Meta’s Connect 2023 event has just happened, and the company has now announced that its new VR headset model, the Meta Quest 3, will launch on October 10, 2023. The Meta Quest Pro already brought luxury VR features to the table, and the Quest 3 looks like it’ll be bringing some of those features into a more affordable price range. However, are these new features worth waiting for, or should you go make the upgrade to the Meta Quest Pro? Let’s compare the Meta Quest 3 vs Meta Quest Pro to determine which headset will come out on top when they go head-to-head.
Meta Quest 3 vs Meta Quest Pro – specs
Naturally, the first aspect of comparing two electronic devices is their specifications. The Meta Quest 3 brings forward improved graphics and resolution display compared to the Quest 2, but how does it hold up against the Quest Pro, supposedly Meta’s most premium headset?
As revealed during this year’s Meta Connect, the Quest 3 will have full-color passthrough tech for impressive virtual and mixed reality experiences. This tech has around 10 times as many pixels as Meta Quest 2, and 3x more pixels compared to Quest Pro. As well as mixed reality and a 2064 × 2208 pixel resolution that bests the Quest Pro, the new model is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip. With this powerful chipset, the Meta Quest 3 is bound to make a place in the hearts of the fans with its power for price ratio. But will it be a better choice than Quest Pro?
The table below compares Meta Quest 3 vs Meta Quest Pro specs:
| Spec | Meta Quest 3 | Meta Quest Pro |
| System-on-a-Chip (SoC) | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ |
| Resolution | 2064 × 2208 | 1800×1920 |
| Display type | LCD | LCD |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz (native) 120Hz (experimental) | 72Hz – 90Hz |
| Field of view | 110 Degree | 106 degrees |
| Lenses | Pancake | Pancake |
| Controllers | Touch Plus controllers | Meta Quest Touch Pro controllers |
| Weight | 515 grams | 722g |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage Space | 128 GB and 512 GB | 256 GB |
As you can see from the table, Meta Quest 3 will have a more powerful chipset, higher display resolution, better refresh rate, slightly increased field of view, and reduced weight compared to Meta Quest Pro.
Meta Quest 3 has a 30% increased display resolution in its pancake lenses, which will further enhance the experiences the new chipset’s performance capabilities bring. It also boasts a wider visibility, around 110 degrees horizontally and 96 degrees vertically. However, while the 3 has better VR immersion, the Pro still comes out on top in terms of storage, with 12GB of RAM and a 256GB default. Overall, despite boasting the more powerful Snapdragon XR2+ chipset, the hardware of the Quest Pro is quickly becoming old news. The Quest 3 might not always beat the Pro, but it certainly offers next-gen features at a more affordable price.
Meta Quest 3 vs Meta Quest Pro – features
Now that we’ve reviewed the specs of Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest Pro, it’s time to look at how they compare in terms of features.
On the whole, most features of the Quest 3 and Quest Pro are almost similar. For instance, both have a Type C port for charging, built-in speakers, Spatial audio support, and a headphone jack. Additionally, both VR models are compatible with PCs and support mixed reality. This means you can interact with your surroundings while wearing the headset. However, there are of course some notable differences that separate the wood from the trees.
The Meta Quest 3 will be lacking two of the most exciting features of Quest Pro: eye and face tracking. These were supposed to be two of the most advanced features of Meta Quest Pro, using inward-facing sensors to track the movements of your eyes. One of the main benefits Meta gives of this tech is that it’s used to “make your avatar’s eye contact and facial expressions look more natural during your virtual interactions”. However, the lack of these features, designed for use in VR meetings and productive tasks, shows the Quest 3’s target towards a more gaming-based audience as opposed to a professional one.
The new set of Touch Plus controllers has lost the plastic rings of the previous Quest controllers, but have unfortunately not gained the self-tracking cameras of the Touch Pro’s. Meta states that the sensors in Meta Quest 3 are advanced enough to track hand movements without the tracking rings. Even if your hands are not in the field of view, Meta is using AI to predict your hand movements so that you no longer need the tracking rings. You’ll also benefit from improved TruTouch Haptics for new in-game sensations.
Another significant feature change is that Meta Quest 3 has depth sensors, which were missing in Quest Pro. The depth sensors allow the VR headset to create a better 3D image of your environment. This can take your gaming experience to the next level, ensuring that virtual objects can emerge from the walls, stay hidden behind objects, and seem even more realistic.
Meta Quest 3 vs Meta Quest Pro – price
Specs and features are all good, but there’s one more important thing to consider when choosing between Meta Quest 3 and Quest Pro: price.
The Meta Quest Pro has a 256 GB storage space and is highly priced at $999.99. On the other hand, Meta Quest 3 will be available in 2 different options. The base model has 128 GB storage space and costs $499.99, whereas the 512 GB storage model is $644.99. This still leaves a huge $350 difference between Quest 3 and Quest Pro, and demonstrates how the Quest 3 is aiming to nail the middle ground between high-end and mainstream. The Quest 3 might even end up being an affordable alternative to the Apple Vision Pro.
Will the Meta Quest 3 be better than Quest Pro?
The Meta Quest 3 will have a more advanced chipset, higher display resolution, wider field of view, and other features, as we’ve just discussed. Hence, it can be said that Meta Quest 3 can be better than Quest Pro when it comes to performance, but the Quest 3 will still lack the most advanced features you get with Pro: face and eye tracking. Overall, the two virtual reality headsets are aimed at slightly different audiences. However, for casual and first-time VR users, the Quest 3 will get you an unbelievable experience for a lot cheaper than the premium Pro device.
Meta Quest 3 vs Meta Quest Pro: Which one should you buy?
Which among Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest Pro is best for you depends on your individual needs. Meta Quest 3 should be your ideal option if you have budget constraints. But if you want the headset to track your face and eyes, go with Meta Quest Pro. The idea is to assess what both headsets can offer for your specific needs and decide accordingly.
Now read:
