution to make VR more accessible and captivating for an ever-growing audience. The Quest series, with its stand-alone headsets eliminate the need for PCs and external sensors, marked a major turning point in the industry, allowing everyone to plunge into the world of virtual reality without the clutter. Today, a new milestone has been reached with the Meta Quest 3, placing the mixed reality at the heart of an immersive experience accessible to all.

Unlike its predecessor, Quest 3 goes beyond classic immersion by integrating your real environment into the virtual. This advance promises an even more connected experience, putting the user at the center of an unprecedented interactive experience.

Get ready to rethink the way we think about training thanks to the mixed reality of Meta Quest 3, a new feature that transforms the very vision of virtual immersion!

The 7 advantages of Quest 3 over Quest 2

Mixed reality accessibility: Introducing mixed reality, the Quest 3 offers an immersive experience where the virtual and real worlds complement each other, opening up new possibilities for interaction.
Superior visual quality : Quest 3 features sharper text, clearer visuals and vivid colors, outperforming Quest 2 for an enhanced visual experience.
Improved performance : Powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and 8GB RAM, the Quest 3 delivers twice the graphics performance, guaranteeing a smooth experience, whatever the content.
Easy configuration : Automatic room configuration simplifies the process, identifying free play areas and reducing complexity compared to Quest 2.
Color video broadcast : With superior precision and full-color images, the Quest 3«s passthrough camera lets you read texts and reply to smartphone messages while wearing the headset.
Manual tracking latency : Considerably reduced, making interactions natural and guaranteeing transparent, responsive engagement with the virtual world.
Environmental Registration : The ability to record the environment with a light-emitting diode indicating recording, adding an extra dimension to the VR experience.

Analysis of the Meta Quest 3 has revealed its innovative features, paving the way for cutting-edge virtual reality - and especially mixed reality - applications. Now let's take a closer look at the headset's virtually seamless integration with FIRE VR Virtualized Fire Extinguishers, demonstrating how our fire-fighting training solution fits in.

Key features of Quest 3

Design and Concept :

The Meta Quest 3's design marks an evolution, adopting a more compact approach while retaining a modernized aesthetic, reducing the optical profile by more than 40%. Slightly heavier than its predecessor, the headset features redesigned controllers inspired by Meta Quest Pro. The removal of the loop above the controller offers improved grip.

Fresnel lenses have been replaced by pancake lenses, for improved visual sharpness and a wider field of vision. Ergonomic adjustments, such as 4 adjustable face positions and the possibility of using Zenni® VR prescription lenses, enhance comfort for all users, including those wearing glasses.

Improved performance :

The Meta Quest 3 takes VR performance to new heights. Equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, it offers a double the graphics power of its predecessor. With 8 GB RAM, users benefit from smooth multitasking and an uninterrupted experience, even in complex applications.

L'Infinite Display 4K+ LCD screen guarantees rexceptional resolution, significantly surpassing Quest 2. The enhanced sharpness, wider field of vision, and contrast enhancements create an unrivalled immersive visual experience. What's more, the new Touch Plus controllers with TruTouch haptic devices provide intuitive interactions, enhancing the gaming experience.

Technical specifications :

The technical specifications of the Meta Quest 3 set a new standard in virtual reality. With options for up to 512 GB storage, This gives users generous capacity for their VR content.

L‘Infinite Display« 4K+ display with a 90 and 120 Hz refresh rates offers crystal-clear visuals and smooth rendering. Visit 2 RGB color cameras combined with the depth projector for advanced motion detection, seamlessly integrating the real and virtual worlds. The average operating time of 2h20 slightly lower than Quest 2, due to the use of greater resources. However, the 2h30 recharge time remains the same, ensuring a consistently optimal VR experience.

Meta Quest 3 vs Meta Quest 2 headset comparison

What's different: Quest 3 vs Quest 2

Features	Meta Quest 3	Meta Quest 2
Resolution	2064 x 2208 pixels per eye (25 PPD)	1832 x 1920 pixels per eye (20PPD)
Screen engine	LCD	LCD
Refresh rate	60 Hz, 72 Hz, 80 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz	90Hz/120Hz
Lenses	Pancake	Fresnel
Field of view	110° horizontally (rendered), 96° horizontally (visible)	90° horizontally (rendered), 90° horizontally (visible)
IPD adjustment range	Material adjustable from 58 to 71 mm	58mm, 63mm, 68mm
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2	Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1
GPU	Adreno 740	Adreno 650
RAM	8 GB	6 GB
Storage options	128 GB / 512 GB	128 GB / 256 GB
Connectors	USB-C, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth and Air Link	USB-C, Quest Link, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0 LE
Weight	515 g with head strap	503 g with head strap
Battery life	2.2 hours (2.3 hours charge)	2-3 hours (2.5-hour charge)
Tracking	Standalone, 6DoF with internal tracking via 4 built-in cameras + depth sensor	Standalone, 6DoF with internal monitoring via 4 integrated cameras
Interactivity	Controllers, gesture control and voice control	Controller, gesture control and voice control
Audio	3D audio from built-in speakers, microphone array and 3.5 mm audio jack	3D audio from built-in speakers, microphone array and 3.5 mm audio jack
Video playback	Two pass-through cameras (Color = 4 MP, 18 PPD)	Grayscale via tracking cameras (black and white)
Price list	548.99 (128 GB) and €699.99 (512 GB)	300 (128 GB) and €350 (256 GB)

Our opinion on the Meta Quest 3

With each iteration of its consumer headset, Meta really pushes the boundaries of what's possible in terms of immersion. The best optical lenses, as well as the best overall performance, we enable us to do many things that were impossible just a few months ago with the Quest 2 :

Credible augmented reality: the Quest 3's cameras finally deliver an interesting AR experience. The colors are credible, the image fluidity sufficient not to disrupt the experience; in short, AR becomes accessible. And you can take advantage of it today, as our augmented reality fire training solution, FIRE AR, is already available in beta version.

Best lighting : One of the shortcomings of older-generation mobile headsets was their difficulty in calculating quality lighting in real time. Lighting had to be «inlaid» on the models, making it impossible to stage situations involving power cuts, for example. Today, you can turn off the lights and use a flashlight in virtual reality; lighting and shadows are calculated in real time. Immersion is greatly enhanced.

Better definition of objects and characters : With the Quest 3's greater computing power, objects and especially characters can be more detailed. Face animation, for example, becomes more realistic, and emotions can be conveyed more easily to the user.

Particles and improved transparency management : When working on fire and smoke simulations, particles and their transparency are one of the most important aspects of the rendering. Thanks to Quest 3, we can integrate more particles and more transparency into smoke, which improves the rendering of fires in our simulation.

At irwino, we find that the Quest 3 is also much more practical for everyday use This means less eyestrain and less weight on the nose when used for several hours at a time. In short, it's also a a real advantage for the work of our developers !

H2: Conclusion, which VR headset to choose?

In conclusion, the Meta Quest 3 represents a revolutionary step forward in the field of virtual reality. By integrating mixed reality, it redefines expectations in fusioning the virtual world harmoniously with reality.

Notable improvements, from higher screen resolution to enhanced performance, make this a the essential choice for an immersive experience. What's more, its convergence with FIRE VR underlines its innovative potential in the field of training. See our article FIRE VR Connected Fire Extinguishers: Now Compatible with Meta Quest 3.

Thus, the Meta Quest 3 promises not only to push back the boundaries of VR technology, but also to fundamentally transform the way we interact with the virtual.. The future of virtual reality and training takes on a new dimension with the Meta Quest 3.

Find out more about this, and about virtual reality in general, in the Guide de l'Immersive Learning, published by France Immersive Learning :

See the page on the France Immersive Learning website

Want to know more about FIRE VR?

Find out more about irwino training modules

EPI TERTIAIRE

In a professional environment of over 200 m², including a kitchen, offices and meeting room, you can choose from over 18 different scenarios.

EPI INDUSTRIE

In a professional environment of over 200 m², including workshops, offices and a storage area, you can choose from over 18 different scenarios.

ERP TYPE U&J

In a hospital environment including 8 rooms, a break room, a tea room and safety areas, respond to fire outbreaks, manage the SSI report and evacuate patients.