After throwing hints for more than two years, Samsung, in collaboration with Google, finally revealed the real Android of Android extended on Tuesday night. The new device, called the Galaxy XR, will cost you $1,800 and you can actually buy it today.
Thanks to its partnership with Google, it’s no surprise that the headset is fully equipped with Gemini Ai built in.
What are the features of the Galaxy XR headset, and how does it differ from its main competition, the $3,499 Apple Vision Pro? I’m glad you asked!
What is the Galaxy XR?
The Samsung Galaxy XR is the first Android headset, made by Google and Samsung. If Apple’s Vision Pro is a “Virtual Reality iPhone,” Samsung is basically a “Virtual Reality Galaxy S Phone” variant. The headset looks like a pair of snow goggles, but it comes with a total of 12 cameras and six microphones. And because it’s 2025, AI is a big part of the Upsell of the Galaxy XR: it has Gemini Ai Assistant built in, so while wearing the headset, you see and hear everything around you.
Google’s designation of “XR” stands for “virtual reality,” which is effectively “all of the above” that includes reality (ar), Virtual Reality (VR) and REAL expy. That means the Galaxy XR can put a virtual overlay on the real world (thanks to all those cameras), or it can completely block your location to immerse you in the virtual world entirely. In other words, you can customize your workplace or turn your room into your theater, or you can transport yourself to a global space with a first impression “There” first impression.
What can you do with the Galaxy XR?
To watch videos on apps like YouTube, the headset offers a library of 180- and 360-degree VR content. You can also watch movies using Google TV on a large, openable screen. Also, if you have a question about anything you are watching, you can ask a gemini as it sees everything you see. And when you look at your photos and videos, you can turn them into 3D so you feel like you’re back in memory.
While using Google Maps, you can use the dive view to navigate anywhere in the world (almost,). Visiting a historic site? You can ask Gemini to tell you more details about the Landmark. Spot a strange looking plant or bug around your house? You can use the circle to search to find out what it is while wearing the headset.
Google Maps’ immersive viewing feature allows Galaxy XR users to zoom in on cities.
(Samsung)
By getting the job done right, you can arrange your most needed apps around your screen – for example, your Web browser, your favorite music app, important documents and Video Compeferencing App. And if things start to feel crowded, you can ask Gemini to organize your windows. Best of all, you can connect your PC to your head, along with your keyboard and mouse.
The headset uses two advanced real-time cameras, six global cameras and four eye-tracking cameras, as well as depth and accident sensors. It also supports IRIS recognition to unlock the device and enter passwords within certain applications.
What apps work on the Galaxy XR?
“Almost all” Google Play Store apps will be available on the Galaxy XR Headset. That means that hundreds of thousands of applications should be available in the head on the first day, including the basic broadcast programs (looking at things like netflix, “new versions of this main software of the first party, from Chrome and YouTube. And of course, the aforementioned google maps on board, too.
Using the Galaxy XR as a PC Monitor, you can stream to the game – like the “Assassin” tile – from an external source.
(Samsung)
As you might expect, Google is also focused on gaming. In addition to a complete panel of Android games, the PC link for PC also allows you to use it as a monitor for PC-based games, too.
How does it feel to wear the Galaxy XR?
Engadget senior reporter Sam Rutherford wearing the Samsung Galaxy XR Headset.
(Sam Rutherford for Engadget)
Engadget’s Sam Rutherford got some hands-on with the Galaxy XR recently, and had some first-hand images of its luxury and usability:
[I]IT looks like Samsung has learned a lot from its crops by including a very large head and a head that helps the weight of the head equally. Admittedly, during a long session, I still saw pressure and felt healing after taking off the Galaxy XR, but it’s nothing like the perspective of the PRO, which my experience found uncomfortable immediately. Finally, at the back, there is a simple cord with a knot that you can twist to tighten or loosen the headband as needed. So even without the extra support running over your head, getting in and out of the Galaxy XR is much easier and smoother than the Vision Pro.
How does the Galaxy XR differ from the Apple Vision Pro?
While the headset may look similar to the Apple Vision Pro, there are some bigger (and better) differences.
First, the Galaxy’s Micro-aled display has 29 million pixels, compared to 23 million pixels, and a resolution of 3,552 x 3,840, which provides more information for Apple. Additionally, it has 96% DCI-P3 Color Gabut, while the Vision Pro vision has 92%. However, Apple’s headset beats Samsung’s with a refresh rate, clocking in at 120hz versus the Galaxy XR’s 90hz.
Since you will be wearing it on your head for a long time, you will be relieved to know that the Galaxy XR is lighter than Apple’s XR Headset by 205G (0.5LBS).
On the battery life front, Samsung includes two hours of “normal use” and 2.5 hours of video playback, while the M5 Vision Pro works for 30 minutes in both modes, according to Apple.
Apart from the obvious application of inefficiency, in fact, the price used delta is perhaps the biggest advantage Samsung has for the Apple model: for $ 1,800, you can get almost two complete units of the galaxy xr for every $ 3,499 Apple Vision Pro.
How do I order a Samsung Galaxy XR?
You can pre-order the Galaxy XR now through Samsung. While the $1,800 price tag is ridiculous, Samsung offers financing options. And the price of the headset is actually lower than that of the Samsung Flagship Galaxy Z Fold 7. Essential accessories like a travel case and a Galaxy XR controller usually cost $250 each, although the two can be bundled together for $175 I know.
There are additional services, too. For anyone who buys a Galaxy XR before the end of the year, Samsung is throwing in an “Explomer Pack” at no extra charge. That includes calling for a year of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium (including YouTube music) and Google Play Pass; Access to the new season of NBA League Pass; and access to NFL Pro Era The game, the asteroid and calm apps and the Adobe Pulsar project, a 3D compositing app.
Update, 11:58 AM et: In addition to the original publication, one example of the price listed in this story was incorrect due to a typo. It now shows a value of $1,800.
