Samsung has officially introduced its first extended reality headset, the Galaxy XR, developed in partnership with Google and Qualcomm.
This launch marks the beginning of a new generation of Android-powered immersive devices. The three companies say their collaboration is focused on creating XR devices in different forms, including AI-powered smart glasses that are currently being developed. For now, the Galaxy XR headset is the main product representing this new platform.
The Galaxy XR comes with high-quality micro-OLED displays, offering a resolution of 3,552 x 3,840 pixels per eye, which equals a total of 27 megapixels. It supports refresh rates of 60Hz, 72Hz, and 90Hz, along with a wide field of view that helps create a deeply immersive experience.
To allow users to see and interact with the real world, the headset includes two 6.5-megapixel wide-angle cameras capable of recording 3D photos and videos. In addition, six outward-facing cameras handle motion tracking without the need for external sensors. The system also includes a depth sensor, multiple motion sensors, and a flicker sensor to ensure smooth performance under different lighting conditions.
Inside the headset, four eye-tracking cameras support gaze detection and iris recognition, which can be used for unlocking the device and verifying identity in supported applications. The headset allows users to adjust the distance between lenses and supports optical inserts for those who wear glasses.
A removable light shield is included to improve immersion during virtual reality use, while still allowing flexibility and comfort. Samsung says the headset’s weight is balanced across the head to reduce discomfort during extended use, with the main unit weighing 545 grams and a separate battery pack weighing 302 grams.
The Galaxy XR is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 processor, which delivers faster performance compared to its previous version. It comes with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. Samsung says the battery lasts up to two and a half hours for basic activities like watching videos and around two hours for general use, noting that the device is mainly designed for indoor or stationary use.
Running on Android XR, the headset supports regular Android apps and allows developers to build immersive experiences using platforms like OpenXR, WebXR, and Unity. A major feature is the integration of Google’s Gemini AI, which can understand what the user sees and hears, making interactions more natural. Users can plan trips, explore locations, watch videos, or search for real-world objects directly through the headset.
The Galaxy XR also focuses on entertainment and productivity. Users can turn their surroundings into a virtual cinema or sports viewing space, watch multiple events at once, or play XR-optimized games with AI assistance.
Adobe has introduced an XR-based video editing tool that allows creators to edit and turn standard videos into 3D content using built-in AI features. The headset supports fast connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, includes six microphones for spatial audio, and features dual speakers for high-quality sound.
The Samsung Galaxy XR is now available in the United States and South Korea with a retail price of $1,800. Students can receive a 10 percent discount, and customers who buy through Samsung’s official channel will get free access to premium XR content, including exclusive apps, games, and NBA streaming.
