Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy XR, its new extended reality (XR) headset developed in partnership with Google and Qualcomm Technologies. The company had been teasing this device for months, and it finally marks the beginning of Samsung’s serious push into the next generation of immersive computing.
The Galaxy XR is the first device built on the new Android XR platform. It aims to blend virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI into one seamless experience.
The Galaxy XR comes with Google’s Gemini AI built right into the system. This means the headset can act as an AI assistant that sees, listens, and understands what is around you. It can interact using your voice, gestures, and even vision. This makes it more natural and context-aware than traditional VR devices.
This deep AI integration is what sets Galaxy XR apart. For example, the headset can analyze your environment and respond to commands without you needing to switch screens or use a controller.
Samsung has clearly focused on making the Galaxy XR comfortable to wear for long sessions. The headset has an ergonomically balanced frame, and instead of packing the battery inside, it uses a separate battery pack to make the headset lighter.
It also includes a detachable light shield for full immersion, especially during gaming or watching videos.
The Galaxy XR is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 platform, which delivers the power needed for AI processing, real-time tracking, and graphics-heavy experiences.
It features 4K Micro-OLED displays (3,552 x 3,840 resolution) with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering sharp visuals and smooth motion. It includes multiple sensors: six tracking cameras, two high-resolution pass-through cameras, eye-tracking, and motion sensors. It ensures precise interaction with the virtual world.
Battery life is about 2.5 hours for video playback and 2 hours for general use, but it can also be used while charging.
Samsung is positioning the Galaxy XR as a multi-purpose device. You can create a virtual workspace with multiple resizable windows. Apps like Chrome and Adobe’s Project Pulsar (for 3D video editing) are optimized for it. It supports keyboard and mouse pairing or even linking to a PC. The Galaxy XR doubles as a personal theater. So, you can stream content from services like HBO Max or watch 180° and 360° videos on YouTube.
With Google Maps Immersive View, users can explore 3D locations. Google Photos can convert 2D photos and videos into 3D using a feature called Media Auto Spatialization. You can even circle an object in the real or virtual world with your hand to get instant information using the Circle to Search feature.
Samsung is also thinking beyond consumers. The company revealed that it is already working on enterprise-level XR applications, such as virtual shipbuilding training with Samsung Heavy Industries.
It is also leveraging Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Spaces to help developers build new XR apps. Looking ahead, Samsung confirmed that it is developing AI-powered glasses with Google, Warby Parker, and Gentle Monster, hinting at the future of wearable AI.
The Samsung Galaxy XR is available starting today in the US and South Korea for $1,799 or via monthly payments of $149.
Accessories like the Galaxy XR Travel Case and Galaxy XR Controller are priced at $249.99 each.
Samsung is also offering a limited “Explorer Pack” bundle, which includes 12-month subscriptions to Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass, NBA League Pass (in the US), and several exclusive XR apps.
