Samsung Electronics and Google have officially launched their new mixed-reality headset, the Galaxy XR, priced at $1,800 — nearly half the cost of Apple’s $3,499 Vision Pro. The device marks a major step into the consumer-focused mixed-reality market, dominated by Meta and Apple.

The headset, developed under Google’s Android XR platform, offers immersive experiences including gaming, video streaming, and AI-powered features via Google’s Gemini assistant. Samsung and Google also announced plans for smart glasses in the near future to complement the headset.

Design, features, and performance

The Galaxy XR features high-resolution 4K Micro-OLED displays for each eye and passthrough cameras allowing users to see their real-world surroundings. A fully immersive mode is available for movies, gaming, and other VR experiences.

Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, the headset offers 2.5 hours of battery life per charge, comparable to Apple’s Vision Pro. Weighing just 545 grams, it is considerably lighter than the Vision Pro’s 800 grams, addressing a frequent criticism of bulky MR headsets.

Samsung has included optional accessories like a travel case and handheld controllers at $250. Early buyers receive an Explorer Pack including:

  • 12 months of Google AI Pro
  • YouTube Premium for a year
  • YouTube TV trial at $1 per month for three months
  • NBA League Pass (US) or Coupang Play Sports Pass (Korea)
  • Access to Status Pro’s NFL PRO ERA, Adobe Project Pulsar, Asteroid, and Calm

The Galaxy XR will initially be available exclusively through Samsung stores and online, with plans to expand to other retail outlets later.

Software and AI integration

The headset runs Android XR, optimised for mixed-reality applications, and supports many regular Android apps. Integration with Google’s Gemini AI assistant allows unique features such as highlighting objects in the real world to access information or shopping options.

Shahram Izadi, Google’s VP of Android XR, described the headset and upcoming smart glasses as complementary devices for daily use:

“If you want to watch a movie, you’ll use the headset. If you want an assistant with you all day, you’ll use the glasses.”

First impressions and user experience

In demos, the Galaxy XR stood out for lightweight comfort, easy fit adjustments, and immersive visuals. Optional nose cushions and light seals enhance the experience, while multitasking across apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Google Maps was smooth.

However, some apps, such as Google Maps, exhibited clunky navigation in tight spaces, and certain AI features, like animating still photos, may raise privacy or ethical concerns.

Unlike Apple’s Vision Pro, the Galaxy XR does not mimic eyes on the front, and users must choose between fully immersive or passthrough modes rather than blending them.

Market positioning and strategy

Samsung and Google are entering a nascent mixed-reality market where consumer adoption has been slow. Meta Platforms currently leads with 71% of global market share. Samsung’s strategy focuses on affordable pricing, lighter design, and AI-enhanced experiences, aiming to make mixed reality accessible to more users.

Kihwan Kim, EVP of immersive solutions at Samsung, acknowledged the uncertainty around adoption:

“It’s difficult to tell how the device will sell, but we are building the foundation for the Google-Samsung MR roadmap.”

Samsung is exploring additional innovations, including earbuds with built-in cameras, signalling its long-term commitment to expanding the mixed-reality ecosystem.