Samsung Reveals Galaxy XR VR Headset – Price, Specs, and Release Date

Samsung’s long awaited response to the Apple Vision Pro has finally arrived as the company revealed the Galaxy XR headset, the company’s first move into headset and the first to support Google’s Android XR operating headset.

Revealed during a special launch event on Oct. 21, this bold move into the VR wearables market seems to mark the opening salvo in a war between Apple and Samsung on what they feel is the next step in mobile technology.

Image Credit: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy XR release date

No hard release date has been given, but with pricing available, we’d expect pre-orders to go up before Christmas.

Samsung Galaxy XR Price

The price detailed at the announcement event was reportedly $1,800, with expected regional pricing to be in effect. That makes it almost half as expensive as the base model Apple Vision Pro, which pre-orders for $3,499 at some retailers (however, second hand pricing has pulled that price down to around 2k). For a wearable Android device, with basic Android app functions and a limited XR native apps, that could feel like a huge investment.

Galaxy XR Specs

Memory & Storage

• RAM: 16GB
• Internal Storage: 256GB

Display

• Type: Micro-OLED
• Resolution: 3,552 × 3,840 (≈29 million pixels)
• Pixel Pitch: 6.3 microns
• Color Gamut: 96% DCI-P3
• Refresh Rates: 60Hz / 72Hz (default) / 90Hz
• Field of View: 109° horizontal, 100° vertical

Chipset

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 Platform

Sensors

• Pass-through Cameras: 2 (high-resolution)
• World-facing Tracking Cameras: 6
• Eye-tracking Cameras: 4
• Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs): 5
• Depth Sensor: 1
• Flicker Sensor: 1

Optics & Biometrics

• Iris Recognition: Supported

Audio & Video

• Speakers: Dual 2-way system (Woofer + Tweeter)
• Microphones: 6-mic array with beamforming support
• Audio Codecs Supported: MP3, AMR-NB/WB, AAC / AAC+ / eAAC+, Vorbis, FLAC, Opus, Dolby Digital (AC3), Dolby Digital Plus (E-AC3), Dolby Atmos (E-AC3 JOC, AC4)
• Video Playback:
  • Resolution: Up to 8K UHD (7,680 × 4,320) @ 60fps
  • Codecs: H.263, H.264, HEVC, MV-HEVC, MPEG-4, VC-1, VP8, VP9, AV1
  • HDR Support: HDR10 and HLG

Battery & Power

• Usage Time:
  • Up to 2 hours (general use)
  • Up to 2.5 hours (video playback)
• Charging: Usable while charging
• Battery Pack Weight: 302g

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be)
• Bluetooth: Version 5.4

Interpupillary Distance (IPD)

• Adjustable range: 54–70mm
• Supports vision correction with optional optical inserts

Weight

• Headset: 545g (with forehead cushion)

Verdict

Without a hands-on appraisal, it’s difficult to tell whether this is a next step for Samsung or just an attempt to fill a gap for a cheaper Apple Vision Pro. The native XR apps seem to offer the same features, but some elements, such as s the more bulky size, low battery life, and other potential teething problems suggest that for now this is just useful for some educational and tech demo applications, rather than something usable for work and personal use. What’s more, some outlets have reported that ‘Gaming is not a priority’ for Samsung with this wearable. That’s a huge market to ignore, especially when gaming, rather than productivity, will likely be the driver of take up on these devices.

Featured Image Credit: Samsung