Render scale is not equivalent to physical resolution and can change per frame depending on the load. See how to test sharpness, stability and store approval.
Direct answer
The Meta documentation updated on October 23, 2026 explains that render scale multiplies a default rendering resolution, which is different from the physical resolution of the display. In Meta VR Glasses, the company recommends dynamic resolution: the runtime suggests a dimension per frame according to the GPU load and the application uses it within the allocated limit. Larger scale can reduce aliasing and composer blur, but costs GPU; scale that is too low degrades reading and may prevent approval in the Horizon Store.
Physical display and render target are different measurements
The composer distorts the image before display. Using only the number of panel pixels to size the render target leads to incorrect budgeting.
Dynamics converts slack into quality
When there is headroom, the resolution increases; under load, it drops to protect the frame rate. The application must allocate the maximum and apply valid recommendations.
Text sets a floor of sharpness
Corporate interfaces need to preserve instructions, indicators and alerts. Test peripheral reading, movement and different distances before accepting reduction.
Long session reveals the real limit
Heat and battery change available performance. Measure frame time, applied resolution, throttling and quality during the operational duration.
Nexus Reading
Define a scaling range per device and scene, with target frame rate and readability; let the runtime adapt within previously validated limits.
FAQ
Does render scale 1.0 use all display pixels?
Not necessarily. Meta reports that the default resolution is lower than the physical resolution on your devices.
Is dynamic resolution enabled by default?
No. The application needs to enable it and apply the runtime or engine integration recommendation.
Is bigger scale always better?
No. It can improve sharpness, but it increases GPU costs and threatens thermal and frame rate stability.
Essential guides to delve deeper into the decision
This editorial analysis was produced by Nexus from the official sources below, consulted on October 26, 2026. The text is original and interprets practical implications for companies.
- Meta Horizon OS Developers — Render scale: resolutions, scale, dynamic recommendation, trade-offs and store requirements.
- Meta Horizon OS Developers — Performance and hardware: management of CPU, GPU, thermal, battery and runtime behavior.
Date reported by main source: documentation updated on October 23, 2026.