Entertainment pioneer Virtual Reality (VR) has been constantly expanding the boundaries of how games and digital experiences can reach the next level, and Meta has led the charge. The Meta Quest line of products made standalone VR headsets a revelation as they delivered high resolution and a cutting-edge experience to the average user by eliminating expensive external hardware requirements. Now, with the release of the Meta Quest 4, Meta is re-imagining what’s possible in the VR experience domain.
In the following post, we will take you through the most important upgrades, features, and applications of the Meta Quest 4, showing you exactly what makes this device the must-have choice in a crowded marketplace. By the end of this review, you should have a definite answer for whether the Meta Quest 4 is a VR headset that you should upgrade to or buy for your first VR headset.
Table of Contents
- What is Meta Quest 4?
- Meta Quest 4 Release Date: When Does It Come Out?
- Meta Quest 4 Price: What Will It Cost?
- Meta Quest 4 vs. Quest 4s: Differentiation
- Meta Quest 4 Rumors and Leaks: Expected Features and Specifications
- Meta Quest 4 Game Compatibility
- Meta Quest 3 vs. Pico 4
- Future of VR with Meta Quest 4
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What is Meta Quest 4?
Meta Quest 4 is an upcoming virtual reality (VR) headset from Meta and is the successor to the Meta Quest 3. Since the Quest 3’s release, rumours have been circulating about two new models. The upcoming VR (known internally as Pismo High) and the more affordable (Pismo Low). This makes it possible for Meta to serve premium and more cost-conscious users.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also hinted at eye and face tracking features. Additionally, it has been reported that the upgraded devices may also support next-generation display technology and immersive tech. Moreover, industry insiders rumour that the Quest 4 will include an upgraded processor, improved mixed reality, and thinner, more comfortable wear, ensuring an all-around better VR experience.
Meta Quest 4 Release Date: When Does It Come Out?
One of the most pressing questions surrounding Oculus Meta Quest 4 is when it will be released. Meta has not officially announced the release date. However, a tentative timeline can be established based on historical release patterns and industry speculation.
Historically, Meta has released new virtual reality headsets every few years, with the Quest 3 arriving in 2023 and the Meta Quest 2 in 2020. This three-year spread could indicate that VR will release around the same time. Industry insiders say Meta will schedule the Quest 4 launch between October and December 2026 to align with its existing product cycle. Moreover, there’s also a rumour that the next VR could be announced at its annual Meta Connect conference, typically held in September, with pre-orders opening shortly after.
Meta Quest 4 Price: What Will It Cost?
The Meta Quest 4 release date and price are still not confirmed. However, the leaks are looking to be in the range of the Quest 3, which launched at $499.99. According to leaks and Meta’s pricing history, the regular VR would sell between $499 and $599; the Meta Quest 4s would aim for sub-$400 (presumably in the $299 and $399 range). The premium Quest 4 might feature high-end additions, such as eye tracking, that could slightly raise the price. New VR will probably be constructed with sturdier materials while following the Quest 3’s cost-cutting roadmap toward lower resolution and a narrower field of view.
Meta Quest 4 vs. Quest 4s: Differentiation
The comparison between Meta Quest 3 and Quest 4 also indicates how Meta can enhance the upcoming VR headset.
- Meta Quest 4 (Pismo High): This premium model will feature next-level eye and facial tracking technologies. It might also boast OLED displays and perhaps even varifocal lenses to enhance image sharpness.
- Meta Quest 4s (Pismo Low): This model could be cheaper and share specifications with the Quest 3, including LCDS and Fresnel lenses. However, it will see increased processing power and design tweaks for a better-balanced cost-and-performance machine.
Furthermore, both models will share the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 3 chipset, RAM, and cameras. This will make them compatible with the same games and applications, ensuring the highest level of developer support and making them the most profitable structures.
Meta Quest 4 Rumors and Leaks: Expected Features and Specifications
Industry experts expect Meta Quest 4 to introduce several groundbreaking features redefining the VR landscape. Here’s a comprehensive look at the anticipated features and specifications.
1. Enhanced Display and Optics
- OLED Displays: Instead of the Quest 3’s LCD, the Quest 4 might include OLED displays for more vivid colours, inky blacks, and better battery life. However, to balance quality and price, Meta may go for higher-end LCD types with local dimming in the less expensive models.
- Resolution Boost: The Quest 4 may offer 2160 x 3840 pixels per eye, a 30% improvement over the Quest 3’s 2064 x 2208 per eye, which is approaching the Apple Vision Pro’s 3,386 PPI. Also, the Quest 4s could remain at a lower resolution than its predecessor, the Quest 3s.
- Improved Field of View (FOV): The Quest 4’s FOV is expected to be larger than before, which could mean more expansive and immersive viewing.
- Holocake Lenses: The Quest 4 could feature Meta’s Holocake 2 prototype lenses, which integrate holographic layers to lower their weight and thickness compared to the Quest 3’s pancake lenses. On the other hand, the Quest 4s might also continue to use Fresnel lenses to achieve a lower price.
2. Advanced Tracking and Interaction
- Eye and Facial Tracking: Quest 4 is expected to have advanced eye-tracking and facial expressions representing features. These advancements will lead to more natural interactions between avatars and increased user interaction in virtual worlds.
- Foveated Rendering: The headset also supports foveated rendering, which works in unison with eye tracking by concentrating processing power wherever the user is looking. This improves both performance and graphical quality.
3. Performance and Hardware Upgrades
- Next-Gen Processor: A Snapdragon XR2 Gen 3 or newer Qualcomm chip will be expected to offer a significant performance uplift from the Quest 3’s XR2 Gen 2. Moreover, the chip may include Oryon cores, like in the Snapdragon 8 Elite, to handle VR-related tasks like foveated rendering and camera processing.
- Increased RAM: The Quest 4 rumours offer at least 8GB of RAM in the base model, while the premium model offers 16GB of RAM, which would improve multitasking, faster app switching, and 3d modelling and designs.
- Expanded Storage Options: The storage is rumoured to increase from 128GB to 256GB, which means more space for larger apps and games and more supported media.
- Improved Battery Performance: Meta could pack in a larger-capacity battery or use better thermal design and foveated rendering to improve power efficiency. This may lead to around 2.5-3 hours of battery life, which also means fast charging will be there , possibly through USB-C and a proprietary charging dock.
4. Design and Comfort Enhancements
- Built-in Elite Strap: The Quest 4 could have an Elite Strap built in, helping to provide a more comfortable fit over longer gaming sessions.
- Improved Ergonomics: Design refinements are expected to make the headset lighter and more comfortable, addressing user feedback from previous models.
5. Software and Ecosystem Integration
- Enhanced Mixed Reality Features: Building upon the Quest 3’s capabilities, the Quest 4 is expected to offer enhanced mixed reality features. These include improved passthrough quality and advanced depth sensing for more accurate room mapping and interaction with virtual objects.
- Built-in IR Illuminators: Enable low-light gaming, improving tracking in dim environments.
- Cloud Gaming Support: The headset might be compatible with cloud gaming services, so users can stream graphically demanding games without having powerful components in their PC.
Meta Quest 4 Game Compatibility
The Meta Quest 4 series continues to support immersive VR experiences with titles, each offering unique gameplay tailored to virtual reality.
- Resident Evil 4 Meta Quest 2: Resident Evil 4 VR is an immersive first-person action game that reimagines the classic survival horror game for the Meta Quest platform. Meta first released the Meta Quest 2 Resident Evil 4 bundle on the Meta Quest 2, offering the VR headset alongside the digital versions of Resident Evil 4 VR and Beat Sabre. With Meta’s commitment to backwards compatibility, the game should be playable on Quest 4, allowing users to enjoy it on newer hardware.
- Fallout 4 VR: Fallout 4 VR isn’t officially available on the Quest. However, with expected improvements in processing power, the Quest 4 could enable cloud gaming. As such, users could potentially stream titles from supported PCS or cloud services, broadening the number of available games.
Meta Quest 3 vs. Pico 4
The Meta Quest 3 vs Pico 4 are two major standalone VR headsets with strong points. Towards the future, the next expected VR seeks to continue this legacy with massive improvements. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Meta Quest 3 (2023) | Pico 4 (2022) | Meta Quest 4 (Speculative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | October 2023 | October 2022 | Late 2025 to 2026 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 3 or newer |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | 8GB to 16GB |
| Display and Resolution | LCD, 2064×2208/eye | LCD, 2160×2160/eye | OLED, 2160 x 3840/eye |
| Eye/Face Tracking | No | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 2–3 hours | 3 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Controllers | Touch Plus | Pico Controllers | Improved Touch Plus with haptics |
| Passthrough | Full-color stereoscopic | Full-color stereoscopic | Enhanced full-colour with depth sensing |
| Price (USD) | Starting at $499 | ~$280–$350 | $499–$599 (standard), $299–$399 (budget) |
Key Takeaways
The Meta Quest 3 outperforms the Pico 4 in mixed reality, processing power, and ecosystem, but the Pico 4 offers a lightweight design and lower price. The new VR is expected to widen this gap with
- Higher resolution and potential OLED displays.
- Eye and face tracking for foveated rendering and social VR.
- Snapdragon XR2 Gen 3 for superior performance.
- Advanced accessories like the EMG band.
Future of VR with Meta Quest 4
Meta plans to compete with high-end headsets like the Apple Vision Pro by launching the Quest 4, which offers advanced features at a lower price. Expected in 2026, it will include eye-tracking, OLED displays, and a powerful Snapdragon XR3 processor. As a result, these upgrades will improve AI and graphics. The Quest 4 will offer better mixed reality, higher resolution, and a lighter design. These features are designed to enhance gaming, productivity, and social experiences. Furthermore, Meta’s focus on affordability and partnerships, such as with James Cameron for VR films, positions it well to compete with rivals.
Conclusion
Meta Quest 4 is shaping up to be a virtual reality game-changer. With anticipated upgrades in display quality, processing power, and immersive features like eye and facial tracking, the next VR promises to push the boundaries of VR gaming and mixed reality experiences. As Meta continues to refine its vision for the future of VR, the Quest 4 could offer an unprecedented level of immersion. Consequently, this makes it a highly anticipated release for tech enthusiasts and gamers.
While the exact release date and pricing remain speculative, it’s clear that the Quest 4 will be worth the wait. With innovations like enhanced comfort, powerful hardware, and increased game compatibility, the Meta Quest 4 will strengthen Meta’s VR dominance. Whether you’re upgrading from a previous model or are new to the VR series, the upcoming VR promises a significant leap forward in virtual reality innovation and experience.
FAQs
Meta Quest 4 is expected to be released between late 2025 and 2026. However, this timeline is speculative, and Meta has not yet confirmed an official launch date. Industry insiders anticipate it will align with Meta’s usual product cycles.
Meta hasn’t confirmed a “Pro” model, but reports suggest a high-end mixed reality headset, “Pismo High,” is developing. This model might have new features like eye and facial tracking, OLED screens, and lenses that adjust, making it different from the regular Quest 4.
Currently, Meta has not opened pre-orders for the Meta Quest 4. According to previous product cycles, Meta should open pre-orders two months before the launch. For example, pre-orders for the Quest 2 began around eight weeks before its launch.
No, Meta has not confirmed the official release date for the Meta Quest 4. While industry analysts predict a launch between late 2025 and early 2026, these are speculative estimates based on historical release patterns.
Yes, Meta Quest 4 is expected to be compatible with Quest 3 games. Meta has ensured its VR headsets are compatible with one another so that users can access their existing library of games and apps. As a result, this provides a safe and smooth process for original users who upgrade to the new device.
