Pico 4 Ultra vs Meta Quest 3: The Battle of VR Headsets

As the VR market heats up, the Pico 4 Ultra and Meta Quest 3 are set to go head-to-head. Discover which headset might come out on top in this exciting showdown.

Exploring the Hardware Capabilities of Pico 4 Ultra and Meta Quest 3

The Pico 4 Ultra marks a significant advancement from its predecessor, emerging as a formidable competitor in the VR headset market. Featuring two 32-megapixel cameras, it offers perspective-correct passthrough with minimal distortion, thanks to pixel binning that achieves an effective 8-megapixel output. ByteDance reports an impressive passthrough resolution of 20.6 pixels per degree (PPD), surpassing the 18 PPD of the Meta Quest 3, setting a new benchmark for VR displays and overall display resolution. This makes the Pico 4 Ultra an exciting competitor, not only to the Meta Quest 3 but also to high-end mixed reality devices like the Meta Quest Pro.

As the release of the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Connect 2024 approaches, the VR landscape is seeing rapid innovation, with the Meta Quest Pro already recognised for its premium features. The Pico 4 Ultra, however, comes equipped with an advanced chipset and enhanced mixed reality capabilities, positioning it as a viable rival to the Quest Pro. It also supports 3D video capture at up to 2048×1536 resolution at 60 FPS and integrates a time-of-flight sensor for accurate 3D environment meshing. The addition of a slightly larger battery in the rear strap improves battery life, enhancing the overall user experience. By comparison, the Meta Quest 3 features a depth projector for 3D environment sensing, along with an accessible price point for immersive VR displays.

The Meta Quest 3S, with its launch on the horizon, is expected to further boost Meta’s market position. This affordable and powerful VR headset is drawing attention for its balance of advanced features and competitive pricing. As the market leader, Meta is positioning its Quest 3S to appeal to a broad audience, complementing its high-end Quest Pro offers. The infinite display technology that powers these devices, alongside superior displays and cameras, ensures that Meta remains a dominant player in the VR and mixed reality space.

User Experience Comparison

Both the Pico 4 Ultra and the Meta Quest 3 are engineered to offer immersive and seamless interactions, each bringing unique strengths that enhance the overall VR headset experience. The Pico 4 Ultra stands out with its advanced passthrough capabilities and higher pixels per degree (PPD) resolution, delivering clearer and more lifelike visuals. With a passthrough resolution of 20.6 PPD compared to the Meta Quest 3’s 18 PPD, the Pico 4 Ultra provides sharper, more detailed mixed reality environments. Its ability to natively decode Apple spatial videos adds versatility, appealing to users seeking high-quality video experiences and mixed reality productivity tools. These features, combined with advanced cameras and a time-of-flight sensor for environment meshing, make the Pico 4 Ultra a robust contender in the market.

Conversely, the Meta Quest 3 has garnered widespread praise for its user-friendly interface and accessibility, making it a favourite among VR enthusiasts. It strikes a perfect balance between performance and ease of use, providing an accessible yet powerful experience for both newcomers and experienced users. The Meta Quest 3 is an attractive choice for those seeking immersive VR without the complexity, offering intuitive navigation, excellent battery life, and effective 3D environment sensing through its depth projector.

Looking at both the Pico 4 Ultra and the Meta Quest 3, their designs focus on enhancing productivity through immersive mixed reality applications, making them strong competitors in the enterprise space. The Meta Quest Pro, as a premium headset option in Meta’s lineup, pushes the boundaries even further with advanced features like eye tracking, higher-end lens technology, and superior camera setups. This makes it ideal for users looking for a next-level upgrade in VR and mixed reality.

While the Pico 4 Ultra excels in visual clarity and passthrough experiences, the Meta Quest 3’s strength lies in its well-rounded package of performance, simplicity, and affordability. Both headsets represent exciting advancements in vision and pixel technology, with the Meta Quest Pro offering an even higher tier of capabilities.

Meta Quest 3 v Pico 4 and Rumoured Meta Quest 3S

As the release of the Meta Quest 3S approaches, this upcoming headset is poised to attract a significant audience with its competitive pricing, expected to be around £300. Positioned as an affordable entry point into the Meta Quest ecosystem, the Quest 3S appeals not only to casual users and gamers but also to businesses looking for scalable and cost-effective virtual reality (VR) solutions. The Quest 3S sits in a sweet spot, potentially disrupting the market and leaving competitors like the Pico 4 in a difficult position.

At the higher end, the Meta Quest 3 512GB model is priced at £469, targeting power users who require increased storage for games, applications, and media. This model also boasts premium features such as advanced optics and a higher pixels per inch (PPI) count, resulting in sharper visuals and an improved overall user experience. In contrast, the Pico 4, priced at £599, offers robust features such as superior passthrough resolution, 20.6 pixels per degree (PPD), and high brightness, making it a strong contender in the mixed reality (MR) space. However, with the Meta Quest 3S coming in at a substantially lower price point, consumers may find themselves weighing the value proposition between the more affordable Quest 3S and the higher-priced Pico 4.

The Meta Quest 3S is expected to offer strong value, particularly with its impressive PPI, ensuring excellent image quality at a more accessible price. Meta’s XR2 Gen chipset will likely power the Quest 3S, delivering reliable performance for immersive gaming and productivity applications. Furthermore, Meta Link integration, a feature anticipated in the Quest 3S, could allow users to connect to PCs for higher fidelity VR experiences, significantly broadening its appeal to both gamers and professionals. Having sharing capabilities within the Meta ecosystem and other features, will likely enhance the overall user experience, making the headset a versatile tool for a variety of tasks.

One of the biggest advantages Meta may hold is in major exclusives. With titles like "Beat Saber," "Asgard's Wrath," and other prominent VR experiences only available in the Meta ecosystem, the Quest 3S is set to attract those seeking unique gaming content. Meanwhile, gaze tracking could become a pivotal feature, especially for business users looking to improve productivity and interactivity within virtual meetings or other enterprise applications. The addition of a more advanced depth-sensing system, like a surface-based projector, could make virtual objects feel more realistic and tactile, pushing the boundaries of mixed reality.

Ultimately, the competition between the Meta Quest 3S, Meta Quest 3, and Pico 4 will hinge on price, user experience, and specific feature sets like brightness, optics, PPI, and chipset capabilities. While the Pico 4 offers high-end features at a premium price, the Quest 3S may win over consumers by delivering a strong combination of affordability and performance.. This could give Meta a significant edge in market share as consumers balance the value of affordability against advanced specs, deciding what matters most for their VR experiences. As the release of the Meta Quest 3S approaches, this upcoming headset is poised to attract a significant audience with its competitive pricing, expected to be around £300. Positioned as an affordable entry point into the Meta Quest ecosystem, the Quest 3S appeals not only to casual users and gamers but also to businesses looking for scalable and cost-effective virtual reality (VR) solutions.

At the higher end, the Meta Quest 3 512GB model is priced at £469, targeting power users who require increased storage for games, applications, and media. This model also boasts premium features such as advanced optics and a higher pixels per inch (PPI) count, resulting in sharper visuals and an improved overall user experience. In contrast, the Pico 4, priced at £599, offers robust features such as superior passthrough resolution, 20.6 pixels per degree (PPD), and high brightness, making it a strong contender in the mixed reality (MR) space.

The Meta Quest 3S is expected to offer strong value, particularly with its impressive PPI, ensuring excellent image quality at a more accessible price. Snapdragon's XR2 Gen chipset will likely power the Quest 3S, delivering reliable performance for immersive gaming and productivity applications. Furthermore, Meta Link integration, a feature anticipated in the Quest 3S, could allow users to connect to PCs for higher fidelity VR experiences, significantly broadening its appeal to both gamers and professionals.

One of the biggest advantages Meta may hold is in major exclusives. With titles like "Beat Saber," "Asgard's Wrath," and other prominent VR experiences only available in the Meta ecosystem, the Quest 3S is set to attract those seeking unique gaming content. Meanwhile, gaze tracking could become a pivotal feature, especially for business users looking to improve productivity and interactivity within virtual meetings or other enterprise applications. The addition of a more advanced depth-sensing system, like a surface-based projector, could make virtual objects feel more realistic and tactile, pushing the boundaries of mixed reality.

Ultimately, the competition between the Meta Quest 3S, Meta Quest 3, and Pico 4 will hinge on price, user experience, and specific feature sets like brightness, optics, PPI, and chipset capabilities. While the Pico 4 offers high-end features at a premium price, the Quest 3S may win over consumers by delivering a strong combination of affordability, performance, and integration within the growing Meta ecosystem. This could give Meta a significant edge in market share as consumers balance the value of affordability against advanced specs, deciding what matters most for their VR experiences.

Market Impact and Consumer Choice Dynamics

The launch of the Pico 4 Ultra is set to significantly impact the virtual reality market, offering consumers a wider range of choices. As the VR community eagerly watches the competition between the Pico 4 Ultra and the Meta Quest 3—along with the much-anticipated Meta Quest 3S—this rivalry could establish new benchmarks for performance and affordability in the industry.

With the Pico 4 Ultra challenging Meta's market dominance, consumers stand to gain from the heightened competition, which will likely drive both companies to push the envelope on innovation. New features like improved optical systems, enhanced ultra controllers, and more advanced reality sensors are expected to roll out as each company tries to outdo the other. The Pico 4 Ultra could bring cutting-edge technology at a competitive price, directly competing Meta’s offerings by improving on specs like brightness, resolution, and PPI (pixels per inch), ensuring a richer, more detailed visual experience.

For Meta, the rumoured Fresnel lenses in the Quest 3S are already generating buzz, hinting at a leap in visual clarity and overall performance. If the Meta Quest 3S can deliver on this, it could become a game-changer in terms of optical quality, making it a solid contender against the Pico 4 Ultra’s advancements. The Quest 3 and Quest 3S could also benefit from Meta’s ecosystem, providing access to meaningful exclusives that will only be available on Meta platforms.

The future of virtual reality is likely to be shaped by this intensifying competition. Both companies are focusing on high-performance headsets that offer a balance of premium features and competitive pricing, ensuring that VR becomes more accessible to a broader audience. For instance, with the Ultra model of the Pico 4, there’s a clear emphasis on pushing the envelope in optical quality while maintaining an attractive price point. This model is expected to feature reality sensors that enhance mixed reality experiences, making the device versatile for both gaming and professional applications.

Moreover, pricing strategies will play a crucial role in how these headsets are received by consumers. The Pico 4 Ultra’s competitive price could force Meta to reconsider its pricing for the Quest 3 and Quest 3S models, making high-quality VR experiences more affordable for a larger audience. This could lead to a price war that benefits consumers, allowing them to access great specs and cutting-edge features without breaking the bank.

As the battle for market share continues, we may see even more rapid advancements in the VR landscape, where both companies strive to integrate new technologies and improve user experience. With headsets like the Meta Quest 3 and Pico 4 Ultra, the focus on creating superior optics and introducing more immersive experiences will likely drive innovation forward at an unprecedented rate.

Ultimately, the rivalry between the Pico 4 Ultra and Meta’s Quest lineup will redefine what consumers expect from VR headsets. The competition will bring not only improvements in performance and visual quality but also more options for affordability, allowing more people to dive into virtual reality. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the VR industry is on the brink of a transformative period.

Price Points and Accessibility in the VR Industry

Price points play a critical role in making VR technology more accessible to a wide range of consumers. The Meta Quest 3 has earned recognition for providing an immersive virtual reality experience at a relatively affordable price point, lowering the barrier for entry into the VR world. By keeping costs competitive, Meta has been able to attract a broad audience, allowing more people to explore the possibilities of virtual reality without breaking the bank.

The upcoming release of the Pico 4 Ultra could further disrupt the VR market, introducing a new pricing dynamic that may significantly influence the accessibility of advanced VR features. As the competition intensifies, both the Meta Quest 3 and the highly anticipated Meta Quest 3S,, are likely to implement even more competitive pricing strategies to capture market share. This competitive pressure will benefit consumers, as it will likely lead to better deals and discounts, ensuring that cutting-edge VR technology becomes more affordable.

With both companies pushing innovation while aiming to keep prices down, the Pico 4 Ultra could drive an industry-wide shift toward greater affordability without sacrificing quality. The introduction of new features, such as improved optics, higher pixels per inch (PPI), and enhanced field of view, paired with competitive pricing, will make advanced VR experiences more attainable for a broader audience. As a result, the rivalry between Meta and Pico is expected to spur the adoption of innovative features while making VR technology more accessible.

Looking toward the future, this evolving landscape will not only enhance the appeal of the Meta Quest 3 and the Pico 4 Ultra but also influence the overall trajectory of the VR industry. Both headsets will become more attractive options for newcomers looking to dip their toes into VR, as well as seasoned VR enthusiasts who seek to upgrade their equipment with more advanced specs. The industry will likely see a surge in the availability of high-quality yet affordable VR devices, offering improved view, display, and immersive experiences that appeal to both casual users and professional applications.

As VR technology continues to evolve, consumers will benefit from an increased emphasis on affordability, giving them more choices and ensuring they can keep up with the latest advancements. The future of virtual reality will likely be shaped by this competition, pushing both Meta and Pico to introduce superior products while keeping prices competitive. Platforms dedicated to VR will play a crucial role in keeping consumers informed about the latest pricing and features, allowing users to make the best choices based on their needs and budgets.

In this competitive environment, consumers can look forward to exciting new VR offerings that combine high-end performance with affordable pricing. This will undoubtedly accelerate the growth of the VR industry, ensuring a more immersive and accessible future for everyone.

Navigating the New VR Landscape: What the Pico 4 Ultra and Meta Quest 3S Mean for Consumers

The Pico 4 Ultra can be envisioned as a high-end boutique that caters to tech enthusiasts hungry for the latest and greatest in virtual reality. Offering advanced features like higher resolution passthrough, 3D video capture capabilities, and RGB cameras, the Pico 4 Ultra is pushing the boundaries of immersive technology. Its impressive pixel density delivers stunning visual clarity, making it ideal for users who prioritise precision and realism in their VR experiences. This device stands out for its cutting-edge innovations, appealing to those seeking a sophisticated and detailed approach to virtual reality.

On the other hand, the Meta Quest 3S feels like an established brand that has taken a leap forward with its latest iteration. Like a trusted retailer that continuously updates its product line to stay ahead of the curve, the Quest 3S is, ensuring fast performance at an affordable price. With its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and commitment to accessibility, the Quest 3S makes it easy for both beginners and seasoned VR users to dive into virtual worlds without steep learning curves. The Quest platform is known for delivering a wide variety of content and an intuitive user experience, enhancing its appeal to a broader audience.

For consumers, this vibrant marketplace of VR headsets translates into more options, better features, and competitive pricing. Just as a range of shops leads to more choices and deals, the rivalry between the Pico 4 Ultra and the Meta Quest 3S is expected to spark a wave of innovation. Both companies are likely to introduce exciting hardware updates, such as new controllers, enhanced haptics, and improved optics, making the overall VR experience richer and more immersive.

When comparing these headsets with another major player, Apple's Vision Pro, we see distinct differences in target markets and use cases. Apple's entry into the VR space is focused on premium AR/VR fusion, designed with mixed reality capabilities and targeted at professionals who may prioritise work-related applications. The Vision Pro is a powerful, high-end device, but its price tag puts it in a different segment compared to the more budget-friendly Meta Quest 3S and Pico 4 Ultra, which are more accessible to casual users and gamers.

One significant difference between these headsets lies in the software ecosystems that support them. The Meta Quest Store offers an ever-expanding library of VR content, including VR software, games, and productivity tools, making it a versatile platform for entertainment and work. Meanwhile, Pico has its own platform with growing content offerings, though it may not yet rival Meta’s ecosystem in sheer volume or variety. Apple, with its Vision Pro, is leveraging its own software ecosystem, which includes exclusive apps and integration with iOS devices, ensuring that users can smoothly transition between their virtual and everyday workflows.

This competitive environment is likely to spark not only hardware improvements but also software innovations. As VR software continues to evolve, we can expect more meaningful exclusives and experiences that take full advantage of each headset’s capabilities.

As more headsets debut at industry events like Meta Connect, consumers can anticipate exciting advancements in optics, performance, and price-to-feature ratios. This increasing competition will drive the adoption of VR, making the technology more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. Consumers can expect an array of high-quality, affordable VR options, equipped with the latest controllers, sensors, and advanced visual systems, offering an ever-richer and more immersive VR journey.

Advancing VR Technology: Innovations and Long-Term Viability

The competition between the Pico 4 Ultra and Meta Quest 3 goes beyond short-term market dominance—it's driving long-term innovation in VR technology that could shape the future of the industry. Both companies are setting new standards with hardware advancements like enhanced resolution passthrough and advanced 3D video capture, raising the bar for what users expect from their virtual experiences. These features, including higher pixel density, create more immersive and realistic environments, forcing competitors to keep up and ensuring that users benefit from increasingly lifelike VR worlds.

As ByteDance and Meta race to outdo each other, the Meta Quest 3S, powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen chip, is a prime example of the technological leap consumers can look forward to. The introduction of this chip is expected to bring improved light handling, enabling more vibrant visuals and more realistic environmental interactions, which are key to enhancing user immersion. Meanwhile, Pico's focus on advanced optics and imaging technologies will offer even greater clarity and detail in virtual settings, appealing to users who seek high-definition visuals and precise depth perception.

The rivalry is not just about who can offer the best hardware—it extends into software as well. Pico's Ultra software is being optimised to take full advantage of the hardware improvements, promising seamless refresh rates that will reduce motion sickness and improve overall comfort during extended use. Meta's Horizon OS is also evolving, making the Meta Quest 3S an ideal candidate for both gaming and productivity with a wide range of standalone VR applications. The ability of these headsets to operate independently without requiring a PC, further simplifies the VR experience. Making it more accessible to casual users while still offering the power that tech enthusiasts and professionals demand.

Each of these headsets comes with its pros and cons. The Pico 4 Ultra boasts superior passthrough resolution and high pixels per inch (PPI), making it excellent for users who prioritise clarity and crisp visuals in mixed reality environments. On the downside, its software ecosystem may not yet be as robust as Meta's, which could limit its appeal to users looking for a wide variety of VR content.

On the other hand, the Meta Quest 3S leverages Meta's well-established platform, including access to Horizon Worlds and a broad selection of apps through the Meta Quest Store. Its Snapdragon XR2 Gen chip and improved light handling will deliver smoother, more immersive experiences. However, while it offers great value, some users may find that it doesn’t quite match the Pico 4 Ultra in terms of high quality visuals.

As these two headsets compete, the focus on refresh rate, optics, and standalone VR features is set to expand what’s possible in virtual reality. Consumers can expect more realistic visual experiences with faster refresh rates, making virtual worlds feel smoother and more responsive. Innovations in light handling, colour reproduction, and depth perception will result in more lifelike interactions with virtual environments, setting a new standard for immersion.

Ultimately, this competition is a win for consumers. As Meta and ByteDance push each other to innovate, the broader VR landscape evolves, offering enhanced software ecosystems, more powerful hardware, and better pricing strategies. The ongoing rivalry will drive both companies to continuously improve their offerings, introducing new applications and experiences that take virtual reality to unprecedented levels.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Pico 4 and Pico Ultra?

The Pico 4 Ultra is a significant upgrade over the original Pico 4, boasting numerous enhancements that elevate the virtual reality experience. Here’s a closer look at its key features and improvements:

Key Improvements

• Cameras: The Pico 4 Ultra is equipped with two 32MP cameras for mixed reality, a notable upgrade from the Pico 4's single 16MP camera. This advancement allows the Ultra to produce clearer visuals and significantly reduce distortion and image warping, enhancing the overall immersive experience.

• Processor: Using the powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, it offers 20% more CPU power and an impressive 250% more GPU power compared to the Gen 1 chip found in the Pico 4. This increased processing capability translates to smoother performance and better handling of demanding applications and games.

• RAM: With 12 GB of RAM, the Pico 4 Ultra allows for more efficient multitasking and faster load times, surpassing the 8 GB of RAM in the Pico 4. This ensures that users can run multiple applications and games simultaneously without lag.

• Battery: The Ultra features a robust 5700 mAh battery, providing longer play sessions compared to the smaller battery in the original Pico 4. This extended battery life is crucial for users engaged in immersive experiences without the constant worry of recharging.

• Resolution: The Pico 4 Ultra boasts an impressive resolution of 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye, enhancing visual clarity and detail. This improvement allows for a more lifelike and engaging experience when playing games and using apps.

• Refresh Rate: With a 90 Hz refresh rate, the Pico 4 Ultra delivers smoother motion and reduced motion blur, which is particularly beneficial for fast-paced gaming and high-action experiences.

• Screen Brightness: Users can enjoy a 25% increase in screen brightness compared to the Pico 4, making the visuals more vibrant and improving usability in various lighting conditions.

• Wi-Fi Support: The Ultra supports Wi-Fi 7, allowing for faster and more reliable connectivity, which is essential for online gaming and accessing cloud-based applications. In contrast, the original Pico 4 only supports Wi-Fi 6.

• Controllers: The Pico 4 Ultra features a ringless controller design that is 50% shorter than that of the Pico 4. This design not only enhances comfort during extended use but also improves tracking precision, resulting in a better interactive experience.

• IPD Adjustment: Users will appreciate the continuous inter pupillary distance (IPD) adjustment range of 58–72 mm on the Pico 4 Ultra, which allows for a more customised fit and improved comfort during extended use.

Business Version

Additionally, the Pico 4 Ultra is available in a business version known as the Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise. This version is tailored for educational and training environments, featuring tools and applications designed to facilitate learning and professional development.

The Pico 4 Ultra not only enhances the technical specifications of its predecessor but also sets a new standard for what users can expect from VR headsets. With its powerful processor, advanced camera system, and increased RAM, the Ultra is well-equipped to handle a wide variety of games and apps. Making it an appealing choice for both casual users and professionals. This upgraded headset promises to deliver an exceptional virtual reality experience, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of immersive technology.

Useful links:

CTO Introductory Guide to Meta and Mesh

HR guide to upgrading your employees work-life with technology

CEO guide to driving company performance

Is Pico or Meta better?

Deciding if the Pico 4 Ultra or Meta Quest 3 is the better choice will depend on your specific preferences and needs in a VR headset. If you prioritise a vast library of games, user-friendly interfaces, and strong performance, the Meta Quest 3 may be the right fit for you. However, if you seek sharper visuals, advanced mixed reality capabilities, and an easy-to-maintain face mask, the Pico 4 Ultra could be the headset to consider. 

For those interested in buying a meta quest 3, head over to our store where we sell an array of different headsets.