If you are a fan of virtual reality, you might be wondering whether to buy the new Quest 3 or the one-year old, Pico 4, two of the most popular standalone VR headsets on the market. In this article, we will compare these two devices in terms of specs, price, mixed reality, game library and comfort, to help you decide which one is the best fit for you.
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Should you upgrade to a Quest 3 if you already own a Pico 4?
Quest 3 VS Pico 4 Specs
The Meta Quest 3 is the latest iteration of Meta’s flagship VR headset, which was released on the 10th of October 2023. It features a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, a 2064×2208 resolution per eye, a 120Hz refresh rate, a 110-degree field of view, and a new controller design. The Quest 3 also supports Oculus Link and Virtual Desktop, which allows you to connect it to a PC and play PC VR games.
The Pico 4 is the fourth generation of Pico’s standalone VR headset, which was launched in 18th of October 2022. It has the Qualcomm XR2 processor (Gen 1), a 2160×2160 resolution per eye, a 90Hz refresh rate, a 105-degree field of view, and a built-in hand tracking system. The Pico 4 also supports Pico’s Streaming assistant and Virtual Desktop, which enables you to stream PC VR games from your computer.
Spec Table
As you can see from the table below, the Quest 3 has an edge over the Pico 4 in terms of specs. It has a higher resolution, refresh rate and field of view, which means it can deliver a more immersive and realistic VR experience. The Quest 3 also has a more powerful processor and is the first headset to offer the Gen 2 Snapdragon XR2, which means it can run more demanding games and apps.
| Specification | Pico 4 | Meta Quest 3 |
| Weight | 586 grams (balanced) | 515 grams (front loaded) |
| Resolution | 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye | 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye |
| Lens type | Pancake Lens | Pancake lens |
| Refresh rate | 72 Hz, 90Hz | 90Hz, 120Hz (experimental) |
| Field of view | 105 degrees | 110 degrees |
| Chipset | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8 GB LPDDR4 | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 512GB |
| Battery life | 2.5 hours | 2.2 hours |
Quest 3 VS Pico 4 Price
The Quest 3 and the Pico 4 have different pricing models. The Quest 3 costs $499 for the 128GB version and $649 for the 512GB version, users will also get the game Asgards Wrath for free when they purchase the headset , valued at $60. The Pico 4 on the other hand only costs approximately $366 USD ($499 SGD) for the 128GB model and an extra $100 SGD for the 256gb model.
The Quest 3 and the Pico 4 also have different target markets. The Quest 3 is very much aimed at the western market, with countries in Asia like Singapore not supported via warranty. Whereas the Pico 4 does not offer support to the US and has better market penetration in Asia and Europe.
Mixed reality Quality
One of the most exciting features of both headsets is their ability to support mixed reality, which is a blend of virtual and real environments. The Quest 3 and the Pico 4 both have cameras that can capture your surroundings and display them in VR. You can then interact with virtual objects and characters that are overlaid on top of your real world.
The Quest 3 is a breakthrough device for mixed reality experiences. It features two RGB cameras with 18 pixels per degree, which means you can see your real environment in stunning detail and clarity, with 10 times the resolution of the Quest 2 and twice the resolution of the Quest Pro. The passthrough mode allows you to see virtual objects overlaid on your physical space, creating a seamless blend of reality and imagination. You can also interact with the virtual elements using your hands or controllers, as the Quest 3 accurately maps the depth and dimensions of your room.
Most importantly the quest has a number of optimized apps and existing apps like Thrill of the fight are getting mixed reality updates.
The Pico 4’s pass through is a bit weaker. While it has full color pass through the lack of proper depth perception makes extended sessions in mixed reality a bit challenging.
This will likely be a core feature in VR games moving forward.
Quest 3 VS Pico 4 Game library
The Quest 3 and the Pico 4 have different game libraries that users can access. The Quest 3 has access to the Oculus Store, which has thousands of VR games and apps across various genres and categories. Some of the most popular titles include Beat Saber, Superhot VR, Resident Evil 4 VR, Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond, and Population: One. The clear winner here is the Quest. Here you can find a list of our top 20 quest games.
The Pico 4 has access to the Pico Store, which did have a rough launch. However the Pico 4 has done a pretty good job at adding titles to the Pico store over the last year and now have over 70% of the Quest’s games and even a few exclusives of their own. Here’s our take on the best Pico games you can play today.
Which headset has the best comfort?
The Quest 3 and the Pico 4 have different designs and ergonomics that affect their comfort and fit. The Quest 3 weighs 515 grams and has a soft strap that wraps around your head. The Quest 3 also has an optional elite strap with or without an external battery that adds more stability and balance, these will both set you back a pretty penny so it might be best to check out 3rd party accessories. The Quest 3 has a mechanical IPD adjustment that lets you set the distance between the lenses to match your eyes.
The Pico 4 weighs 586 grams (420 without the battery) and has a rigid halo strap that rests on your forehead and back of your head. The Pico 4 also has a counterweight battery that balances the weight of the headset. The Pico 4 has a digital IPD adjustment that adjusts the lenses to your eyes.
Out of the box, I find the Pico better balance and better for working out. But the Quest has superior comfort for short sessions.
Which Headset is should you buy?
The Quest 3 and the Pico 4 are both excellent VR headsets that offer different features and benefits. The Quest 3 is more suitable for gamers and enthusiasts who want to experience high-end VR with a large and diverse game library. The Pico 4 is more suitable to those based in Asia, those on a budget, or for those that are more interested in primarily using it as a PCVR device while they wait for the release of the next generation of headsets.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preference, budget and use case. If you are still undecided, you can try both headsets at your local VR store or online retailer before making a purchase.