Samsung Debuts $1,799 Galaxy XR Mixed Reality Headset to Rival Apple Vision Pro

Samsung’s Foray into Premium Mixed Reality

Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy XR, its first mixed reality headset, marking a significant entry into a market currently dominated by Apple’s Vision Pro. According to the company’s announcement, the device is available in the US for $1,799, a price point that analysts suggest is strategically positioned to compete directly with the higher-priced Apple headset.

Samsung’s Foray into Premium Mixed Reality
A Collaborative Powerhouse: Google and Qualcomm
Hardware and Design Specifications
AI and Immersive Experiences
Developer Ecosystem and Future Devices
Pricing, Availability, and Perks

A Collaborative Powerhouse: Google and Qualcomm

The development of the Galaxy XR is reportedly the result of a partnership with Google and Qualcomm. Sources indicate the headset is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 platform and runs on Google’s new Android XR. The report states that this platform deeply integrates Google’s Gemini AI, putting artificial intelligence at the center of the user experience. “Co-developed with Google and Qualcomm, Android XR is a powerful platform that puts AI at the center of the experience,” Samsung said, emphasizing the open and scalable nature of the ecosystem that allows all existing Android apps to work immediately on the device.

Hardware and Design Specifications

The Samsung Galaxy XR boasts a high-resolution display with a 3,552 x 3,840 screen and a 90Hz refresh rate. Its field of view is reported to be 109 degrees horizontal and 100 degrees vertical. The headset is equipped with an array of sensors, including two high-resolution passthrough cameras, six world-tracking cameras, and four eye-tracking cameras that support iris recognition. Weighing 545 grams without its forehead cushion, it is notably lighter than the Apple Vision Pro. Samsung highlighted that the device was “carefully engineered with a human-centric design to deliver long-term comfort.” The battery pack is separate from the headset and provides up to 2 hours of general use, which is slightly less than its main competitor., according to industry developments

AI and Immersive Experiences

The integration of Google’s Gemini AI is a cornerstone of the Galaxy XR’s functionality. The report states that the AI assistant can be used to intelligently rearrange app windows, manage multiple tasks, and help users understand what they are seeing. In pass-through mode, a feature called “Circle to Search” allows users to draw a circle around an object in their physical environment to get information about it. The platform responds to voice, gestures, and eye movements. Samsung also highlighted new immersive experiences, including optimized versions of Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Photos, the latter of which can convert 2D photos and videos into 3D. For productivity, the headset can be paired with a keyboard and mouse or linked to a PC.

Developer Ecosystem and Future Devices

Samsung emphasized the open nature of the Android XR platform for developers. “Since the platform is built on OpenXR standards, it’s easy for developers using OpenXR, WebXR, or Unity to bring their experiences to Galaxy XR,” the company stated in the announcement. This approach is seen as a key differentiator in building a robust content library. Furthermore, sources indicate that Samsung is already working on future Android XR devices, including AI glasses in partnership with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, suggesting a long-term commitment to expanding its mixed reality ecosystem.

Pricing, Availability, and Perks

The Samsung Galaxy XR is available for purchase on Samsung.com and in Samsung Experience stores in the US and Korea. Additional accessories, including a Travel Case and a separate Controller, are available for $249.99 each. To encourage early adoption, the company is offering a bundle of subscriptions for those who purchase the headset before the end of the year, which includes 12 months of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass, and a specialized XR content pack.