Compare Meta Quest 3S vs Pico 4
In this technical comparison between the Meta Quest 3S and the Pico 4, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye for the Quest 3S versus 2160 × 2160 per eye (4320 × 2160 combined) for the 4.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around 300 USD and $349 - $399 USD.
| Specifications |
Meta Quest 3S |
Pico 4 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Launch | ||
| Version | October, 2024 | October 2022 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Single Fast-Switch LCD | Dual 2.56-inch Fast-LCD Panels |
| Resolution | 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye | 2160 × 2160 per eye (4320 × 2160 combined) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz, 120Hz | 72Hz / 90Hz |
| Field of view | 96° Horizontal / 90° Vertical | 105° (Diagonal) |
| Brightness | - | 1200 PPI (Pixels Per Degree); 20.6 PPD |
| HDR | Not supported | No |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Fresnel | Pancake Lenses |
| IPD adjustment | 3-position manual toggle (58mm, 63mm, 68mm) | Motorized stepless adjustment via software menu (62mm - 72mm) |
| Eye relief | - | Includes a glasses spacer; slim profile allows for close fit |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | 6DoF Inside-out tracking via 4 IR cameras | 6-DOF Inside-out tracking via 4 monochrome cameras |
| Controller tracking | Meta Quest Touch Plus (ringless design) | 6-DOF PICO 4 Haptic Controllers (Infrared ring design) |
| Hand tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Eye tracking | No | No |
| Facial tracking | No | No |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | 4MP Full-color (18 PPD) | Single 16MP RGB Camera (Color Passthrough, but monoscopic / flat) |
| Depth sensing | No (uses dual IR floodlights for spatial awareness instead of a dedicated depth projector) | No (Uses software-based environmental mapping) |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Integrated stereo speakers with 3D spatial audio | Dual stereo speakers integrated into the headstrap (Spatial Audio support) |
| 3.5mm jack | No (requires USB-C adapter or Bluetooth) | No |
| Mic | Integrated dual microphones | Dual microphones with noise reduction |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | USB-C | USB-C (Supports data, charging, and wired streaming) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 (Dual-band 2.4/5GHz) |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| PCVR support | Supported via Quest Link, Air Link, and Steam Link | Yes (via PICO Connect or Virtual Desktop over Wi-Fi/USB) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | Meta Horizon OS | PICO Store, SteamVR (via PC link) |
| Supported OS | - | PICO OS 5.0 (Based on Android) |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | 514g | 586g (Total with strap); front unit is remarkably light at 295g |
| Strap type | Adjustable soft Y-strap (cloth) | Rigid strap with rear-mounted battery for balanced weight distribution |
| Face interface | Standard foam interface | Breathable fabric; includes a removable nose pad for light leakage |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | ~2.5 hours (average) | Approx. 2.5 - 3 hours |
| Charging method | USB-C (18W to 20W supported) | USB-C (20W Fast Charging) |
| External battery support | Supported via Elite Strap with Battery or third-party power banks | Yes (Compatible with external power banks and battery straps) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Headset, 2x Touch Plus Controllers, 2x AA Batteries, Power Adapter, Charging Cable, Glasses Spacer | PICO 4 Headset, 2x Controllers, 4x AA Batteries, Glasses Spacer, Nose Pad, USB-C Cable, Power Adapter |
| Price | 300 USD | $349 - $399 USD |
| Full Details | Quest 3S - Full Specifications | 4 - Full Specifications |