Compare Meta Quest 3S vs Valve Steam Frame
In this technical comparison between the Meta Quest 3S and the Valve Steam Frame, 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 for the Steam Frame.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around 300 USD and Estimated $599 – $899 USD.
| Specifications |
Meta Quest 3S |
Valve Steam Frame |
|---|---|---|
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| Launch | ||
| Version | October, 2024 | 2026 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Single Fast-Switch LCD | Dual LCD Panels (RGB Stripe) |
| Resolution | 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye | 2160 × 2160 per eye |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz, 120Hz | 72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz (144Hz Experimental mode) |
| Field of view | 96° Horizontal / 90° Vertical | Up to 110° (Horizontal) |
| Brightness | - | High-persistence LCD (specific nits TBD, optimized for clarity) |
| HDR | Not supported | - |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Fresnel | Custom Pancake Lenses (Edge-to-edge sharpness) |
| IPD adjustment | 3-position manual toggle (58mm, 63mm, 68mm) | Physical manual dial |
| Eye relief | - | Adjustable (fits glasses up to 140mm wide) |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | 6DoF Inside-out tracking via 4 IR cameras | 6-DOF Inside-out (SLAM) |
| Controller tracking | Meta Quest Touch Plus (ringless design) | Tracked via 4 outward-facing monochrome cameras |
| Hand tracking | Yes | Supported (via expansion or software update; focus is on controllers) |
| Eye tracking | No | Yes (2 interior cameras); enables Foveated Streaming |
| Facial tracking | No | Optional (Supported via front expansion port) |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm ARM64) |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB Unified LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB or 1TB UFS (plus MicroSD slot for expansion) |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | 4MP Full-color (18 PPD) | Monochrome (Grayscale) via 4 tracking cameras (1280× 1024) |
| Depth sensing | No (uses dual IR floodlights for spatial awareness instead of a dedicated depth projector) | Software-based (Expansion port allows for hardware depth modules) |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Integrated stereo speakers with 3D spatial audio | Dual stereo drivers per ear (Extra-fidelity, vibration-canceling) |
| 3.5mm jack | No (requires USB-C adapter or Bluetooth) | Yes |
| Mic | Integrated dual microphones | Dual microphone array |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | USB-C | USB-C 2.0 (Rear-mounted for charging/data) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 (Dual-radio 5GHz/6GHz for simultaneous internet /streaming) |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 (Dedicated 2.4GHz link for controllers) |
| PCVR support | Supported via Quest Link, Air Link, and Steam Link | Yes (Includes a 6GHz Wi-Fi 6E USB Adapter for low-latency direct link) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | Meta Horizon OS | Steam, SteamVR, Standalone SteamOS |
| Supported OS | - | SteamOS 3 (Arch-based Linux); runs Windows games via Proton/FEX-Emu |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | 514g | 185g (Core module) / 440g (Total with battery strap) |
| Strap type | Adjustable soft Y-strap (cloth) | Padded retractable strap with rear-mounted battery (counterbalanced) |
| Face interface | Standard foam interface | Fabric/Plastic hybrid (replaceable) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | ~2.5 hours (average) | ~2–3 hours (Standalone) / ~4–5 hours (PC Streaming) |
| Charging method | USB-C (18W to 20W supported) | USB-C (45W Fast Charging supported) |
| External battery support | Supported via Elite Strap with Battery or third-party power banks | Supported via USB-C |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Headset, 2x Touch Plus Controllers, 2x AA Batteries, Power Adapter, Charging Cable, Glasses Spacer | Headset, 2x Steam Frame Controllers, 6GHz Wireless Adapter, 45W Charger, USB-C Cable |
| Price | 300 USD | Estimated $599 – $899 USD |
| Full Details | Quest 3S - Full Specifications | Steam Frame - Full Specifications |