PICO 4 Ultra vs. Meta Quest 3S: Which One Should You Buy Now, or Should You Wait for the Next Generation?

PICO 4 Ultra vs. Meta Quest 3S: Which One Should You Buy Now, or Should You Wait for the Next Generation?

If you’re like many of us in the VR and mixed reality world, the constant releases of new headsets can leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed. The PICO 4 Ultra and Meta Quest 3S are the latest contenders on the scene, and both bring their own sets of strengths to the table. Whether you’re upgrading your existing setup or just starting out in the world of XR, the decision between these two can be tough. So, let’s break down the key differences and figure out if it’s worth taking the plunge with either of them, or if maybe you should hold out for what comes next.

1. The Price: Getting the Best Bang for Your Buck

Let’s start with what usually hits closest to home—price. The PICO 4 Ultra comes in at around $600, which puts it in the mid-range for a mixed reality headset. That price point gets you some serious hardware, like the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, 12GB of RAM, and advanced mixed reality capabilities. You’re definitely getting your money’s worth, but it’s an investment.

Now, if your wallet’s feeling a little light, the Meta Quest 3S might catch your eye. It’s priced at $299, which is half of what you’d pay for the PICO 4 Ultra. Sure, it makes a few trade-offs to keep the cost low, but for most users, it still delivers a solid MR experience without breaking the bank.

Verdict: If you’re not looking to shell out serious cash but still want a capable VR experience, the Meta Quest 3S gives you great value. However, if you want top-tier hardware and are willing to spend a bit more, the PICO 4 Ultra is where you should look.

2. Display and Visual Experience: What’s the View Like?

Let’s be honest—when you’re inside a virtual world, visuals matter. The PICO 4 Ultra steps up with 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye, pancake lenses, and screens that are 25% brighter than the previous PICO 4. This means crisper visuals, brighter colors, and a more immersive experience overall.

On the other hand, the Meta Quest 3S isn’t a slouch, but it does dial things back a bit to hit that lower price. With 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye and Fresnel lenses, the visuals are still good—just not on the same level as the PICO 4 Ultra. For some users, especially those new to VR, the difference might not be a dealbreaker.

Verdict: If you care deeply about high-quality visuals and want to feel fully immersed, you’ll probably lean toward the PICO 4 Ultra. But if you’re okay with slightly lower resolution to save some cash, the Meta Quest 3S is still a great option for its price.

3. Performance: Power Under the Hood

When it comes to raw power, both headsets are running on Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, so performance-wise, they’re both solid. However, the PICO 4 Ultra gives you an extra 12GB of RAM, compared to the 8GB in the Meta Quest 3S. That additional RAM means smoother multitasking and handling of more demanding apps, especially when you’re diving into intense VR experiences or mixed reality applications.

Verdict: If you’re into multitasking or plan to use more demanding apps, that extra RAM in the PICO 4 Ultra makes it a more powerful option. For casual users or first-timers, the Meta Quest 3S should still run most games and apps smoothly.

4. Mixed Reality: How Immersive Do You Want to Get?

Both headsets offer full-color passthrough, which allows you to blend the real and virtual worlds, but the PICO 4 Ultra takes it a step further with 32MP passthrough cameras (compared to the 16MP on the previous PICO 4) and advanced room mapping for spatial computing. It’s also compatible with Apple’s spatial content, which opens up even more possibilities for creative users.

The Meta Quest 3S, on the other hand, keeps things simpler. It has good color passthrough, but lacks a depth sensor, which can make more complex mixed reality experiences feel a little less precise. That being said, it’s still impressive for its price point and does a great job at handling most MR tasks.

Verdict: If you’re into mixed reality and want the best possible experience, the PICO 4 Ultra is going to give you more precise and immersive options. But for most casual users, the Meta Quest 3S will still deliver a fun and engaging MR experience at a lower price.

5. Apps and Software: The Ecosystem Battle

Here’s where things get interesting. While the PICO 4 Ultra has a lot going for it in terms of hardware, its app ecosystem is still relatively small. Sure, it’s got a few standout applications, and the PICO OS is evolving, but it’s no match for Meta’s Horizon OS. The Meta Quest 3S gives you access to a vast app library, including games, productivity tools, and some cool features like Portals that let you move seamlessly between apps.

For anyone who wants to use their headset for more than just gaming—like work or social experiences—the Meta Quest 3S has a clear edge with its broader app support.

Verdict: If a robust app ecosystem is a priority, Meta’s Quest platform wins. If you’re more focused on hardware and the potential to grow with future apps, the PICO 4 Ultra might still appeal to you.

6. Battery Life and Charging: Can It Last?

The PICO 4 Ultra boasts a 5700mAh battery and 45W fast charging, which means you can keep playing without long interruptions. If battery life and quick charging matter to you, this will definitely come in handy.

The Meta Quest 3S has a smaller battery and no mention of fast charging, giving it about 2.5 hours of gameplay per session. This might be fine for casual gaming but could leave you wanting more during longer VR sessions.

Verdict: For those long gaming marathons or VR sessions, the PICO 4 Ultra’s battery and fast charging are a real plus. If shorter, more casual sessions are your thing, the Meta Quest 3S will still get the job done.

Final Thoughts: Buy Now or Wait for the Next Generation?

Here’s the thing: both the PICO 4 Ultra and Meta Quest 3S are solid headsets, but they cater to slightly different needs. The PICO 4 Ultra is great for those who want cutting-edge features and are willing to invest a bit more for superior visuals, better MR capabilities, and hardware that can handle more demanding apps.

On the flip side, the Meta Quest 3S is perfect if you’re looking for an affordable way to dive into mixed reality without compromising too much on performance. Plus, with Meta’s app ecosystem, you’ll have access to more content out of the gate.

Should you wait for the next-gen models? If you’re not in a rush and are curious about what Meta or PICO might bring next year, waiting isn’t a bad idea—especially with how fast VR tech is evolving. But if you’re eager to jump in and don’t want to miss out on the latest and greatest experiences, both headsets will serve you well depending on your budget and priorities.