VR vs. AR: Meta Quest 3 vs. Apple Vision Pro: Apple introduced Apple Vision Pro, its first mixed-reality headset, on June 5, 2023. This happened not long after Meta Quest 3, its upcoming mixed-reality headset, was revealed. Meta revealed more information about their next flagship model at Meta Connect 2023. The shipping of Quest 3 started on October 10, 2023. However, the Apple Vision Pro is scheduled to release on February 2, 2024. A buyer is faced with an issue in the field of computational geography because there are two viable solutions. In this post, we compare VR vs. AR: Meta Quest 3 vs. Apple Vision Pro to assist you in making the best decision.
Check out some of our other articles on the subject if you’re interested in learning more about VR gaming. For example, see our comparisons of VR vs. AR: Meta Quest 3 vs. Apple Vision Pro
Meta Quest 3 vs Apple Vision Pro Price
VR vs. AR: Meta Quest 3 vs. Apple Vision Pro: It starts at $499.99 and features a 128GB storage capacity. For an additional $150, you may purchase the 512GB model if you require more space. Based on my own experience, 128GB is more than enough. For comparison, the 40 or so programs in my collection on my Meta Quest 3 use less than 64GB of capacity. The 512GB model is the best option, though, if you intend to store in-game recordings and you are a VR streamer.
In comparison, the Vision Pro comes with 256GB of storage at an outrageous $3,499 price tag. If that isn’t enough, you can purchase the 512GB model for $3,699. At $3,899, the most expensive model has 1TB of storage.
Meta Quest 3 vs Apple Vision Pro – specs
There are some improvements in VR vs. AR: Meta Quest 3 vs. Apple Vision Pro . Specifically, 2,064 x 2,208 resolution, which is significantly greater than Quest 2 and Quest Pro. On its own, this is more amazing. Still, the device is much superior to the Apple Vision Pro in this respect. The display of the Apple Vision Pro is a tiny OLED. 4K resolution can be achieved with this display.
The display competition is won by Apple Vision Pro, but the refresh rate is lost. The refresh rate of the Meta Quest 3 headset is 120 Hz, while the first mixed-reality headset from Apple only had 90 Hz.The recently released Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset is featured in Meta Quest 3. It is a strong chip that improves Quest 3’s performance capabilities. Apple Vision Pro is going to utilize Apple.
| Specification | Meta Quest 3 | Apple Vision Pro |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip | M2 chip, R1 chip |
| RAM | 12 GB | 16GB |
| Storage space | 128 GB and 512 GB | 64GB |
| Display resolution | 2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye | 4K per eye |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 90Hz |
| Display type | LCD | Micro-OLED |
| Weight | ~ 1.1 pounds | ~ 1.1 pounds |
| Lenses | Pancake | Custom catadioptric lenses and ZEISS Optical Inserts |
| Controllers | Touch Plus controllers | Hand, eye, and face tracking |
Apple Vision Pro vs. Meta Quest 3: Design and comfort
In terms of design, Meta really “cheaped out” on the Quest 3, which I possess.
Indeed, it feels much lighter than its predecessor, Quest 2. In addition, I can state that the Quest 3 does not have the problem of journalists and influencers saying that the Vision Pro is much too heavy to wear for an extended period of time.
The Quest 3’s white fabric and nylon straps, however, are thin. I once accidentally cut the strap from the headset’s clasp while adjusting it on my head. Fortunately, I was able to fix it, but in terms of durability, this is not ideal.
Apple Vision Pro vs. Meta Quest 3: Tracking
The Verge’s report claims that the Vision Pro contains 12 cameras, an IR flood illuminator, a TrueDepth camera, and a LIDAR sensor (which enables your hands to be “seen” in low light).However, according to Meta, the Quest 3 features the following sensors:
- The front of the headset has four cameras:
- Using two high-resolution RGB color cameras, mixed reality passthrough
- SLAM tracking (hand tracking, controller tracking) is powered by two infrared cameras.
- SLAM tracking is powered by two external infrared cameras on the headset’s lower sides.
In order to improve depth perception for mixed reality events, Quest 3 now has a depth projector.Quest 3 and Vision Pro may both start augmented reality (AR) experiences. Stated differently, apart from virtual reality—which involves totally immersing yourself in a simulated environment—they may overlay virtual objects over your actual surroundings.
For further information, please find a product fact sheet for Quest 3 attached to this email. Please ask me any further questions; I’ll be pleased to help! Eye tracking and hand tracking are supported by the Vision Pro to help you explore these activities. There are no controllers on it. The Quest 3, on the other hand, comes with two controllers and supports hand tracking but not eye tracking. Reviews like this one from CNET claim that the Vision Pro’s hand and eye tracking is remarkable.
On the other side, Quest 3’s hand tracking is a little unpredictable and has problems. The Quest 3 is a better gaming headset, nevertheless, because of the controllers. (The Meta headset still has an advantage because its controllers are specifically designed for the Quest experience, even if the Vision Pro accepts controllers like the PS5 DualSense.)
VR vs. AR: Meta Quest 3 vs. Apple Vision Pro : Apps and games
VR vs. AR: Meta Quest 3 vs. Apple Vision Pro:Given that the Oculus Rift, which was the first consumer headset in the Quest series, debuted in 2016, it stands to reason that this series is more established. As a result, game creators have been creating titles just for the Quest platform for years.
I also don’t use Quest frequently, even with its enormous library of games. It’s hard for me to find a game that’s just as compelling after I’ve finished one that I really enjoy, like a new I Expect You to Die game. As I noted in my review, the Quest 3 boasts an abundance of amazing virtual reality games, but there are not many augmented reality options.
Given that the Quest series has experienced this problem for years, one can only imagine the formidable obstacle that the Vision Pro, a relatively new mixed-reality headset on the market, must overcome.Positively, developers of iPad and iOS apps will find it easier to transfer their creations to the Vision Pro, thanks to Apple. To really take off, the Vision Pro will still require astounding native Vision Pro software—applications made to capitalize on its superior hand-and-eye tracking.
Apple has shown 600 Vision Pro apps. With 250 games available, Apple Arcade is probably more of a big-screen experience than an immersive one, as stated by DigitalTrends.
Remember that the Vision Pro will not feature native Netflix and YouTube apps, in contrast to the Quest 3. Furthermore, Quest 3’s YouTube and Netflix experiences are excellent, in my opinion, both of which replicate the sensation of a massive home theater.
Apple Vision Pro vs. Meta Quest 3: Graphics
VR vs. AR: Meta Quest 3 vs. Apple Vision Pro:The two 3,680 x 3,140 pixel micro-OLED displays on the Vision Pro surpass the 2,064 x 2,208 pixel dual LCD panels found on the Quest 3.With these specifications, Vision Pro ought to outperform Quest 3 in terms of graphical fidelity. To put it another way, because they are more like what the eyes see in real life, apps and games should feel more immersive.
The graphics of The Quest 3 are not very good, in my view. Even if the real world is shown in vibrant color in mixed reality games, it is still a little hazy and noisy.
Meta Quest 3 vs Apple Vision Pro Features
There aren’t many feature differences between VR vs. AR: Meta Quest 3 vs. Apple Vision Pro. The main distinction is Apple Vision Pro’s hand, face, and eye tracking capability. As a result, the Apple headset will not require controls because all movements will be initiated by hand or eye gestures and then tracked. Twelve cameras and sensors—two TrueDepth, two external, and four internal—help Apple Vision Pro do this.
However, because Meta Quest 3 lacks face eyesight capability, it has Touch Plus controllers instead. Still, it’s not bad considering that Quest 2 and Quest Pro tracking rings are no longer present on Meta Quest 3’s Touch Plus controllers.
Meta tracks and predicts the movements of hands by utilizing AI and the field of view. Seven cameras and sensors are used in Meta Quest 3: two bottoms and sides, one depth, and four fronts. Depth sensors are used by Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 to produce realistic 3D worlds. Apple Vision Pro runs a recently developed operating system (OS) called VisionOS, while Meta Quest 3 runs the open-source Android OS.
There are numerous games in both Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3. Multiple games can be played on as large a screen as you choose. You can play more than a hundred Apple Arcade games with Apple Vision Pro. Playing more than 500 games that were previously available for Meta Quest 2 and Quest Pro is now possible with Meta Quest 3. Furthermore, Meta announced that there will be an additional 100 games added for Meta Quest 3.
The option is obvious: Meta Quest 3 is the VR headset to choose if you’re looking to play games. However, Apple Vision Pro is a great option if you’re looking to get a headset for productivity.
Apple Vision Pro vs. Meta Quest 3: Battery life
VR vs. AR: Meta Quest 3 vs. Apple Vision Pro:Apple states that the Vision Pro has a battery life of roughly two to three hours, which is comparable to what I got out of the Quest 3.However, the fact that the Vision Pro requires a battery pack is a drawback. The battery pack needs to be charged first. The battery pack and headset must then be connected via a proprietary connector.
It is awkward to have to keep this power pack in your pocket while using the Vision Pro. This problem does not exist in Quest 3. All that is required is charging for the headset. You may use the headset without any cords getting in the way after it’s charged.
To be clear, the Quest 3 is a headset that operates wirelessly. It is not required to be connected to a PC. (However, the fact that you can use one of the greatest gaming laptops to connect it and take advantage of its GPU power to get access to more potent Steam VR games is worthless.)
Conclusion
VR vs. AR: Meta Quest 3 vs. Apple Vision Pro: The main difference between the two is the use of hand, face, and eye tracking capabilities. The Apple headset does not require controls, as all movements are initiated by hand or eye signal.
However, Quest 3 lacks face-eyesight capability and uses Touch Plus controllers instead. Both the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 offer numerous games, with the latter offering over a hundred Apple Arcade games and an additional 100 games for Meta Quest 3. The battery life of the Apple Vision Pro is comparable to the Quest 3, but it requires a battery pack, which is not necessary for the Quest 3.
FAQs
Is Apple Vision better than Meta Quest 3?
The Quest 3 is still the most inexpensive mixed reality headset to experiment with if you’re interested in virtual reality and augmented reality. Although there are components of the Vision Pro that completely surpass it, given its astronomically high price, I would strongly advise waiting.
What is better than the Apple Vision Pro?
Our top pick for a VR headset overall is the Meta Quest 3, which is also the most reasonably priced option available at the moment to replace the Apple Vision Pro.
What does the Apple Vision Pro do?
The Apple Vision Pro is essentially a virtual reality device—a term Apple would never use—that obscures the real world and replaces it with a virtual one.