Meta Quest 2 vs. 3: These are the differences

In the Meta Quest 2 vs. 3 comparison, there are some striking differences between the two VR headsets. These don’t just concern the price

Meta Quest 2 vs. 3: How they differ

The Meta Quest devices are virtual reality (Meta Quest 2) and mixed reality headsets (Meta Quest 3). However, there are a few more differences between the second and third generation.

• Resolution: At 2064 x 2208 pixels (in each eye), the Meta Quest 3 has a slightly higher resolution than its predecessor (1832 x 1920 pixels).

• Memory: While the Meta Quest 2 is available with 128 GB or 256 GB memory, the Quest 3 comes with a choice of 128 GB or 512 GB.

• Memory: At 8 GB, the Quest 3’s memory is larger than the previous version (6 GB).

• Processor: The Meta Quest 3 uses the second generation of the Snapdragon XR2, while the Quest 2 uses the first generation.

• Connectivity: While the Quest 2 has Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi 6, the successor is equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6E.

• Update rates: The Quest 2 screens refresh at a rate of 90 Hz or 120 Hz. With the Quest 3, 72 Hz or 80 Hz are also possible in addition to 90 Hz and 120 Hz.

• Field of vision: At 110 degrees (horizontal) and 96 degrees (vertical), the field of vision of the Meta Quest 3 is wider than that of its predecessor (90 degrees horizontally and vertically).

• VR/AR: The Meta Quest 2 is primarily designed as a VR headset. In addition to VR content, augmented reality content is also possible with the Quest 3, making it a pair of mixed reality glasses. In principle, there are also third-party apps for the Quest 2 that use AR, but your real environment is only displayed in black and white

• Battery: At 5060 mAh, the battery of the Quest 3 is larger than that of the Quest 2 (3640 mAh). Meta specifies the respective operating time as 2.2 hours (Quest 3) or 2 hours (Quest 2).

• Prices (as of March 2024): The Quest 3 is available from Meta from 549.99 euros, the Quest 2 from 249.99 euros.

How to use mixed reality

You can use the mixed reality of Meta Quest 3 in various ways. The activities based on VR are basically also possible with the Quest 2, as long as the corresponding applications are available.

• Gaming: You can play various games with VR/AR headsets. You can immerse yourself in the digital world in a completely different way than with other consoles or the PC.

• Productivity: With Mixed Reality, you can also design various three-dimensional objects or try out possible new furnishings.

• You can also use mixed reality headsets for other areas such as watching movies or a digital workplace.