Imagine stepping into a whole new world without leaving your living room—Samsung's Galaxy XR makes virtual reality more accessible than ever, but is it revolutionizing tech or just another pricey gadget? That's the burning question on everyone's minds as we dive into this Android-powered VR powerhouse. Whether you're a tech enthusiast dreaming of immersive adventures or a curious beginner wondering what all the fuss is about, stick around—because this headset is poised to shake up the VR landscape. And here's where it gets really interesting: Samsung's response to Apple's Vision Pro is finally out, shedding its secretive "Project Moohan" moniker after a year of teasing and marking a historic moment as the first-ever Android XR headset. You can snag it right now for $1,799.99, but we'll unpack why that price tag sparks so much debate later on.
Credit: Samsung
$1,799.99 at Samsung.com
Right now, the Galaxy XR is your go-to for exclusive shopping on Samsung's official website or in their physical Experience Stores across the U.S. and South Korea. As of this writing, if you're in the States, expect your order to arrive no sooner than November 4th. Sure, it's not the most budget-friendly option out there, but when you compare it to Apple's Vision Pro—which retails for a hefty $3,499 and was just upgraded with new M5 silicon and a fresh band—it's practically a steal at nearly half the cost. We'll be dropping a detailed comparison between the Galaxy XR and Vision Pro soon, but for now, let's break down the specs of this sleek device to help you understand what you're investing in. Think of it this way: these features are the building blocks that make VR feel real, from crystal-clear visuals to intuitive tracking. Here's the rundown:
Processor: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, which acts like the brain of the headset, ensuring smooth performance for demanding games or apps—just imagine running high-end software without a hitch.
Memory: 16GB RAM, giving you plenty of space to multitask in virtual worlds, like switching between apps as easily as you do on your phone.
Storage: 256GB built-in, so you can store tons of VR content, from movies to games, without worrying about running out of room anytime soon.
Display Type: Micro-OLED technology for vibrant, lifelike colors that make everything pop, similar to how a premium TV brings blockbuster scenes to life.
Resolution: An impressive 3,552 x 3,840 pixels, delivering sharp details that rival real-world clarity—perfect for beginners who want to feel fully immersed without straining their eyes.
Refresh Rates: Starts at 60Hz or 72Hz by default, but can crank up to 90Hz on request, reducing motion blur and making fast-paced actions, like virtual sports, feel ultra-smooth.
Video Playback: Supports UHD 8K at 60fps (that's a whopping 7680 x 4320 pixels), ideal for watching high-definition videos or streaming services in breathtaking quality.
Field of View: 109 degrees horizontally and 100 degrees vertically, offering a wide-angle experience that lets you look around virtual environments almost as naturally as in real life—think of it as having a panoramic window into another dimension.
Camera: A 6.5MP sensor that captures stunning 3D photos and videos, adding a creative twist to your VR sessions.
Sensors: Includes two high-res pass-through cameras for blending real and virtual worlds, six world-facing tracking cameras to follow your movements precisely, four eye-tracking cameras for intuitive controls, five inertial measurement units (like advanced motion sensors), one depth sensor for spatial awareness, and a flicker sensor to optimize lighting. All this tech works together to make interactions feel seamless, even if you're new to VR—it's like having a smart assistant that anticipates your every move.
Interpupillary Distance (IPD): Adjustable from 54 to 70mm, which is crucial for comfort; for beginners, this means tweaking the lens spacing to match your eyes, preventing headaches and ensuring a personalized fit.
Battery: Lasts up to two hours for general use or 2.5 hours for video watching, so plan your sessions accordingly—maybe start with shorter explorations if you're just testing the waters.
Connectivity: WiFi 7 for lightning-fast internet and Bluetooth 5.4 for pairing with accessories, keeping you connected in the VR realm.
Weight: A light 1.2 pounds with the forehead cushion, making it comfortable for extended wear, much like a pair of quality headphones.
Color: Comes in sleek Silver Shadow, blending style with function.
Security: Features iris recognition, letting you unlock the device or enter passwords securely with just a glance—think of it as biometric magic for privacy.
Out of the box, the Galaxy XR includes thoughtful accessories to enhance your experience: a protective cover to keep it safe, an adjustable forehead cushion for all-day comfort, detachable light shields that block distractions for deeper immersion (imagine plunging into a dark cave in a game), a power cable, a portable battery pack for on-the-go use, a wall charger, and even a lens cleaning cloth. Everything else? You'll need to purchase separately, which brings us to the next part most people miss—the add-ons that can really customize your setup.
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The Samsung Galaxy XR's controllers cost $250 each. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable
Speaking of extras, the Galaxy XR's controllers and travel case are sold individually for $249.99 each on Samsung's site, though the case was out of stock last I checked. Pro tip: Bundle them with the headset and save 30% compared to buying later—it's a smart way to build your kit without overspending. If you wear glasses, prescription lenses that snap on magnetically are available for an extra $99.99 through Eyebuydirect, ensuring clear vision in VR without compromising on style.
Wear glasses? Prescription lenses for the Samsung Galaxy XR add just $100. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable
But here's where it gets controversial: Samsung isn't nickel-and-diming you on the core experiences—at least not yet. For a limited time, the Galaxy XR bundles a free "Explorer Pack" of services worth over $1,140 total. This includes 12 months of Google AI Pro for exploring AI-driven learning, YouTube Premium for ad-free video streaming, Google Play Pass for access to a library of apps and games, Calm Premium for mindfulness and relaxation sessions, and Adobe's Project Pulsar, a handy 3D video editing tool. It's like getting a treasure trove of digital perks to kickstart your VR journey, but some critics argue this could be a hook to lock you into Samsung's ecosystem. Is this generosity or a clever marketing ploy? We'll leave that for you to ponder.
For deeper insights into the Galaxy XR, don't miss Mashable contributor Adam Dowd's first hands-on impressions—it's a must-read for anyone considering the leap.
Ready to buy? Grab the Samsung Galaxy XR and its accessories here:
What do you think—does the Galaxy XR's lower price make it a game-changer in the VR space, or is it still too steep for mainstream adoption? And with its Android roots going head-to-head with Apple's walled garden, which side are you on? Share your opinions, agreements, or disagreements in the comments below—we'd love to hear your take!
