iFixit’s Meta Quest 3S Teardown Reveals a Hidden Quest 2 Inside

What if we told you the Meta Quest 3S is essentially a more powerful Quest 2 with color passthrough? For those following our coverage, that might not come as a surprise. But a recent teardown by iFixit has uncovered just how true this comparison is.

Quest 2 Legacy Lives On

In its teardown video, iFixit reveals that the Quest 3S shares numerous components with the Quest 2, making it a cost-effective alternative to the pricier Meta Quest 3. One of the most striking examples is the use of Fresnel lenses, which iFixit’s Shahram Mokhtari highlights as being “100% compatible” with the lenses used in the Quest 2.

Additionally, the Quest 3S retains the same IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment mechanism found in the Quest 2. The headset also uses a single LCD panel for both eyes, instead of the more advanced two-panel design seen in the Quest 3. While these shared components might seem like a step backward, they help keep costs down and improve the overall repairability of the device.

A Familiar Design with a Few Surprises

Removing the faceplate of the Quest 3S reveals even more familiar components. However, iFixit discovered one interesting upgrade: the Quest 3S uses two IR sensors for depth mapping instead of the single depth sensor found in the Meta Quest 3. This small yet significant improvement allows the headset to perform exceptionally well in unlit spaces, offering better depth perception.

Though the Quest 3S may not boast all the cutting-edge tech of the Quest 3, it does share the same Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 SoC. Additionally, it is compatible with Meta’s newer Touch Plus controllers, though these are sold separately.

A Budget-Friendly Option

The Meta Quest 3S is designed with affordability in mind. At a price of around ₹24,900, it’s considerably cheaper than the Quest 3, which costs around ₹41,500. While some may view the reuse of Quest 2 components as a drawback, it’s actually a win for consumers looking for a more budget-friendly VR experience. Plus, if any of these reused parts break, finding replacements won’t be difficult, thanks to the availability of Quest 2 components.

Conclusion

The iFixit teardown of the Meta Quest 3S sheds light on the headset’s cost-saving design. By reusing parts from the Quest 2, Meta has managed to create a more affordable VR headset without sacrificing too much in terms of performance. And with the added bonus of improved depth mapping, the Quest 3S is a solid option for those looking to step into VR without breaking the bank. If you're in the market for a more economical VR experience, the Quest 3S might just be what you're looking for.