It has been five years since Samsung and Google exited the virtual reality market, but both companies are making a strong return with a broader focus on mixed reality headsets. The newly unveiled Galaxy XR marks a significant step in wearable technology. Initially teased last year as Project Moohan, the Galaxy XR is the first smartphone equipped with Android XR, a cutting-edge platform tailored for headsets and smart glasses that seamlessly integrate with the Google Gemini assistant. Officially launching today in the US and South Korea, the Galaxy XR is priced at $1,800, or available for financing at $149 per year over 12 months.
While this pricing is higher than traditional VR devices like the Meta Quest 3, it is notably lower than the Apple Vision Pro, which retails for $3,499 and is currently being updated with Apple’s M5 processor. In terms of aesthetics, the Samsung XR features a more edgy design compared to the premium look of its Apple counterpart. The demo model’s battery showed some signs of wear, but during a 25-minute test, it felt balanced and secure, with minimal warmth and slight sweating on my forehead afterwards. Visually, the Galaxy XR impresses with micro-OLED 4K displays and a 90Hz refresh rate per eye, delivering sharp and vibrant images.
For those who wear glasses, stylish inserts are available, and the package includes a magnetic light blocker for complete immersion, allowing users to shut out the external environment when desired.
