Meta Quest 2 Vs Meta Quest 3

When it comes to standalone VR headsets, the Meta Quest Pro and Quest 2 are market leaders. After all, that is their main selling point: you don't need a PC or a console to use them. And, despite not using an external device, they still manage to produce immersive and detailed VR games. That being said, the experience can always be improved. And hopefully, that's the case with the Meta Quest 3 now that is officially announced. But the only way to find out for sure is to pit the Meta Quest 2 vs the Meta Quest 3.

In this comparison, we'll get down to the nitty-gritty of comparing tech specs and prices to see if the Meta Quest 3 truly outperforms the Meta Quest 2. So you can decide whether it's worth upgrading your VR headset or if you can wait a couple of years until the next model comes out. So without further ado, it's time to get down to brass tax with the Meta Quest 2 vs the Meta Quest 3.

What Is Meta Quest 2?

The Meta Quest 2 is Facebook and Reality Labs' second-generation standalone VR headset. Releasing on October 13, 2020, it is the older brother of the Meta Quest Pro. Despite being released nearly three years ago, the Meta Quest 2 remains a fantastic VR headset. It boasts a catalog of over 500 VR games and can run all of them to a high degree. So, what's the rush to Meta Quest 3? That's what we're here to find out.

What Is Meta Quest 3?

Mark Zuckerberg officially announced the Meta Quest 3 on June 1, 2023. However, it won't arrive at our doorsteps until the fall of 2023. Nonetheless, it is Facebook's third-generation standalone VR headset, which they claim has “higher resolution, stronger performance, (and) breakthrough Meta Reality technology.” compared to the Meta Quest 2. Well, the only way to find out is by comparing the Meta Quest 2 vs Quest 3. So, let's break down the tech specs to find out the truth.

Tech Specs

Even before we get our hands on the Meta Quest 3, we can take a broad look at and compare its tech specs to the Meta Quest 2 to see how they match up. This will give us a good idea of the power behind each system, and a general idea of if the Meta Quest 3 will actually outperform its younger brother. So, let's dive right into it.

Meta Quest 2:

• Display Resolution: 1832 x 1920 Resolution Per Eye
• Refresh Rate: 60, 72, 90 Hz Supported
• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2

Meta Quest 3:

• Display Resolution: 2064 x 2208 Resolution Per Eye
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• Chipset: “Next-gen Qualcomm Snapdragon”

Right out of the gates, we can see that the Meta Quest 3 has a better display resolution and refresh rate. These are arguably the most two important aspects of the headset because that is what produces the actual visuals you see. With a higher resolution in the Meta Quest 3, we'll get better graphics, and with a 120Hz refresh rate, it will be a smoother experience too.

To further the discussion, Meta also stated that its next-gen Snapdragon chipset in the Meta Quest 3 “delivers more than twice the graphical performance as the previous generation Snapdragon GPU in Quest 2 — meaning you’ll get smoother performance and incredibly crisp details in immersive games.” And, to top it all off, the Meta Quest 3 has a “40% slimmer optic profile” than the Meta Quest 2. With all of that in mind, you'd think the Meta Quest 2 vs Quest 3 comparison is over, as the Meta Quest 3 appears to be the clear winner. However, there is more to the discussion.

Let's Talk About Price

Although the technical specifications appear to be fairly straightforward, there is a price debate to be had in our comparison of the Meta Quest 2 vs Quest 3. Because Meta is constantly hopping over the fence. When it first came out in 2020, the Meta Quest 2 cost $299. However, for some inexplicable reason, they increased it to $399 last summer. Then, after the announcement of the Meta Quest 3, they also disclosed that the Quest 2 would be reduced to its original price of $299. To say the least, it's all a little frustrating.

Nonetheless, the Meta Quest 3 will launch at a price tag of $499. That is considerably more than its predecessor. And you have to wonder if the extra money will truly result in the improved performance mentioned by Meta. We know that the Meta Quest 3 is compatible with all of Quest 2's 500+ game catalog and that some new games will most likely accompany it. However, it's a lot of money invested by the end of it all. Whereas the Meta Quest 2 (at it's $299 price tag) and two or three solid games can be obtained for less than the total cost of the Meta Quest 3.

Verdict

Based on the technical specifications, it's clear that the Meta Quest 3 will be a superior overall system to the Meta Quest 2. It should have superior graphics, a faster refresh rate, and better overall performance than the Quest 2. In that sense, we'd say the Meta Quest 3 is the clear winner in this Meta Quest 2 vs Quest 3 comparison. But does this mean you should buy it right away?

Considering the Meta Quest 3 will be able to run the Quest's 2 500+ game catalog at launch, and if you have the extra money to spend on the VR headset, then we don't see why you wouldn't give yourself the upgrade. But, wait for the concrete reviews to come out at the very least. Because when it comes to games and platforms for gaming, pre-ordering tends to come back and bite you.

All of that being said, if you don't have the money to spend on the Meta Quest 3, we still think the Meta Quest 2 is a very viable option. As a result, we don't think it's detrimental if you don't make the transition right away. In conclusion, the Meta Quest 3 is worth it if you have the money. However, if you can't fork up the cost right away, the Meta Quest 2 should keep doing you just fine.

So, what's your take? Who do you think won in the Meta Quest 2 vs Quest 3? Will you be getting the Meta Quest 3? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!