In the dynamic world of virtual reality, Apple and Meta have emerged as key players, unveiling cutting-edge VR headsets designed to redefine the Metaverse experience. Apple’s groundbreaking announcement occurred on June 5, 2023, during the Worldwide Developers Conference, introducing its inaugural ‘spatial computing’ headset— the Vision Pro.
Since its much-anticipated arrival, the Vision Pro has generated significant industry buzz, thanks to its innovative mixed reality features. However, it’s crucial to note that Apple’s Vision Pro isn’t the sole contender in this space. Meta, not to be outdone, unveiled the Oculus Quest 3 on June 1, 2023, and subsequently released it on October 10, 2023, as an upgraded iteration of the Quest 2.
An Overview
Both the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro stand as advanced mixed reality headsets, bridging the gap between the digital and physical world. With features like TruTouch haptics, full-color passthrough, and a Snapdragon XR2+ processor, they aim to usher in a new era of immersive experiences.
Meta had already teased the impending arrival of the Meta Quest 3 in 2023, presenting it as an enhancement over the Meta Quest Pro in terms of optics and specifications. With wide availability, an extensive gaming library, and a range of mixed reality experiences, the Meta Quest 3 quickly established itself in the VR market.
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In contrast, Apple’s Vision Pro represents a significant foray into AR and VR technology, boasting a dual M2 Silicon processor and a revolutionary operating system—Apple VisionOS.
Pros and Cons
Examining the strengths and weaknesses of these headsets, the Apple Vision Pro excels in ease of use, entertainment, productivity, and 360-video features. However, its hefty price tag of $3,499, limitations in window/screen sharing, and subpar battery life are notable drawbacks.
On the other hand, the Meta Quest 3 offers a more affordable option at $499.99 for 128GB and $649.99 for 512GB. With a balanced mix of productivity and gaming features, along with a higher refresh rate of 120Hz (compared to Vision Pro’s 90Hz), the Meta Quest 3 presents a compelling alternative. Yet, it falls short in technological prowess when compared to the Vision Pro, and its passthrough cameras struggle in low-light conditions.
Specification Differences
| Apple Vision Pro | Meta Quest 3 | |
| Processor | Apple M2 + Apple R1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 |
| Resolution/Display | 23MP per eye, roughly 4K | 2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye |
| RAM | Yet to be known | 8GB |
| Storage | 1TB/2TB/4TB | 128GB/512GB |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz |
| Battery life | 2 estimated | 2.4hrs |
| Weight | approx. 1 pound | 515g |
| Operating system | VisionOS | Android |
| Tracking technology | LEDs and infrared cameras | Yet to be known |
Design and Comfort
Both designs prioritize user comfort, with the Meta Quest 3 emerging as one of the best standalone VR headsets. Its utilitarian design, featuring a white plastic front housing cameras and sensors, along with an adjustable IPD wheel, provides a secure and comfortable fit. Apple’s Vision Pro, on the other hand, boasts a sleek appearance with a black glass-like design and a unique Eyesight feature for face-to-face interaction.
Extended Reality Features
The Apple Vision Pro leads in enabling mixed reality by default and introduces the innovative Eyesight feature, duplicating the user’s eyes onto a front display for enhanced real-world interactions. Conversely, the Meta Quest 3 utilizes cameras for passthrough, offering a glimpse into the surrounding area with decent performance in natural light.
Display and Audio
The Meta Quest 3 utilizes dual LCD pancake lenses with a resolution of 2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye, providing a 110-degree horizontal and 96-degree vertical field of view. Apple’s Vision Pro promises a 3800 x 3000 display resolution with two Micro OLED displays, delivering a 4K experience for each eye. However, the Vision Pro operates at a 90Hz refresh rate compared to the Meta Quest 3’s 120Hz.
Content and Software
The Apple Vision Pro introduces its proprietary operating system, VisionOS, offering access to iOS and iPad OS apps, along with a diverse library of games from the Apple Arcade. On the other hand, the Meta Quest 3 runs on the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 with 8GB of RAM, providing exceptional gaming performance and efficiency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro cater to distinct user preferences. The Meta Quest 3 appeals to VR enthusiasts seeking a blend of mixed reality experiences at an affordable price, while the Vision Pro positions itself as an ideal choice for those exploring mixed reality applications in a business context. Ultimately, the choice between these two exceptional headsets depends on individual needs and priorities within the ever-evolving landscape of virtual and augmented reality.
