Meta Quest 2 vs. Pico Neo 3 Link

The most popular VR headset in recent years was the Meta Quest 2 (formerly known as Oculus Quest 2). The Quest 2 is a standalone all-in-one headset, meaning that the VR headset can be used completely without a PC and cables. For many people, the Quest 2 was the ideal VR headset to start with. But the reason the Quest 2 proved so popular was also because there was little to no competition in the same price range. That has changed with the release of the Pico Neo 3 Link.

The Meta Quest 2 and Pico Neo 3 Link use the same processor, have the same resolution and type of display, and both have 4 built-in tracking cameras. However, there are also some differences. In the list below we have set the specifications of the best-known standalone VR headsets (Meta Quest 2, Pico Neo 3 Link and the HTC VIVE Focus 3).

• Resolution per eye: 1832 x 1920 LCD
• Refresh rate: 60 Hz to 120 Hz
• Processor: Snapdragon XR2
• RAM memory: 6 GB
• Number of tracking cameras: 4
• Hand tracking: Yes
• Storage: 128 GB / 256 GB
• Weight: 503 grams (without headband)

• Resolution per eye: 1832 x 1920 LCD
• Refresh rate: 90 Hz
• Processor: Snapdragon XR2
• RAM memory: 6 GB
• Number of tracking cameras: 4
• Hand tracking: No
• Storage: 256GB
• Weight: 620 grams (with headband + battery)

• Resolution per eye: 2448 x 2448 LCD
• Refresh rate: 90 Hz
• Processor: Snapdragon XR2
• RAM memory: 8 GB
• Number of tracking cameras: 4
• Hand tracking: Yes
• Storage: 128GB + MicroSD
• Weight: 785 grams (with headband + battery)

Based on the specifications, there are already a number of differences between the VR headsets. Below you will find all the differences explained.

The first difference between the Quest 2 and Pico Neo 3 Link that stands out is the fact that the Quest 2 is available in a 128GB version and a 256GB version. The Pico Neo 3 Link is only available with 256GB of storage. The choice of how much storage you need depends on how many things you want to do at the same time with the headset. For users who occasionally want to play a game with the VR headset and don't do much else with it, 128GB of storage is more than sufficient. But when you want to watch different movies on the VR headset, or you have a huge collection of VR games that you want to switch between, then 256GB is recommended. It is also generally recommended for business users to go for more storage. After all, it is not possible to increase the storage of your VR headset, so when 128GB is full you need to remove certain applications or games to free up storage.

Anyone who has ever put on a VR headset knows how important the weight of a VR headset is. Especially when you are playing for a longer period of time, you don't want a too heavy headset on your head. The Quest 2 is the lightest headset currently available. Weighing only 503 grams, the Quest 2 sits very comfortably on the head. It is important to note that the Quest 2 comes standard with a rubber band. Although this band is very lightweight, the comfort leaves much to be desired. The Pico Neo 3 Link comes standard with a sturdier headband and a battery on the back. Not only does the sturdier headband feel like a more premium product, but the extra weight of the battery on the back also distributes the overall weight of the VR headset better over the head. Fortunately, the Quest 2 does offer the option to replace the rubber band with the Oculus Elite Strap with battery.

The refresh rate of the Pico Neo 3 Link display is 90 Hz, which means that 90 images per second are displayed. Quest 2 gives five choices for the refresh rate: 60 Hz, 72 Hz, 80 Hz, 90 Hz, and 120 Hz. In the Quest Store and App Lab, 60 Hz is only allowed for 360-degree video, not for apps, virtual environments, or games. The 120 Hz mode is not achievable for most games because each frame can only be rendered for 8 milliseconds. But some titles use it to give extra response speed and lower latency than possible on Neo 3 Link (for example, Eleven Table Tennis).

The Quest 2 and Pico Neo 3 Link are both wireless headsets with their own game library. However, it is possible to connect the VR headsets to a PC, for example, when you want to play a specific PC VR game. By connecting the headset to a computer, it is possible to start games from Steam. With both headsets, you can make a connection to a PC via a wireless WiFi connection, but the disadvantage is that the connection is not always good and also leaves something to be desired in terms of bandwidth. You can see this in a lower image resolution and more latency (delay in the image).

With both headsets, it is also possible to connect to the PC via a cable. The Quest 2 can be connected to a PC via a USB-C to USB-A Oculus Link cable . This cable can be purchased separately. The Neo 3 Link comes with a 5 meter long DisplayPort cable. The advantage of this DisplayPort cable is that streaming takes place at a higher quality. The image resolution will therefore be better with the DisplayPort cable than with the USB cable.

Both headsets have similar controllers with a thumbstick. There is not much difference in the controllers, except that the Neo 3 Link controllers are a bit longer than the Quest 2 controllers. This makes them more comfortable to hold for users with large hands. The difference lies in the hand-tracking options of the glasses. For example, the Quest 2 offers the option to turn on hand tracking in developer mode. This allows you to operate the game or application without controllers. Note, this only works with a small selection of applications at this time. But for developers who find it important to offer users as realistic an experience as possible, the built-in hand tracking offers a very nice solution. The Pico Neo 3 Link does not have this capability.

Both headsets are very similar in terms of specifications. So you won't notice much difference in practice. Yet there are reasons why you might better choose one headset over the other.

You should choose the Meta Quest 2 if you:

• Find an extensive game library important.
• Like to use hand tracking.
• Want to be able to adjust the refresh rate per application.
• Want to have a lot of accessories for the headset (like controller grip, elite straps, stickers, etc.).
   

You should choose the Pico Neo 3 Link if you:

• Want a better connection with your PC/Steam.
• Don't want to incur extra costs when purchasing an additional elite headband.

Have you become enthusiastic after reading this blog and do you want to get started with VR? Then buy the Quest 2 directly at Unbound XR! We always have the best offers and prices. And order a handy accessory at the same time, so you can get started with the VR headset right away.