You heard it is coming, and now here it is, the Samsung Galaxy XR, Samsung’s first mixed reality headset. I’m not sure why there’s a need for Samsung to commit itself to something Apple, despite its fanbase, isn’t exactly thriving at. Then again, Samsung isn’t asking you to trade a kidney or two for its headset, so that may just be a start. But more on the pricing in a bit.
Moreover, Galaxy XR exists as part of a larger Android XR ecosystem. It defines itself as a new category of AI-native devices that has a broader XR roadmap of multiple form factors, including AI glasses. Yes, it has a more ambitious plan than just letting you use it as you walk (seriously, though, don’t do that. It’s dangerous!).
Built in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, the Galaxy XR represents the first major step in the new Android XR platform—a foundation for an open, scalable ecosystem where virtual, mixed, and augmented reality all live under one AI-driven roof. This headset isn’t just trying to immerse you in a digital world; it wants to understand what you see, hear, and say. Thanks to Gemini, Google’s multimodal AI baked right into the system, the headset can respond conversationally, recognize your surroundings, and basically act like a talkative sidekick who knows too much.
On the hardware side, the Galaxy XR packs a Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 processor, dual 4K Micro-OLED displays, and a comfortable, balanced design with a separate battery pack that prevents your forehead from overheating. The detachable light shield adds to the comfort, allowing you to switch between “immersive mode” and “real-world awareness” depending on whether you’d like to experience the metaverse or avoid walking into walls.
Samsung wants the Galaxy XR to be more than just an entertainment toy. It supports AI-enhanced 3D editing tools, XR-specialized apps like Google Maps and YouTube, and even Adobe’s Project Pulsar for cinematic video creation. You can stream shows in your personal 4K theater, play AI-assisted XR games, or, if you’re in construction, train virtually to build a ship. (Yes, really — Samsung Heavy Industries is using it for virtual shipbuilding training.)
The Galaxy XR launches at US$1,799.99, hitting the U.S. on October 21 and Korea on October 22. It’s sleek, powerful, and eerily smart — the kind of headset that makes you wonder whether you’re still in the real world or just inside Samsung’s next big idea.
Images: Samsung.
