Meta Quest 3 vs Apple VR

The world of VR gaming is ever-evolving, where the limits are constantly pushed and the excitement never ceases. Just when we thought we had witnessed the ultimate in immersive experiences with the Oculus Quest 2, Meta swooped in and unveiled the awe-inspiring Meta Quest 3. Meanwhile, Apple, a tech powerhouse, has decided to make its mark in the VR world with the groundbreaking Apple Vision Pro, its first 3D camera. 

Now, a fierce showdown for supremacy ensues as these two giants prepare to unleash their creations upon the world. While it's too early to declare a winner, we can still make a comparison based on the sneak peek features Apple and Meta have released onto the market. Without much further adieu, here’s Meta Quest 3 vs Apple VR, where the future of VR headsets hangs in the balance.

What is Meta Quest 3?

Meta Quest 3 is an upcoming VR headset, which Meta describes as its “next-generation virtual and mixed reality headset.” It is customary for the tech giant to launch new VR hardware after every Meta Connect. 

This remarkable device, unveiled by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on June 1, 2023, marks Meta's triumphant third-generation standalone VR headset. However, while our hearts yearn for its arrival, the actual release of this technological marvel remains a distant dream, with Meta setting its sights on it gracing our doorsteps in the fall of 2023.

Meta Quest 3 is a magnificent leap forward, surpassing its predecessor's achievements. Fortunately for you, we've already compared the two here. 

In retrospect, Meta has had a streaking sales performance, with its previous headsets selling nearly 20 million units since 2019. Historically, this is a testament to their unrivaled success in the market.

What is Apple VR?

A first for the pioneering tech maestro, Apple Vision Pro is a mixed-reality headset that seamlessly merges the digital and physical worlds. The augmented reality headset allows you to look through and into it, famously garnering the name “Apple Glass.” 

Moreover, the headset lets you indulge in a thrilling and immersive VR session while watching your surroundings. With this, you can say bye to the jump scares of someone walking into the room and tapping your shoulder without noticing. 

Speaking during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple CEO Tim Cook described the device's outlook as a pair of ski goggles. From what we can deduce, the headset allows you to unlock new dimensions of interactive experiences.

Tech Specs

Since the two headsets have yet to launch, we can still compare which has a better performance capacity. Thankfully, each announcement included a glimpse of the headset's specs to work up our appetites. Here's how the Meta Quest 3 compares to the Apple Vision Pro.

Meta Quest 3:

• Display Type: LCD
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• Chipset: “Next-gen Qualcomm Snapdragon”

Apple Vision Pro:

• Display Type: Micro-OLED
• Refresh Rate: 90/96 Hz
• Chipset: Apple M2 (5 nm)

Evidently, both headsets have different display types, but the deciding factor is the refresh rate. A higher refresh rate translates to a smoother and more fluid visual experience. This means the VR headset can update the images more frequently, resulting in smoother motion and reduced latency. A higher refresh rate can enhance the sense of presence and realism in virtual environments, making the VR experience more comfortable and immersive for you.

To sweeten the pot, Meta Quest 3, like its predecessor, is an all-in-one headset. This means you don't need cables to connect to a computer or console. 

Moreover, Apple's M2 chip is an upgrade from the previous M1 chip. The M2 brings a boost in performance and transistor count. Compared to the Meta chip, the Next-gen Qualcomm Snapdragon offers brilliant performance compared to its predecessor chips. 

Gameplay

Meta Quest 3 will launch with a new roster of games. Meta unveiled a list of 25 games during the Meta Quest Gaming Showcase that will be coming to the platform. The games include Assassin's Creed Nexus, Stranger Things VR, Silent Slayer: Vault of the Vampire, Asgard's Wrath 2, Arizona Sunshine 2, and more. You can view the full list of games here. 

Thankfully, the headsets will also support Meta Quest 2's 500+ game catalog from day one of its launch. Interestingly, most of these games are compatible with the PS VR. 

Also, it was very strategic of Meta to announce the launch of its improved headset a week prior to the Summer Game Fest. This means we could be looking at new games coming to the VR headset over the coming weeks. 

What is the Price Tag?

The revolutionary technology incorporated into the two headsets does not come cheap. The Meta Quest 3 will retail for $499. This is $200 more than its predecessor, considering that Meta has now lowered the price of the Quest 2. 

In contrast, the Apple Vision Pro will certainly cost the average American gamer an arm and a leg. The headset will retail for $3,499, more than ten times the cost of the Meta Quest 3. However, given the depth of engineering and impressive features it beholds, the exorbitant price tag makes sense. 

Verdict

Unfortunately for gamers, the Apple Vision Pro does not prioritize gaming. From a computing point of view, the Apple Vision Pro is a top contender that focuses on improving workplace solutions. In contrast, the Meta Quests were initially launched for VR gaming, with workplace modalities being an afterthought. 

That being said, we are yet to find out whether Apple will include gaming specs in its new line of VR headsets. If so, the headset would definitely give Meta a run for their money, given the hyped-up performance capabilities. 

Furthermore, the Meta Quest's wireless design makes it a favorable contender compared to the Apple Vision Pro, which is a tethered headset. 

So, what's your take? Who do you think takes the cake in the Meta Quest 3 vs Apple VR face-off? Will you be getting Meta Quest 3? What features stand out for you? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!