In this article, we would take a look at the difference between “Meta Quest 3” and “Steam Frame“. We hope that this comparison of Meta Quest 3 vs Steam Frame can help you to choose your VR headset more wisely. Here, we will only choose the distinctive features between them to compare. Check it out…
Difference Between Quest 3 vs Steam Frame VR
Below is the explanation on the difference between Meta Quest 3 and Steam Frame. In case you want to quickly go through the comparison, hope the table here can help you at a glance.
1. Release or Launch Date
Meta Quest 3: This headset was released on 10th October 2023. They learn a lot from Meta Quest 2 on how to make this a better VR headset.
Steam Frame: It was announced in November 2025 and expected to be released in early 2026.
2. Connectivity
Both Meta Quest 3 and Steam Frame are stand-alone, wireless VR system.
3. Display Resolution
Meta Quest 3: It has the resolution of 2064 × 2208 pixels per eye. This version enhances resolution by nearly 30% compared to Meta Quest 2. Furthermore, it has 1218 PPI (pixels per inch) and 25 PPD (pixels per degree).
Steam Frame: It has the resolution of 2160 × 2160 pixels per eye.
4. FOV (Degrees)
Meta Quest 3: It has 110 horizontal and 96 vertical degrees of FOV (field of view).
Steam Frame: It has up to 110 degrees FOV (field of view).
5. Optics
Meta Quest 3: It has Pancake lens with continuous IAD. Good thing about pancake lenses is that they reduce the size of the VR lens system. Furthermore, pancake lenses has better image clarity and sharpness than fresnel lenses.
Steam Frame: It uses custom pancake lenses.
6. Refresh Rate
Meta Quest 3: It can support 72Hz, 90Hz and 120Hz.
Steam Frame: It can support from 72Hz to 144Hz refresh rate. Please take note that 144Hz is still experimental.
7. Passthrough
Meta Quest 3: .It has 2 RGB Color cameras and depth projector for improved depth and resolution.
Steam Frame: It has monochrome passthrough via outward facing cameras.
Note: This is the biggest difference between Meta Quest 3 and Steam Frame.
8. Processor
Meta Quest 3: It uses Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor.
Steam Frame: It uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
9. Storage
Meta Quest 3: It offers the storage of 128GB and 512GB.
Steam Frame: It offers 256GB and 1TB UFS storage options.
10. RAM
Meta Quest 3: It has 8GB of RAM.
Steam Frame: It has 16GB Unified LPDDR5X RAM.
11. Price
Next, we come to the last part which is the favorite topic of all people…
Meta Quest 3: The price is USD 429.99 for 128GB and USD 499.99 for 512GB. Just a small difference for a quadruple storage.
Steam Frame: Not announced yet. Expected to be released in early 2026.
Table of Comparison
Below is the Table of Comparison for your easy reference…
| Criteria | Meta Quest 3 | Steam Frame |
| Connectivity | Stand-Alone/Wireless | Stand-Alone/Wireless |
| Display Resolution | 2064 x 2208 | 2160 × 2160 |
| FOV (Degrees) | 110 horizontal 96 vertical | 110 degrees |
| Optics | Pancake lens, continuous IAD | Pancake lens |
| Passthrough | 2 RGB Color cameras & depth projector | Monochrome |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Storage | 128GB and 512GB | 256GB and 1TB |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB |
| Price | USD 429.99 (128GB) USD 499.99 (512GB) | Not announced yet |
In Summary…
If you want to play the Mixed Reality games, you might want to get Meta Quest 3 because of the colored passthrough capability.
If you’re looking to play a lot, lot, lot of game from SteamVR Library, you might want to get Steam Frame.
Lastly…
If you would like to know more info and details about these headsets, you may read it here:
- The Official Website of Meta Quest 3
- The Official Website of Steam Frame
- The Beginner’s Guide to Meta Quest 3
We think that’s all for now on the comparison between Meta Quest 3 vs Steam Frame. Hope this can help you in selecting your VR/MR headset more wisely. You also might want to check out the comparison between Meta Quest 3 and other VR/MR headsets as well. Happy hunting 🙂
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