Samsung, in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, has officially launched the Galaxy XR, its first extended reality (XR) headset — marking the start of a new generation of Android-based immersive devices.
The three tech giants say the partnership aims to deliver devices that span the “full spectrum of XR form factors,” including AI-powered glasses currently in development. But for now, the Galaxy XR headset stands at the center of this ambitious new platform.
High-end display and camera capabilities
The Samsung Galaxy XR boasts micro-OLED displays with an impressive 3,552 x 3,840-pixel resolution per eye — totaling 27 megapixels. It supports multiple refresh rates, including 60Hz, 72Hz, and 90Hz, and offers a 109° horizontal and 100° vertical field of view, creating a deeply immersive experience.
For video passthrough and real-world interaction, the headset features two 6.5MP cameras with 18mm f/2.0 wide-angle lenses. These cameras can record 3D photos and videos, while six additional world-facing cameras enable inside-out tracking—eliminating the need for external sensors.
The system also includes a depth sensor, five IMUs (accelerometers and gyroscopes), and a flicker sensor to ensure smooth, accurate performance even under artificial lighting.
Advanced eye tracking and comfort-focused design
Inside, the headset has four eye-tracking cameras for gaze detection and iris recognition, which can be used to unlock the device and authenticate identity in compatible apps.
The Galaxy XR offers adjustable interpupillary distance (54–70mm) and supports optical inserts for users who wear glasses. A removable light shield enhances immersion during VR experiences but can be detached for greater comfort.
Weighing 545 grams (plus a separate 302g battery pack), Samsung says the design distributes weight evenly across the forehead and back of the head, reducing strain during longer sessions.
Powered by Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2
Under the hood, the Galaxy XR runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset, which offers a 20% faster CPU and 15% faster GPU than its predecessor. The device includes 16GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
Samsung promises up to 2.5 hours of battery life during standard tasks like 2D video streaming and around 2 hours of general use—highlighting that the Galaxy XR is designed primarily for stationary or indoor use rather than on-the-go mobility.
Android XR: New Open platform
Built on Android XR, the headset runs standard Android apps out of the box. Developers can create immersive experiences using OpenXR, WebXR, and Unity.
One of the standout features is integration with Google’s Gemini AI, which provides context-aware assistance. The headset “sees what you see and hears what you hear,” allowing users to naturally interact with AI about their surroundings.
Users can plan trips using Google Maps, watch and discuss YouTube videos, or circle real-world objects in passthrough mode to search for them instantly.
Entertainment and productivity in XR
The Galaxy XR can transform any environment into a personal cinema or sports arena, enabling users to watch multiple live events simultaneously or play XR-optimized games with real-time AI assistance.
Adobe has introduced Project Pulsar, an XR-native video editor, allowing creators to edit and convert 2D content into immersive 3D with the help of on-board AI tools.
Connectivity is cutting-edge as well, with Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and Bluetooth 5.4 for low-latency performance. The headset includes six microphones for spatial audio capture and dual two-way speakers (woofer and tweeter) for premium sound.
Availability and price
The Samsung Galaxy XR is available starting today in the United States and South Korea at a retail price of $1,800.
Students are eligible for a 10% discount, and buyers who purchase through Samsung’s official link will receive free access to premium XR content, including exclusive apps, games, and NBA streaming.
