Quest 3 problems and observations

[Ezez333]

My observations after 10 days of using Quest 3.

Dead pixel(s?)

 At least one dead black pixel on the right eye panel. Pretty much next to where I look when head and eyes are pointing forward, like looking towards horizon. I don't care about dead pixels if those are on the peripheral vision area, but this one is nearly in front of my eyes, not always visible but I can see it.

USB port problem - liquid/debris warning?

 I get warnings about USB-port containing some debris or liquid. I have no idea if this is software or hardware issue. There is obviously no liquid or visible debris, and I've charged the headset maybe 2 to 3 times, and today I again got a warning when I pressed the power button and the headset booted. I got it first when I booted the headset the very first time.

Battery doesn't last more than 2 hours?

I've only played simple games like Beat Saber and Ragnarock. Battery drains really quickly compared to Quest 2. I didn't measure this yet but it feels battery doesn't last nearly as long. I think so far battery has lasted less than 2 hours of standalone gaming. Today I tested air link, and after 45 minutes of playing a game, there was 25% battery left (started from 100%). After exiting the game, and wasting a few minutes in menu, the battery was down to 20%. Next I played 3 short stages in Beat Saber, and right after I went to check the battery level, headset did automatic shutdown. I don't think the battery is very good, not sure if I would say it feels defective but it really doesn't last long. Panel brightness was somewhere between 50-70% the whole time. I've used 72 Hz refresh rate only.

Panels/lenses - red/brown tint on the edges?

Especially the left side seems to have red/brown tint from the outer side edge towards the center area of the left panel, maybe 1/4 - 1/3 of the total view area width. I guess this might be something typical for the panels and lenses (I guess like with any LCD-panel, viewing angle matters), but it doesn't feel that bad on the right side - I can't notice red tone there. Nudging the headset on my face left and right doesn't seem to make it any better on the left side, I do wear glasses but never had such issues with Quest 2.

Panels/lenses - "dirty" pattern

There seems to be a cloudy pattern across the panels or lenses, quite visible against any bright background, like blue sky or gray gradient, like air link's gray background. Feels like looking through a cheap plastic film, the pattern is quite dense, not something like large darker or lighter areas across the whole view, but like some noise texture pattern that is blurred. I don't remember seeing anything like this on Quest 2, to such extent that it would bother me much, but TBH this either isn't visible in typical games I would play.

Head strap and facial interface

Head strap is surprisingly OK for shorter use, but after one hour, the plastic parts start to dig into my skull. Facial interface top part isn't comfortable, it isn't thick or foam-like enough, and starts to cause headache like feeling on my forehead.

  
Edit - controllers battery life
After draining headset battery now maybe 5 times, playing games 1.5 hours each time, controllers are now down to 60% from 100%. I think the haptic feedback is set to 100%, which isn't very noticeable at all, but maybe it is because of that. So the batteries won't last nearly as long as with Quest 2.

Otherwise I feel there is a lot to like: image quality is great, no need to adjust the headset to get best in focus picture possible. MR feature demo worked great, even in a low light room, although obviously pass through image gets very grainy. Despite of issues with lenses, image is way clearer than in Quest 2. For casual use, controllers seem to be tracking pretty much flawlessly anywhere in front side hemisphere, but I have to test this more, but lack of ring makes controllers feel a lot nicer, no more hitting controllers together.

I would be interested to hear, if anyone else has had similar issues! Anyway - I'm thinking about returning/changing the headset in local store where I bought it from, as I bought the 512GB model along with battery elite strap - for nearly 900 Euros everything should be (not perfect but) flawless.

[Loadie150]

I hear you about the battery! I literally just got my Q3 and tried to race in AMS2 with airlink, the battery lasted at most 1 hour and I received 2 notifications about the battery being almost dead!

my other issue is with guardian, I believe. While in AMS2 I get the guardian area super imposed ontop of the sim. I can race and do everything I want but still have the circle at the bottom and + all over the screen. Looks horrible. I’m sure it’s something I’ve done wrong with the guardian etc. I tried in both Meta desktop and PC desktop.

[maessof]

yeah, i have the mura thing, and not sure if mine is worse than average, very noticeable on skyboxes, and any fogged game. Population one when you die for example.

[AlasPoorJoric]

Isn't this a warranty issue on the Quest 3?
I'm thinking of upgrading from my Quest 2, but all the reports of dead pixels and "mura" I'm seeing for new units makes me very hesitant.
The only purchase options here in Oz are the Meta or Amazon online stores, so RMA replacements would be a major hassle at best.

[Ezez333]

I have no idea if panel with one dead pixel is considered as a defective panel - maybe someone has previous experience with such an issue? Also, uneven LCD-panel lighting may be simply a typical thing for this headset. This is why I bought Quest 3 from a local store, so I can return it during 50 days period no questions asked (or at least that is what they say, haven't yet returned my headset).

[Loadie150]

Well, Meta contacted me last night by email. The second thing they suggested was a full refund, which I took them up on their offer. For me, it’s not worth the hassle right now. Issues with Mira, panel issues, battery issues. 2 of this glaring issues can’t be resolved by a software upgrade. 

time to look at alternatives…

[Dangerousdriver]

I'm in exactly the same position as you. I had a quest 2 with Elite strap battery and had no issues whatsoever. I purchased the Quest 3 512gb, Elite battery strap, Meta Quest 3 charging dock, active hand straps and the silicone facial interface, so nearly £1000 GBP. I have a dead pixel in my right eye, although in the peripheral view, it's bright green so is very annoying and distracting when watching films etc. 

The Elite Battery strap will not work at all, and I have been sent another from Meta which arrives tomorrow. I am hesitant to use it though as I am concerned the headset might brick the new strap. I also have a returns label now from Meta who have asked me to send the full retail package so headset and controllers to allow them to send a replacement. 

But, if I am honest while I feel there is many good aspects and improvements to the Quest 3 over the Quest 2 I am really disappointed that Meta have got this launch so wrong! The battery life is literally abysmal and maybe this appears even worse as the Elite strap is not working, but still I only have to watch Netflix or Bigscreen and I lose 65% after 40 mins! That's ridiculous. 

I am now torn as whether to return everything to the retailers I purchased them from and get my money back on it all. 

Meta have been very poor at updating us with that is going on with these issues, and has left me with no confidence in them after my dealings with support which I have liken to having my nails pulled out with pliers whilst being water boarded and made to watch TikTok videos! 

I need to have a think about what I want to do in the next day or so, but I am really disappointed so far. The bad has outweighed the good aspects I am afraid. 

[Dangerousdriver]

I've got one dead pixel and Meta are exchanging mine. 

[JoeBC]

I don't have any dead pixels and no battery problems yet.  I do have a cloudy area on the right lens.  It's like a smudge or something.  Not a huge issue but it's noticeable.

My big issue though is when I'm on Beat Saber or a Supernatural workout.  A few times I've had no problems.  Other times it will just go dark in the middle or a workout, then comeback with Supernatural paused.  I unpause it and it will start again only to repeat.  Not sure if this is a headset issue, controller issue or what but that never happened on my Quest 2.  It's annoying as hell after spending so much on the 512G version.  

[coolbrah]

Make sure your wifi connection is good. Mine wasn't too great once and the video paused on me before starting again 10 seconds later. I reset my router and confirmed my wifi speed was great again and it hasn't paused since.