Meta Quest Review: Leading the Market in 2023?

Is the Quest still the most popular VR headset in 2023?

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Meta Quest Review: The Game-Changing VR Headset? 
VR ReviewsReviews

Published: March 21, 2023

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Rory Greener

Leading immersive technology firm Meta debuted its flagship Quest device in late 2020. Since the device’s launch, the product has become a mainstay in virtual reality (VR) enthusiasts’ homes.

By combining fully untethered portability with impressive VR features, the Meta Quest was one of the first VR device capable of delivering a truly wireless VR experience.

But three years following the device’s debut, is the Meta Quest headset still the ubiquitous VR product?

From Oculus Quest to Meta Quest

The Meta Quest product promotes unprecedented mobility and usability from its launch to the device’s current standing. Originally, Meta released the Quest as a sophomore follow-up to the Oculus Quest One model. Still, the Sophmore Quest model became the firm’s most popular product in subsequent years, replacing the now-discontinued original model.

The Meta Quest is one of the most popular and accessible VR devices. SteamVR figures consistently place the device at the top of its integrated devices, outclassing Valve’s Index and Meta’s more recent Quest Pro model. However, Meta designed Quest Pro to suit enterprise and other vertical use cases first and fourth most.

The Meta Quest transformed the marketplace forever by offering the masses a high-grade, highly functional mobile VR headset that doesn’t break the bank at $399.99 and $429.99 for the 128GB and 256GB models.

Meanwhile, 2023 marks a wave of change in the eyes of many rival headset vendors. For example, enterprise and commercial products from Pico, Lenovo, and HTC are debuting left, right, and centre to drive competition in the XR wearables space.

So, what exactly is it that makes the Meta Quest so unique, and is it worth buying the device in 2023? Let’s look below to find out.

Meta Quest Review: The Tech Specs

The Meta Quest is a fully wireless VR headset that promises ultra-fast processing times and high-quality visuals. The device is affordable, with easy setup and immediate access to various VR experiences.

The Meta Quest tech specs include the following:

  • 128GB – 256GB of storage (depending on model)
  • 1832×1920 (per eye) Display Resolution
  • 72Hz Display Refresh Rate
  • SoC: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ XR2 Platform
  • 6GB of RAM
  • 2-3 Hours Battery life
  • 5 Hours Charge Time
  • Adjustable IPD
  • Both Stationery and Room scale Sized PlaySpace

Another key feature of the Quest is that it runs on Qualcomm’s elite Snapdragon XR2 chip, giving it twice its former model’s CPU and GPU performance.

The results create a faster VR headset that is 5G ready, ensuring users can take full advantage of the high-speed mobile network once it rolls out in mass.

Meta Quest Review: Features

The Meta Quest provides 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye and a 72Hz display refresh rate to ensure better visuals and a more enjoyable, cleaner immersive experience for the user.

However, while Meta designed the Quest with significant hardware improvements, Meta did not upgrade the device’s lens, which remains unchanged from the original model. Like the former, various users have reported that Quest’s lenses can create the same undesirable “god rays,” causing distortion and blurring within a virtual environment.

Besides a significant memory upgrade and improved visuals, the Meta Quest also delivers exciting new features like 3D cinematic sound, provided by built-in speakers that offer spatial audio.

There’s also the option to cast your content directly from your VR headset to your local TV. The Quest offers features like:

  • Collaborative experiences with leader boards and co-play
  • Wireless access to PCVR experiences via the Link function
  • Ultra-responsive and durable touch controllers
  • A design with glasses spacing to ensure you get a great visual experience
  • Adjustable headset bands for better balance while you play

Meta Quest Review: Comfort and Functionality

Meta designed the Quest to be as easy to use as possible for VR beginners and as a powerful tool for experienced VR users to leverage. Operators have a much more comfortable experience with this product than with the previous version.

The Meta Quest is light at just 503 grams, far less front-heavy than the first iteration, and contains adjustable straps for added comfort.

The newly improved design also securely fits the face to prevent dropping and ensures no excess light can enter the headset during use. 3D cinematic sound also means you don’t have to worry about plugging in headphones separately.

One thing that adds to the functionality and comfort of the Quest headset is the wireless structure. Users don’t have to step over cables like other VR devices, which is a massive upgrade.

Who is the Meta Quest For?

Perhaps the most significant selling point of the Meta Quest is its accessibility; users do not need a massive budget or powerful gaming computer to run immersive VR applications.

Accessibility, simplicity, comfortable ergonomics, and instant access to various games and immersive experiences on the built-in Meta Quest storefront make the device more appealing than many rivals.

The Meta Quest is an easy way to get into VR without spending a fortune on complicated tools. It is easy for companies to adopt the accessible Quest, letting them leverage the power of VR for collaboration.

Meta Quest: The Verdict 

With its fantastic accessibility, the Meta Quest is experiencing a lead in the consumer VR headset market.

The device’s impressive visuals, superior processing power, and added comfort work together to deliver immersive experiences for business and consumer end-users.

But will the device’s dominance continue? The Meta Quest Pro failed to secure the same levels of success, in part due to its price point, and rumours state the Meta Quest 3 is due this year. However, the Meta Quest remains a flagship in the firm’s product portfolio and will continue to do so for a while.

Moreover, many rivals are appearing to dethrone the Meta Quest in 2023. For example, devices like the Lenovo ThinkReality VRX, HTC VIVE XR Elite, Pico 4 Enterprise Headset, Valve Deckard, Varjo XR-3 Focal Edition, and even sophisticated smartglasses are creating a healthy basis for a broad consumer choice.

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