Samsung has officially entered the next era of immersive technology with the launch of Galaxy XR, its first AI-native extended-reality headset. Built in partnership with Google and Qualcomm, Galaxy XR marks the beginning of the Android XR ecosystem — and the first serious challenger to Apple’s Vision Pro. Here’s everything you need to know about Samsung’s big bet on the future of spatial computing, AI, and immersive entertainment.
Unveiled on October 21, 2025, Galaxy XR is Samsung’s first device designed entirely around multimodal AI — meaning it can understand and respond to your voice, gestures, and surroundings all at once. It’s also the first device powered by Android XR, a brand-new operating system co-developed by Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm.
Samsung calls this headset the first step in a long-term XR journey, with plans to expand into lighter, everyday form factors like AI-powered smart glasses. The company’s goal is simple: to take extended reality from a futuristic demo into an everyday, useful part of the Android ecosystem.
Specs
Galaxy XR Specs
Display
3,552 x 3,840 Micro-OLED; 65Hz, 72Hz, 90Hz refresh rates; 109-degree field of view
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2
Internal Memory
16GB
Internal Storage
256GB
Sensors
2x High-resolution Pass-Thorugh cameras; 6x World-Facingtracking cameras; 4x Eye-tracking cameras; 5x Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs); 1x Depth Sensor, 1x Flicker sensor
Optics
Supports Iris recognition
Audio
2x two-way speaker (woofer + tweeter); six microphones array,
Video
Up to 8k at 60fps
Battery
Up to 2 hours of general use; 2.5 hours of video use
Weight
545g (separate battery is 302g)
Design
At 545 grams, Galaxy XR is surprisingly lightweight — a key factor for comfort during extended sessions. Samsung engineered the headset with a balanced frame that distributes weight evenly across the forehead and back of the head, minimizing facial pressure.
Unlike some competitors, the battery pack is separate, connected by cable, which makes the headset itself lighter. A detachable light shield gives users the flexibility to block out external light for deep immersion or remove it for a more open feel.
Every element has been optimized for long-term use, from soft forehead cushions to the ergonomic fit that works with prescription lens inserts. This focus on usability shows Samsung’s intent to make XR not just futuristic but practical.
Samsung Galaxy XR
– $1,799
Experience new worlds with the Galaxy XR, starting at $1,799. Order before the end of 2025 to get the Explorer Pack which includes 12 months of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass, and XR Pack of specialized XR content.
Android XR Platform
Unlike Apple’s closed ecosystem, Samsung and Google are positioning Android XR as open and developer-friendly. Built on OpenXR standards, the platform supports experiences built in Unity, WebXR, and other common frameworks.
Every existing Android app runs right out of the box, meaning you can access familiar apps like Google Maps, YouTube, Chrome, and Photos without modification. Developers can extend or spatialize their apps to take advantage of 3D environments — making it easy for millions of existing Android developers to join the XR space without starting from scratch.
That open strategy could be a huge differentiator for Samsung and Google, helping the platform grow faster and more widely than proprietary systems.
Samsung is launching Galaxy XR with a full suite of optimized experiences:
- Google Maps 3D — Explore cities and landmarks in immersive 3D with Gemini acting as your personal guide, offering personalized suggestions as you explore.
- YouTube in XR — Ask Gemini to find videos or explain what you’re watching, turning entertainment into a learning experience.
- Circle to Search — Just draw a circle in the air around an object to get instant contextual information.
- Google Photos 3D View — Convert 2D photos and videos into spatial 3D scenes using Google’s Media Auto Spatialization.
These early experiences highlight Galaxy XR’s dual focus on utility and entertainment, turning everyday apps into immersive ones without requiring new habits.
What truly separates Galaxy XR from previous headsets is its AI-first design. At its core is Google’s Gemini, embedded directly into the system. Rather than acting like a simple assistant, Gemini works as an AI companion that sees what you see, hears what you hear, and understands your environment.
This multimodal intelligence allows Galaxy XR to interpret gestures, recognize objects in view, and engage in conversational interactions. You can simply ask Gemini about something you’re looking at, or use Circle to Search by drawing a circle in the air around it.
This deep AI integration transforms Galaxy XR into something closer to an augmented reality operating system — where natural interaction replaces menus and clicks.
Galaxy XR is positioned not just as a productivity tool but as a new frontier for entertainment and creative work. The headset’s 4K Micro-OLED displays make it ideal for watching movies or sports in what Samsung calls a “personal theater.”
Sports fans can watch multiple live games at once in immersive view, while gamers can talk to Gemini for AI coaching and tips in real time. On the creative side, Adobe’s Project Pulsar brings 3D editing tools to Galaxy XR, letting users manipulate videos with layers, depth, and cinematic effects in virtual space
Pricing
Galaxy XR is priced at $1,799.99, available now through Samsung.com and Samsung Experience Stores. Optional accessories include the Galaxy XR Travel Case and Galaxy XR Controller, each priced at $249.99.
Early buyers through the end of 2025 receive The Explorer Pack, a bonus bundle worth over $1,000, which includes:
- 12 months of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, and Google Play Pass,
- plus exclusive XR-optimized content like NBA League Pass, NFL Pro ERA, and Adobe Project Pulsar.
Samsung is also offering 12- and 24-month financing for those purchasing directly.
Samsung Galaxy XR
– $1,799
Experience new worlds with the Galaxy XR, starting at $1,799. Order before the end of 2025 to get the Explorer Pack which includes 12 months of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass, and XR Pack of specialized XR content.
