Samsung Galaxy XR: Everything you need to know (features, apps, price, and Vision Pro comparison)

Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy XR, the first headset built on Google’s new Android XR platform. Priced at $1,800 and available to order now, the device combines high‑resolution micro‑OLED displays, extensive camera arrays, and Gemini AI baked into the experience. Here’s a concise tour of what it can do and how it stacks up against Apple’s Vision Pro.

Key hardware and sensors

• Displays: Dual micro‑OLED panels with 29 million total pixels (approx. 3,552 × 3,840 per eye); up to 90Hz refresh rate.
• Cameras and tracking: 12 cameras total: 2 passthrough, 6 world‑facing tracking, and 4 eye‑tracking cameras; plus depth and flicker sensors.
• Audio I/O: Six microphones for voice and environmental capture.
• Biometrics: Iris recognition for unlocking and password entry in supported apps.
• Weight & comfort: Lighter than Apple’s latest Vision Pro by roughly 205g; thicker head cushion and rear dial strap for easier fit adjustments.
• Battery: Up to 2 hours of general use or 2.5 hours of video playback; external battery pack; can charge while in use.

Android XR + Gemini: Apps and everyday use

Android XR aims to make spatial computing feel familiar to Android users while adding eye/hand‑based controls and voice‑first assistance via Gemini. Google says “almost all” Play Store apps will run on Galaxy XR as spatial panels on day one, with reworked versions of key Google apps.

• YouTube & Google TV: 180°/360° VR libraries, virtual big‑screen movie viewing, and voice Q&A with Gemini about what you’re watching.
• Google Photos: “Auto‑spatialization” can add depth layers to 2D photos and videos for more immersive viewing.
• Google Maps: Immersive View for zooming across cityscapes and jumping into stitched 3D interiors; ask Gemini for context and recommendations.
• Circle to Search: Identify objects around you while in passthrough using on‑device visuals.
• Multitasking: Arrange multiple, resizable app windows around your space—or ask Gemini to organize them for you.
• PC Link & peripherals: Use the headset as a PC monitor for desktop apps or games; pair a keyboard, mouse, or gamepad.

What you can do day one

• Entertainment: Watch 4K content on a giant virtual screen; browse vast 180°/360° video libraries; split screen a game (e.g., Stardew Valley) next to a live video chat.
• Productivity: Place browsers, docs, music, and calls around your field of view; let Gemini manage window layouts when things get cluttered.
• Gaming: Play Android titles or stream PC games via PC Link to a large, floating display.
• Creation: Convert personal photos/videos into layered spatial media; explore early creative apps as the catalog expands.

Galaxy XR vs. Apple Vision Pro

• Price: Galaxy XR $1,800 vs. Apple Vision Pro from $3,499 (newer model higher).
• Resolution & color: Galaxy XR claims 29M pixels total and ~96% DCI‑P3 vs. Vision Pro’s ~23M pixels and ~92% DCI‑P3.
• Refresh rate: Vision Pro up to 120Hz vs. Galaxy XR’s 90Hz.
• Weight: Galaxy XR is ~205g lighter, with a larger head cushion for better weight distribution.
• Battery: Galaxy XR rated at ~2–2.5 hours; Apple’s latest model adds ~30 minutes more in both modes.
• Ecosystem: Android XR leans on the Play Store catalog for day‑one utility and Gemini for voice, while Apple focuses on visionOS and tight integration with iOS/macOS.

Pricing, bundles and how to buy

• Price: $1,800 (financing options available)
• Accessories: Galaxy XR Travel Case and Controller typically $250 each; bundle discounts may apply.
• Explorer Pack (buy before year‑end): 12 months of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium (incl. Music), Google Play Pass; NBA League Pass (new season access), NFL Pro Era, Asteroid, Calm and Adobe Project Pulsar.
• Order: Samsung.com

Why it matters

• Day‑one app depth: Running most Android apps as spatial panels helps avoid the early app drought many new platforms face.
• AI‑first interaction: Gemini’s page‑aware help and voice control can reduce context‑switching during research, media, and work.
• Competitive pressure: A lower entry price and lighter build put pressure on high‑end competitors to improve comfort and value.

Further reading:
Everything you need to know (Engadget) ·
Google’s Android XR overview ·
Order Galaxy XR

Discussion: Would you pick Galaxy XR’s lower price and Android app breadth over Vision Pro’s smoother 120Hz and Apple ecosystem—or are you waiting for smart glasses instead?