Samsung just dropped the Galaxy XR headset, teaming up with Google and Qualcomm to make mixed reality more accessible without breaking the bank. Priced at around $1,800, it’s about half what Apple’s Vision Pro costs, which opens the door for more people to try XR without the premium price tag. This launch feels like a big step for Android in the headset space, blending virtual and real worlds in a way that’s practical for work or fun.
If you’ve been curious about XR but have been put off by bulky gear or steep costs, this could change how you think about it. Early hands-on reports suggest it’s comfortable for longer sessions, which is key for getting folks to actually use it.
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Design that has been tailored for comfortable everyday use
The Galaxy XR stands out with its lightweight build at just 545 grams for the main unit, plus a separate 302-gram battery pack that clicks on easily. Samsung focused on ergonomics, using soft-touch fabric and adjustable cushions for the forehead and rear to distribute weight evenly and avoid pressure points. The curved glass visor houses six cameras, including world-facing ones for tracking, and an LED indicator to show when it’s active.
You can remove the light shields for mixed reality or keep them for full VR immersion, and the fit dial lets you tweak for a precise angle. Air vents keep things breathable during extended wear, and the side bands protect sensitive areas while staying stable. For users in warmer climates like India, this breathability could make a real difference, preventing that sweaty discomfort some headsets cause. Overall, it feels designed to blend into your routine rather than dominate it, with a silver shadow finish that’s sleek and modern.
Display and upgraded immersion
When it comes to the displays, we have dual 4K micro-OLED displays, each packing 3,552 x 3,840 pixels for a combined 27 million pixels, delivering sharp, vibrant visuals close to 8K quality. The 6.3-micron pixel pitch ensures fine details pop, whether you’re in a virtual meeting or exploring a game world. Refresh rates go up to 90Hz, with defaults at 72Hz and a 60Hz option for battery savings, covering a wide 109-degree horizontal and 100-degree vertical field of view. This setup supports 95% DCI-P3 color gamut for lifelike colors, and foveated rendering uses eye-tracking to sharpen what’s in your gaze while saving power on the edges.
Pass-through cameras let you see the real world in color, blending digital overlays seamlessly for AR tasks like virtual whiteboards. If you’re into content creation, the high-res makes editing photos or videos in XR feel natural and immersive. Samsung’s approach here prioritizes clarity without the motion sickness some displays cause, thanks to low latency around 12ms.
Hardware and performance upgrades
Powered by the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 platform, the headset handles demanding apps with a 20% faster CPU and 15% better GPU than previous gens, paired with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage. This means smooth multitasking, like running multiple Android apps in spatial windows or processing AI tasks on the fly. Six world-facing cameras enable inside-out tracking, so no extra sensors needed; they map your space and follow hand gestures for controller-free input. Four eye-tracking cameras add iris recognition for secure unlocks and foveated rendering, while five IMUs and a depth sensor handle motion and low-light scenarios.
Audio comes from dual speakers with woofers and tweeters for spatial sound, plus a six-mic array for clear voice commands. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for quick pairing with phones or PCs. For power users, it supports 3D photo and video capture with 6.5MP cameras at f/2.0, turning real moments into immersive memories. The chipset’s efficiency shines in mixed workloads, making it versatile for gaming or productivity without overheating.
AI powered by Google Gemini
Google Gemini AI is baked in, acting as your conversational guide to understand surroundings and tasks, like reorganizing windows or translating text in real time. You can chat naturally about what you see, pulling up info or generating content without clunky menus. The Android XR OS runs all your favorite apps, from Netflix to productivity tools, in an infinite spatial canvas where you resize and position windows freely. Developers get OpenXR, WebXR, and Unity support to build custom experiences, and foveated rendering optimizes performance. Features like spatializing 2D images into 3D videos add fun twists, turning photos into interactive scenes.
For security, iris scanning locks the device, and privacy controls let you manage what the AI accesses. This integration feels intuitive, especially for Android fans, bridging phone and headset seamlessly. If you’re in a creative field, the AI tools could streamline workflows, like auto-editing videos or brainstorming in virtual spaces.
What about the battery life?
Battery lasts up to 2.5 hours for video playback or 2 hours in general use, which is solid for sessions but means planning for longer days with the swappable pack that doubles as a charger for other devices. You can use it while plugged in for unlimited time, ideal for desk setups. Weight distribution helps with comfort, and adjustable IPD from 54-70mm plus optional prescription inserts make it glasses-friendly. Controls are simple: long-tap to recenter, double-tap to switch VR and pass-through modes.
For accessibility, vision correction and eye-tracking ensure everyone can join in. In markets like the U.S. and South Korea, it’s available now, with India likely following soon given Samsung’s presence. The $1,800 price includes the lot, making it a value play against pricier options. Real-world tests show it holds up for gaming marathons or quick AR calls without fatigue.
