Diego Morales- Samsung has officially launched its Galaxy XR headset for $1,799.99, marking its most significant entry into the XR market.
- The device is the first to run on Google’s new Android XR operating system, making all existing Android apps compatible.
- Positioned as a direct competitor to the Apple Vision Pro, the Galaxy XR is significantly cheaper but offers similar spatial computing features.
- Early hands-on reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with some testers suggesting it could overshadow Apple’s headset.
Samsung’s Big Bet on a New Reality
After first teasing the device back in early 2023, Samsung officially pulled back the curtain today on the Galaxy XR. This is the moment many in the tech world have been waiting for, a serious contender in the high-end extended reality space. The headset, previously known by its codename “Project Moohan,” represents Samsung’s biggest push into XR technology, building on its earlier experiments with the Gear VR and Odyssey headsets.
Priced at $1,799.99, the Galaxy XR plants its flag firmly in the premium category. If you want the full kit with controllers and a travel case, that’ll be an extra $249.99. It’s a bold move, but one that signals Samsung’s confidence in what they’ve built.
The Android XR Advantage
So, what’s the big deal? The Galaxy XR is the very first device built on Android XR, Google’s new operating system designed specifically for these kinds of immersive headsets. This could be the game-changer. In a huge win for the platform, all apps built for Android will readily work on the Galaxy XR. This instantly gives Samsung a massive software library, a challenge that often plagues new hardware launches.
Samsung and Google are framing this as more than just a VR headset; they’re calling it a new category of “AI-native devices” built for immersive experiences and optimized for multimodal AI capabilities. This suggests a deep integration with AI, perhaps leveraging technologies from Google’s Gemini AI to create smarter, more intuitive spatial interactions.
How It Stacks Up Against Apple Vision Pro
You can’t talk about the Galaxy XR without mentioning the elephant in the room: Apple Vision Pro. Both headsets are chasing the same dream of “spatial computing,” allowing you to blend digital apps and content with the world around you. The most glaring difference is the price. The Galaxy XR comes in a full $1,700 cheaper than the Vision Pro’s starting price, which is a massive talking point for consumers.
While it’s not necessarily about being technically superior, the Galaxy XR does roughly the same things as the Vision Pro, just within the Android ecosystem. It’s a classic tech showdown, reminiscent of the smartphone wars, and this new hardware front is only intensifying the competition between today’s biggest tech giants. For those already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, the Apple Vision Pro remains a powerful, albeit expensive, choice.
Recommended Tech
To get the most out of a powerful device like the Galaxy XR, a rock-solid internet connection is non-negotiable. Streaming high-resolution spatial content and downloading large apps requires a lot of bandwidth. The TechBull recommends upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6E router, like the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500, to ensure you have a fast, low-latency connection that can keep up with the demands of next-generation tech.
What Early Reviews Are Saying
People who have spent time with the Galaxy XR seem to be walking away impressed. One early hands-on report from Android Headlines claimed, “Samsung’s New Galaxy XR Just Made Me Forget About the Vision Pro.” That’s high praise and exactly the kind of buzz Samsung was hoping for. The general feeling is that this is the device the industry needs to take its next major step forward, potentially pushing mixed reality into the mainstream in a way previous devices haven’t.
Getting Your Hands on One
For those eager to jump in, the Galaxy XR is available for purchase in the US starting today. You can find it on Samsung’s official site and through major retailers, including their official store on Amazon. To sweeten the deal, Samsung is running a promotion for early adopters. If you order before the end of 2025, you’ll get the “Explorer Pack,” which likely includes some bonus accessories or content to get you started.
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The Bigger Picture for Samsung
This launch isn’t just about a single product. It’s the first big move in a broader strategy for Samsung and Google. According to Samsung’s official announcement, the Galaxy XR is the “first step of the Android XR ecosystem” and is meant to “open new worlds” for users. The roadmap includes multiple form factors beyond this initial headset, hinting at glasses and other devices to come. This partnership suggests a long-term commitment to building out a robust platform, which is exactly what’s needed to compete with the likes of Apple and Meta in the long run.
