Samsung Enters Mixed Reality Arena with $1799 Galaxy XR, Challenging Apple’s Vision Pro

Samsung’s Bold Entry into Premium Mixed Reality

Samsung has officially entered the high-stakes mixed reality competition with the launch of its Galaxy XR headset, priced at $1,799 and available immediately in the United States. Positioned as a direct competitor to Apple’s $3,499 Vision Pro, the Galaxy XR represents Samsung’s first major foray into the mixed reality space and signals a significant shift in the emerging headset market landscape.

Samsung’s Bold Entry into Premium Mixed Reality
Powerful Partnership Ecosystem
Technical Specifications and Design Philosophy
AI-Powered User Experience
Developer-Friendly Platform Strategy
Market Positioning and Future Roadmap

Powerful Partnership Ecosystem

Developed through a strategic collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, the Galaxy XR leverages the strengths of all three technology giants. The headset runs on Google’s new Android XR platform while being powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 processor. This partnership extends beyond hardware to include deep integration of Google’s Gemini AI, which Samsung emphasizes as central to the user experience.

“Co-developed with Google and Qualcomm, Android XR is a powerful platform that puts AI at the center of the experience,” Samsung stated in their announcement. “The platform is designed to scale across various form factors, from headsets to AI glasses, benefiting from its open, scalable ecosystem.”, as our earlier report, according to industry developments

Technical Specifications and Design Philosophy

The Galaxy XR features impressive display technology with a 3,552 x 3,840 resolution screen operating at 90Hz refresh rate. The headset offers a 109° horizontal and 100° vertical field of view, providing an immersive visual experience. Samsung has placed significant emphasis on comfort and ergonomics, with the device weighing 545g without its forehead cushion – substantially lighter than Apple Vision Pro’s 750-800g weight range.

Key hardware features include:, according to recent innovations

Two high-resolution passthrough cameras for mixed reality experiences
Six world-facing tracking cameras for spatial awareness
Four eye-tracking cameras supporting iris recognition
Two integrated speakers and six microphones
Separate battery pack providing up to 2 hours of general use

AI-Powered User Experience

The integration of Google’s Gemini AI distinguishes the Galaxy XR from competitors. The AI assistant can intelligently rearrange app windows, manage multiple tasks, and help users understand their environment through advanced computer vision. In pass-through mode, users can employ the “Circle to Search” feature by simply drawing a circle around objects in their physical environment to receive contextual information.

Android XR supports multiple input methods including voice commands, hand gestures, and eye movements. The platform’s compatibility with all existing Android applications ensures users have immediate access to their favorite mobile experiences while benefiting from new mixed reality capabilities.

Developer-Friendly Platform Strategy

Samsung has emphasized the open nature of the Android XR ecosystem, built on OpenXR standards to facilitate developer adoption. “Since the platform is built on OpenXR standards, it’s easy for developers using OpenXR, WebXR, or Unity to bring their experiences to Galaxy XR,” Samsung highlighted in their official announcement.

This approach contrasts with Apple’s more closed ecosystem and could accelerate content development for the platform. The company showcased several optimized applications including Google Maps, YouTube with extensive VR content libraries, Google Photos with 2D-to-3D conversion capabilities, and productivity tools that support keyboard and mouse integration.

Market Positioning and Future Roadmap

At $1,799, the Galaxy XR positions itself as a premium but more accessible alternative to Apple’s Vision Pro. Early adopters purchasing before year-end will receive bundled subscriptions including 12 months of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass, and specialized XR content packs.

Samsung also revealed plans for future Android XR devices, including AI glasses developed in partnership with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. “These devices will pair advanced XR capabilities with style, comfort, and practicality, bringing boundary-free discovery, work, and play into daily life,” the company stated, indicating a broader ecosystem strategy beyond standalone headsets.

The Galaxy XR represents a significant milestone in the maturation of the mixed reality market, offering consumers a compelling alternative at nearly half the price of Apple’s flagship device while leveraging the extensive Android application ecosystem.