The Galaxy XR is here: Samsung’s mixed-reality headset powered by Android XR, AI, and dual 4K displays – but gaming isn’t the main focus. Here’s the full rundown.
With the Galaxy XR, Samsung is entering the mixed-reality race in full force – a powerful, AI-driven headset packed with Android apps. But those hoping for a VR gaming powerhouse may be disappointed. Here’s everything you need to know: from pricing and specs to the first apps and Samsung’s broader XR vision.
Samsung Galaxy XR: Price, Availability, and a Costly Add-On
The Samsung Galaxy XR launched on October 21 in the US and South Korea for a hefty $1,799. There’s no EU release date yet. Samsung offers financing starting at $149 per month. Important note: the controllers are sold separately for $250. At launch, they were discounted by 30% ($175), but they’ve already sold out. Without them, many games can’t be played – and Samsung hasn’t said when they’ll be back in stock.
Early buyers receive the “Explorer Pack,” which includes one year of YouTube Premium, Google AI Pro, Google Play Pass, NBA League Pass, Adobe Project Pulsar (for 3D video editing), plus several apps like Calm and Asteroid. Samsung claims the bundle is worth over $1,000.
Comfort and Design: Lightweight, Slim, and Powered Externally
The headset weighs just 545 grams (1.2 lbs) – without the battery. The external power pack adds another 302 grams and connects via cable, similar to a power bank. That makes the Galaxy XR significantly lighter than most competitors, especially Apple’s Vision Pro, which tips the scales at nearly 800 grams with its new head strap.
The design is reminiscent of Meta’s Quest Pro but skips a built-in battery to improve weight balance during longer sessions. Optional light blockers offer full immersion, while the open setup lets users stay aware of their surroundings.
Key specs of the Samsung Galaxy XR at a glance:
- Micro-OLED display: 3,552 × 3,840 pixels per eye (27 million total)
- Field of view: 109° horizontal, 100° vertical
- Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 processor, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB storage
- Battery life up to 2.5 hours (extendable via USB-C power)
- Automatic IPD adjustment (54–70 mm), iris scan unlocking
- Six tracking cameras, four eye-tracking cameras, depth sensor
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
- Six microphones, 3D audio with Dolby Atmos
Android XR: An Operating System for the AI Era
The Galaxy XR runs on Android XR – a new OS co-developed by Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm, built around Google’s Gemini AI platform. The AI is deeply integrated, recognizing voice, gestures, and visuals. Through “Gemini Live,” users can search, identify objects, or analyze YouTube videos just by speaking – no “Hey Google” needed.
Also worth checking out:
Example: In passthrough mode, you can circle any real-world object (“Circle to Search”) to instantly get contextual information. Traditional Android apps work right out of the box: Google Maps, Chrome, YouTube, Photos, Meet, Netflix, Google TV, and Adobe Pulsar all run on the device—many in XR-optimized versions.
Gaming on the Samsung Galaxy XR? Yes, But Don’t Expect Too Much
Samsung has made it clear: gaming is not the Galaxy XR’s main focus. While several popular Quest titles have been ported, most require controllers – which, as mentioned, aren’t included. Still, the launch lineup is impressive, with two time-limited exclusives: Enigmo and Inside [JOB].
Additional gaming highlights:
- Walkabout Mini Golf
- Synth Riders
- Arizona Sunshine Remake & Part 2
- Demeo
- Cubism
- FitXR
- Green Hell VR
- Job Simulator & Vacation Simulator
- Real VR Fishing
- No More Rainbows
- Drunkn Bar Fight
- NFL Pro Era
- The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets
- Thrasher
- Soul Spire
- Crystal Commanders
- Flappy XR
- Laser Matrix
- Pencil!
For PC VR users, Virtual Desktop is already available in the store, enabling high-quality streaming from your PC—including eye and face tracking—so SteamVR titles like Half-Life: Alyx will run smoothly on the Galaxy XR.
Mixed Reality, Video & Productivity
Samsung is emphasizing everyday use and productivity. The Galaxy XR isn’t built solely for gaming but as an all-in-one device for immersive media, work, and AI integration:
- Google Maps XR with 3D navigation and AI suggestions
- YouTube XR with multi-view sports mode
- Google Meet with “Likeness” avatar view
- Adobe Project Pulsar for 3D video editing
- Google Photos with immersive 3D environments
- Fitness apps including Litesport, RumbleBoxing, Pure Barre, CycleBar, and more
Samsung is also targeting enterprise users: the company is partnering with Samsung Heavy Industries for industrial training applications. Developers can build their own XR business tools via Snapdragon Spaces.
My Opinion on the Samsung Galaxy XR: Not a Headset for Everyone
The Galaxy XR marks Samsung’s late but technically strong entry into the XR space. It’s an impressive first step, blending powerful AI, refined design, and deep Android integration. For Android users, developers, and businesses, it’s a compelling and more affordable alternative to Apple’s wildly expensive Vision Pro. However: gamers may want to think twice. Without included controllers, the steep price tag, and its productivity focus, the Galaxy XR feels more like a work tool than a plaything — at least for now.
