Samsung Electronics has officially released its first extended reality (XR) headset, the Galaxy XR, priced at KRW2.69 million (approx. US$1,882). It targets the mid-to-high-end market segment, falling between Meta's Quest 3 and Apple's Vision Pro.
According to Chosun Biz and The Korea Herald, the Galaxy XR was launched on October 22, 2025, at Samsung's Worlds Wide Open event. Although it is more expensive than Meta's Quest 3, which is US$499, the Galaxy XR is about 50% cheaper than Apple's mixed reality (MR) headset Vision Pro, which is US$3,499.
XR headsets can sense the user's voice, gaze, and movements in real time, allowing seamless transitions between real and virtual environments. Analysts stated that Samsung's strategy is to target the niche between premium and budget segments to expand its market footprint.
However, there is controversy regarding whether Samsung entered the XR market too late. The Galaxy XR was launched about 1 year and 8 months after Apple's Vision Pro, and other competitors have already advanced to developing products in the smart glasses space.
Samsung defends launch timing
In response to the allegations, Kim Jeong-hyun, Vice President of Samsung's Mobile Experience (MX) division, stated that Samsung had begun its XR device project four years ago and had carefully evaluated technological progress and market conditions to determine the optimal time to bring it to market.
Kim has also discussed potential ripple effects that could occur when AI and XR technologies converge, as well as the timing for expanding the XR platform. Samsung has subsequently revealed plans to expand its XR product lineup based on the Android XR platform.
High-end specs and AI integration
The Galaxy XR is a product of Project Moohan, which was jointly developed by Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm on the Android XR platform. The headset is equipped with dual 4K Micro OLED displays, each achieving 4,032 PPI, surpassing the Apple Vision Pro's 3,391 PPI.
The Galaxy XR features the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 processor. It is fitted with four front sensors, two bottom sensors, and cameras, as well as four internal cameras for eye-tracking and six microphones. Users can operate the device through eye movement, hand gestures, or voice commands. It is lighter than the Apple Vision Pro (600-650g) but heavier than Meta's Quest 3 (515g). Additionally, the Galaxy XR operates for up to 2.5 hours and can be used while charging.
To expand the XR market, Samsung has emphasized user convenience in the Galaxy XR design. For example, Samsung offers custom corrective lenses that can magnetically attach to the headset for users with poor eyesight.
Supporting Google's core services such as Google Maps, Photos, and YouTube XR, the Galaxy XR retains key smartphone functions. It also comes integrated with Google's Gemini AI model and the Gemini Live system, optimized for conversational interaction.
Building an XR ecosystem
Users can enjoy XR-exclusive games, Android-based gaming experiences guided by Gemini, and even create 3D videos with Adobe Pulsar. XR platform content in collaboration with Adobe, MLB, NBA, Calm, and AmazeVR is also available.
Samsung has begun forming partnerships, including a representative case with Samsung Heavy Industries, with which it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop a virtual shipbuilding training solution using Galaxy XR.
According to Counterpoint Research, as of the second quarter of 2025, Meta held a dominant 71% market share, followed by Sony (6%), RayNeo (5%), and Apple (4%). The influence of the Galaxy XR on the global XR headset market will continue to be monitored.
Article edited by Jack Wu
