Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset is available today and marks the brand’s most ambitious step into immersive computing. Developed in partnership with Google and Qualcomm Technologies, the new device runs on the new Android XR platform—built to support the full spectrum of XR form factors, including smart glasses, headsets, and future mixed-reality wearables.
Through Project Pulsar (Samsung’s internal XR initiative) and Project Moohan (Google’s hardware collaboration), the headset brings AI-driven intelligence, real-world interaction, and deeper immersion to entertainment, communication, and work.
Announced on October 21 2025, the Samsung Galaxy XR headset is priced around US $1,799, with purchase of Samsung headset bundles offered through Samsung Experience Stores and select partners. Each bundle includes:
A Galaxy XR Travel Case
Six months of Google AI Pro and three months of YouTube Premium and Calm Premium
Introductory access to Google Play Pass and Google Play Pass Offer under separate partner terms and renewal conditions
Special “Explorer Pack” for early users
These extras give new subscribers months of access to AI-powered tools and content across the Google Play Store, YouTube TV, and Google Subscriptions network.
The headset’s lightweight design (about 545 g without battery) balances comfort and immersion. The separate battery pack mounts at the back of the head, reducing facial discomfort and enhancing wear stability with a soft forehead cushion. Samsung reports around two hours of battery life in standard use and 2.5 hours in video mode.
Eye tracking and iris recognition enable secure login and natural interaction within the virtual environment.
Depth sensor and advanced sensors map the physical world in real time for accurate room awareness.
The new Galaxy XR Controller provides precise gesture control with adaptive haptics.
An array of outward facing cameras lets users see their real world through an immersive view, bridging the gap between virtual and physical spaces.
At its core, the headset runs on Android XR, Google’s new system-level framework for XR devices. This allows users to access apps directly from the Google Play Store and enjoy new ways to interact with Google Photos, Google Maps, and Google Meet in 3D space.
The built-in Gemini Live assistant from Google Gemini enables natural voice and gesture communication. Google AI Pro enhances object recognition, spatial navigation, and productivity tasks — from translating text in your field of view to organizing your calendar in a virtual environment.
Months of Google AI Pro access included with the headset help users explore AI-driven features before renewal fees apply under eligibility rules and separate partner terms.
Users can watch favorite content from YouTube Premium, YouTube TV, and even the NBA League Pass within a 360° immersive view. Integration with Google Subscriptions and Google Play Pass extends access to apps and games built for XR.
Sports fans can enter interactive arenas like StatusPRO NFL Pro Era, streaming live sports with AI-driven angles and statistics overlaying the real world view.
Samsung and Google position the Galaxy XR as the first device in a line spanning multiple form factors, from AR headsets to lightweight smart glasses that could one day mirror the look of designs by Warby Parker. This strategy reflects a shift toward system-level integration across Android devices, wearables, and future AI-driven ecosystems.
Powered by Qualcomm Technologies’ XR2+ Gen 2 chipset, the Galaxy XR delivers fluid frame rates and high-resolution visuals for a deeper immersion. The chipset manages advanced sensors, AI processing, and 3D graphics at a system level, ensuring smooth operation even in complex virtual environments.
Samsung claims up to 2.5 hours of battery life on a charge, with the separate battery module making swaps easy. The back of the head design reduces facial discomfort and balances weight for extended sessions in gaming or collaborative XR workspaces.
When compared with other mixed reality headsets, the Samsung Galaxy XR headset delivers a strong balance between performance, comfort, and ecosystem support. Its lightweight design, separate battery, and forehead cushion make it more ergonomic than the heavier Apple Vision Pro.
In terms of visuals, the Galaxy XR’s dual micro-OLED panels rival Apple’s, while its Qualcomm Technologies XR2+ Gen 2 chip outperforms many Meta Quest Pro devices in multitasking and AI processing. The inclusion of eye tracking, depth sensors, and Gemini Live AI integration makes it more intuitive in recognizing the real world and user intent.
From a price standpoint, Samsung undercuts Apple by nearly half, while offering premium features and Google Play Store access—something not present in Apple’s closed ecosystem. The Galaxy XR also supports a full spectrum of XR form factors, meaning developers can extend their apps to smart glasses and future Android XR devices under the same system-level framework.
For sports fans, the integration of YouTube TV, NBA League Pass, and StatusPRO NFL Pro Era delivers richer, immersive view experiences than what’s available on Quest or Vision Pro. The Galaxy XR also connects seamlessly with Google Maps, Google Photos, and Google Meet, enabling both entertainment and productivity in one virtual environment.
Early reviewers describe the Samsung Galaxy XR headset as “the most promising Android XR device yet.” Tech analysts from CNN, CNBC, and Google’s Android Blog highlight its polished interface, comfortable fit, and Google AI Pro capabilities.
Critics note that while hours of battery life remain limited, the separate battery and back-of-the-head design minimize facial discomfort and make long sessions practical. Reviewers at The Verge and TechRadar praised the “natural feel” of eye tracking, iris recognition, and the smoothness of Gemini Live interactions.
Industry experts emphasize that Samsung’s partnership with Google and Qualcomm Technologies has produced a new type of headset that bridges hardware innovation with AI-driven real-world context awareness. Developers also praise the open nature of the Google Play ecosystem, which lets them optimize existing apps—like Google Photos and YouTube Premium—for the new Android XR environment.
In short, the early sentiment is that Samsung has finally delivered an XR device that blends deeper immersion, favorite content, and real productivity, positioning it as the first true competitor to Apple Vision Pro.
The Galaxy XR is available today via Samsung’s online store and Samsung Experience Stores worldwide. Buyers get introductory offers like the Explorer Pack and months of access to Google AI Pro and streaming services. All offers come with separate partner terms and renewal conditions, depending on market region.
The Samsung Galaxy XR headset represents a major leap toward new ways of engaging with the physical world through mixed reality. With tight Google integration, Gemini Live, and Google AI Pro, it offers a compelling blend of hardware and software innovation that could make XR a mainstream category.
For enthusiasts, professionals, and sports fans alike, the Galaxy XR delivers deeper immersion and a glimpse of a connected future where the boundaries between devices and reality blur into one.
Emerson Gray · Editor
Editor
