When it comes to virtual reality headsets, the Apple Vision Pro stands out as an absolutely incredible device, setting the bar high with its maximum power and nearly unbeatable specifications. However, there are many other options on the market, such as the Meta Quest 3, which are much cheaper and offer similar features.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg claims that Meta Quest 3 surpasses Apple Vision Pro, a somewhat bold assertion. Therefore, we’ve decided to compare Apple Vision Pro with Meta Quest 3 to see what specifications each alternative offers.
Design: While the design of these devices tends to be fairly similar, Apple has once again elevated the classy aesthetic of augmented reality goggles by incorporating high-quality materials such as glass and aluminum. However, this significantly increases the weight, with the Vision Pro weighing 100 grams more than the Quest 3, despite having a separate battery.
Apple also offers maximum customization of the design with the so-called “light seal,” personalized for each user. It also features two types of straps so that each user can choose the most suitable one.
Displays: Apple Vision Pro boasts what may be the best displays on the market. With one screen for each eye using micro-OLED technology of just 1.4 inches with a resolution of approximately 3,660 x 3,200 pixels, yielding a density of 3,386 pixels per inch. These are screens of absolute quality.
Meta Quest 3 has very good displays but with inferior technology and lower resolution compared to Apple Vision Pro. In this case, they feature two LED screens with a resolution of 2,064 x 2,208 pixels.
Cameras and Sensors: To simulate being in a reality full of screens, these types of devices require many strategically placed sensors and cameras. Once again, Apple Vision Pro takes the lead with up to 17 different cameras and sensors.
Apple Vision Pro features a system with two main 3D cameras for taking spatial photos and videos, six tracking cameras oriented to the external world, four eye-tracking cameras (two on each eye), a TrueDepth camera system for scanning our face, a LiDAR scanner, and sensors like four inertial measurement units (IMUs), a blink sensor, and an ambient light sensor.
On the other hand, Meta Quest 3 has two RGB cameras with 18 PPD that show the exterior, a depth projector, and four infrared cameras. They lack cameras for eye tracking or scanning our face, and they have fewer sensors overall than the Apple option.
Controls: Apple Vision Pro does not have external controllers; all you need to use the Apple device are your eyes and hands. Thanks to eye control, the Vision Pro knows where you are looking at all times, and with different hand gestures, you can perform any action. Although it is true that you can connect game controllers to improve this type of experience.
In contrast, Meta Quest 3, although they can be used through gestures, incorporate two different controllers, one for each hand. They do not have advanced eye control like Apple Vision Pro, so their use is less precise without external controllers.
Power: In terms of power, there is no comparison possible. Apple Vision Pro is a computer and has a computer chip like the M2, accompanied by a second chip called R1 that is responsible for exclusively processing the images that the device shows us. Therefore, it is a device with enormous power.
Meta Quest 3 uses a Qualcomm chip designed for this type of device, the Snapdragon XR2 Gen2, but this is basically a chip similar to what we can find in high-end Android smartphones. It is not as powerful and with a GPU as specialized as the M2.
Operating System: Apple Vision Pro runs on visionOS, a new operating system designed exclusively for “special computing.” But this new operating system is still a version of iOS and macOS, sharing many of the available applications and games.
Meta Quest 3 features an operating system based on Android and fully customized by Meta for a 3D virtual experience. It is capable of running numerous apps designed for the platform.
Price: In this regard, there is also a huge price difference. Meta Quest 3 is 7 times cheaper than Apple Vision Pro, which is understandable considering the differences in specifications we find. These are devices from two different price ranges.
Apple Vision Pro Price: $3,499. Meta Quest 3 Price: $549.99.