Samsung takes on Apple’s Vision Pro with new Galaxy XR headset

In a highly anticipated reveal, Samsung has introduced its Galaxy XR headset, a direct competitor to Apple's Vision Pro. This innovative device operates on Google’s Android XR system and is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 platform. Priced at $1,800, the Galaxy XR is nearly half the cost of its Apple counterpart, and it is now available in the United States and South Korea. The headset promises impressive performance with a battery life of up to two hours for general use and two and a half hours for video playback. Its micro OLED display boasts a staggering 27 million pixels, surpassing the Vision Pro by six million, with a resolution of 3,552 x 3,840. Although it has a 90Hz refresh rate, slightly lower than the Vision Pro’s 120Hz, the Galaxy XR is designed for an immersive experience. Weighing in at 545 grams, the Galaxy XR is significantly lighter than the Vision Pro, which weighs between 750 and 800 grams. Samsung emphasizes that the headset's structure and materials are optimized for comfort, allowing for a balanced design that reduces pressure on the forehead and back of the head, enhancing user comfort during extended wear. The Galaxy XR comes equipped with a variety of features tailored for mixed-reality experiences, including integration with Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Photos. Users can utilize voice commands through Gemini to explore immersive 3D maps and find content on YouTube. The device also offers the ability to transform 2D images into 3D formats. In pass-through mode, users can interact with their environment and search for information simply by drawing a circle with their hand. The headset supports multitasking, allowing users to open multiple applications simultaneously, whether browsing, working on documents, or listening to music. Entertainment options are enhanced with a 4K Micro-OLED screen, and popular streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, HBO Max, and Peacock have adapted their apps for the new Android XR system. To sweeten the deal, customers who purchase the Galaxy XR before the year’s end will receive an Explorer Pack, which includes a year of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, and Google Play Pass. Additionally, there’s a trial offer for YouTube TV at just $1 per month for three months, along with access to the NBA League Pass and various applications from Status Pro, Adobe, Asteroid, and Calm. This announcement follows Apple’s recent update to the Vision Pro, which now features an M5 chip that improves display rendering by 10% and extends battery life, providing two and a half hours of general use and three hours of video playback.