Samsung Galaxy XR: Taking on Apple Vision Pro

Samsung Enters the XR Arena with Galaxy XR

Following considerable anticipation, Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy XR headset, positioning it as a direct competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro. This new device leverages the capabilities of Google’s Android XR operating system and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 platform.

Pricing and Availability

The Galaxy XR is priced at $1,800, representing a significant cost advantage compared to the Vision Pro, which commands a substantially higher price. Currently, the headset is available for purchase in both the United States and South Korea.

Users can anticipate up to two hours of typical usage, with video playback extending to two and a half hours.

Display and Tracking Capabilities

The headset incorporates a micro OLED display boasting an impressive 27 million pixels – exceeding the Vision Pro’s pixel count by six million. Its resolution is 3,552 x 3,840.

While offering a 90Hz refresh rate, it differs from the Vision Pro’s 120Hz specification. Galaxy XR is equipped with two high-resolution pass-through cameras, alongside six external tracking cameras and four dedicated eye-tracking cameras.

Design and Comfort

Weighing in at 545g, the Galaxy XR is noticeably lighter than the Apple Vision Pro, which ranges between 750g and 800g.

Samsung emphasizes the headset’s design, stating that “through a combination of its shape, advanced materials and the structural optimization of each component, Galaxy XR achieves an optimal balance between lightweight design and robustness for daily use.”

The ergonomically designed frame is intended to distribute pressure evenly across the forehead and the back of the head, minimizing discomfort and ensuring stable support.

Integrated Experiences

Samsung highlights a range of experiences specifically optimized for XR functionality. These include popular applications like Google Maps, YouTube, Circle to Search, and Google Photos.

Users are able to utilize Gemini to navigate locations within Google Maps while experiencing immersive 3D maps. Furthermore, Gemini can assist in finding content on YouTube and providing additional information about viewed videos.

The Photos application allows for the conversion of 2D images into 3D representations.

Multitasking and Entertainment

The headset facilitates multitasking by enabling users to open and manage multiple applications simultaneously, adjusting their size as needed. This includes applications such as web browsers, document editors, and music players.

Content can be streamed on a high-resolution 4K micro OLED screen. Several streaming services, including Crunchyroll, HBO Max, and Peacock, have adapted their applications for the Android XR platform.

Launch Promotion

Customers who purchase the Galaxy XR before the year's end will receive an Explorer Pack. This pack includes 12 months of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, and Google Play Pass.

Additional benefits include a three-month trial of YouTube TV at $1 per month, access to the 2025-2026 NBA League Pass season, and access to NFL PRO ERA from Status Pro, Adobe’s Project Pulsar, Asteroid, and Calm.

Apple's Recent Updates

This launch follows Apple’s recent unveiling of an updated Vision Pro headset, now powered by the M5 chip – a successor to the existing M2 chip. The M5 chip delivers a 10% enhancement in display rendering and supports refresh rates up to 120Hz, an increase from the previous 100Hz.

Battery life has also been improved, offering two and a half hours of general use and three hours of video playback.