After months of intense speculation and anticipation, Samsung has officially launched its highly anticipated Galaxy XR headset, designed to compete with Apple's Vision Pro. This innovative headset operates on Google's Android XR operating system and is powered by the advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 platform. Priced at $1,800, the Galaxy XR is nearly half the cost of the Vision Pro, making it an attractive option for tech enthusiasts and early adopters alike.
The Galaxy XR headset is now available for purchase in the U.S. and Korea. It offers impressive performance features, including a battery life of up to two hours of general use and two and a half hours for video playback. The headset boasts a stunning micro OLED display with a remarkable resolution of 3,552 x 3,840 pixels, equating to a total of 27 million pixels—six million more than the Vision Pro. Although it has a 90Hz refresh rate, slightly lower than the Vision Pro's 120Hz, the visual experience is still exceptionally vibrant.
Weighing in at a mere 545 grams, the Galaxy XR is significantly lighter than the Apple Vision Pro, which weighs approximately 750 to 800 grams. Samsung emphasizes the ergonomic design of the headset, stating that “through a combination of its shape, advanced materials, and the structural optimization of each component, the Galaxy XR achieves an optimal balance between lightweight design and robustness for daily use.” The headset’s design focuses on distributing pressure across the forehead and the back of the head, which minimizes facial discomfort and provides steady support during prolonged use.
The Galaxy XR headset is equipped with a variety of features optimized for augmented reality experiences. Users can explore apps like Google Maps, YouTube, Circle to Search, and Google Photos. With the built-in Gemini assistant, users can navigate through immersive 3D maps on Google Maps or ask for recommendations on YouTube content tailored to their interests. Moreover, the headset allows users to convert 2D images into 3D formats in Google Photos, enhancing their digital experience.
In pass-through mode, the Galaxy XR enables users to see their physical surroundings while still engaging with digital content. Users can draw a circle with their hand to search for information about objects in their environment. The headset’s multitasking capabilities allow users to open multiple applications simultaneously—be it a browser, documents, or a music app—making it an efficient tool for both productivity and entertainment.
For entertainment, the Galaxy XR supports streaming on a 4K Micro-OLED screen. Popular streaming services such as Crunchyroll, HBO Max, and Peacock have customized their apps for the Android XR platform, ensuring a seamless viewing experience. Additionally, those who purchase the Galaxy XR by the end of this year will receive an exclusive Explorer Pack. This pack includes 12 months of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, and Google Play Pass, alongside a $1 per month trial of YouTube TV for three months. Furthermore, it grants access to the 2025-2026 season of NBA League Pass and various experiences, including Status Pro’s NFL PRO ERA, Project Pulsar from Adobe, Asteroid, and Calm.
The launch of the Samsung Galaxy XR headset marks an exciting development in the realm of augmented reality, offering advanced technology at a competitive price point. With its lightweight design, impressive display, and a range of immersive experiences, the Galaxy XR is poised to captivate users and challenge the dominance of established products like the Vision Pro.
