Meta Quest 3 vs Apple Vision Pro: A Comprehensive Face-off in Mixed Reality

Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro have recently emerged as groundbreaking contenders in the realm of mixed and augmented reality headsets. 

As technology enthusiasts eagerly await their arrival, the inevitable question arises: what sets these two devices apart? Starting with the price, it’s impossible to overlook the stark contrast. 

Meta offers two versions of the Quest 3, priced at €549.99 and €699.99 for 128 GB and 512 GB respectively. 

Comparatively, the Apple Vision Pro demands attention with its hefty price tag starting at $3,499 for the 256 GB version, translating to over €3,000. This significant price difference has sparked extensive discussions among consumers.

Moving on to design, both headsets sport a ski mask-like appearance. However, beneath the surface lies a world of divergence. 

The Quest 3 employs a single display controlled by a handheld device, while the Vision Pro boasts a dual display navigated through eye movements. Apple’s implementation of this advanced eye-tracking technology, though contributing to the elevated cost, offers users a unique and immersive experience.

Mixed & Augmented Reality Innovation

The Vision Pro features two 1.41 micro-OLED 4K displays, delivering exceptional brightness and pixel density at 4,000 pixels per square inch. On the other hand, the Quest 3 opts for a single 4128×2208 pixel LCD screen. 

Additionally, Apple equips its headset with the M2 and R1 processors to manage an array of sensors, cameras, and microphones, while the Quest 3 relies on the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor. The Vision Pro also boasts 16 GB of RAM compared to the Quest 3’s 12 GB.

When it comes to software, Apple introduces VisionOS, a dedicated operating system tailored for its headset. Meanwhile, the Quest 3 operates on Android, offering access to the metaverse and a plethora of video games navigated via an external controller, which is also compatible with the Vision Pro.

In conclusion, while both the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro promise to revolutionize user experiences in mixed and augmented reality, their differences in pricing, design, hardware, and software highlight distinct approaches to innovation in this rapidly evolving field. 

Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences and priorities in functionality and affordability.