iFixit's teardown reveals Meta Quest 3S as an upgraded Quest 2 with a key surprise

iFixit's recent teardown of the Meta Quest 3S reveals that the VR headset is, in many ways, a more powerful version of the Quest 2, with some notable improvements and cost-saving measures.

The Quest 3S, priced at $299.99, shares several components with its predecessor, including Fresnel lenses and an IPD adjustment mechanism that are fully compatible with the Quest 2, as well as using the same single LCD panel rather than individual screens for each eye, like in the more expensive Quest 3.

However, iFixit discovered one surprising upgrade: the Quest 3S features two IR sensors for depth mapping, a step up from the single depth sensor in the Quest 3. This improvement performs exceptionally well in low-light environments. The headset also uses the same Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor as the Quest 3 and supports Meta’s Touch Plus controllers, sold separately.

While the use of legacy parts helps reduce costs, it also means easier access to replacements if components break, with many parts already available from the Quest 2. Overall, the Quest 3S provides a budget-friendly option for VR users, combining affordability with improved features over older models.