Samsung Galaxy XR Review: The Vision Pro Rival That’s Smarter, Sharper, and Half the Price

Image Credit : Samsung

A New Chapter in Mixed Reality

Apple’s Vision Pro promised to redefine spatial computing, but its steep $3,500 price tag and limited ecosystem made it an exclusive experiment. Samsung, however, is taking a more accessible and open approach with the Galaxy XR, a powerful mixed reality headset co-developed with Google and Qualcomm.

The result? A headset that delivers sharper visuals, better comfort, and more flexibility — all for half the price of the Vision Pro.

Design and Comfort: Light, Sleek, and Surprisingly Cozy

At first glance, the Samsung Galaxy XR looks similar to Apple’s headset — a futuristic visor with multiple sensors and built-in speakers. But Samsung’s thoughtful design choices make a huge difference.

• Weight: Just 545 grams, compared to Vision Pro’s hefty 750–800 grams.

• Comfort: A thicker, softer head cushion and adjustable dial ensure a better fit for long sessions.

• Build: While it skips Apple’s outward-facing display (that shows your eyes), the minimalist approach helps reduce bulk and distraction.

Even during extended wear, the Galaxy XR remains comfortable, with only minimal pressure points. It’s clear Samsung learned from Apple’s ergonomic missteps.

Display and Performance: Sharper Than Vision Pro

Powering the Galaxy XR is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip — the same platform driving next-gen mixed reality devices. It’s paired with dual 4K micro-OLED displays (3,552 x 3,840), offering jaw-dropping clarity at 90Hz refresh rate.

While the Vision Pro supports 120Hz, the Galaxy XR’s higher resolution and crisp contrast make it arguably the sharper headset overall — especially considering the $1,800 price point.

Battery life is around two to 2.5 hours, but the external battery can be charged mid-use. You can also unlock it instantly using iris recognition, skipping passcodes altogether.

Android XR: Familiar, Open, and AI-Powered

The Galaxy XR runs on Google’s new Android XR platform, blending familiar Android elements with cutting-edge spatial computing and AI.

Key highlights include:

• Hand and eye tracking: Use intuitive gestures like pinching and grabbing to navigate apps and menus.

• Gemini voice assistant: Talk naturally without wake words — just speak commands like “open Maps” or “show YouTube videos.”

• App ecosystem: Supports both XR-optimized apps and traditional Android apps such as Google Photos, YouTube, and Maps.

In demos, Android XR delivered smooth, immersive experiences — from browsing 3D-layered photo galleries to virtually stepping inside restaurants via Google Maps’ 3D environments.

Gaming and Productivity: Built for More Than Entertainment

Beyond apps, Samsung wants the Galaxy XR to be a multi-purpose device.

• Connect to your PC via Steam Link for full desktop gaming.

• Play Android titles like Stardew Valley using Bluetooth controllers or keyboards.

• Join video calls with realistic AI-generated avatars powered by Google’s new Likenesses feature.

You can even create short AI videos using Veo3, an experimental generative video tool integrated into the platform.

Bonus Pack: Subscriptions That Add Serious Value

To make the $1,800 price tag even more tempting, Samsung bundles the Galaxy XR Explorer Pack, which includes:

• 12 months of Google AI Pro

• 12 months of YouTube Premium (with Music)

• 12 months of Google Play Pass

• 12 months of NBA League Pass

• Plus exclusive XR-optimized content

That’s over $500 worth of free services, making the headset one of the best-value premium MR devices on the market.

Early Verdict: A Smarter, More Open Vision Pro

The Samsung Galaxy XR represents what many expected from mixed reality’s future — open ecosystems, AI integration, and real usability. While Apple’s Vision Pro feels like a closed experiment, Samsung’s device is practical, affordable, and ready for mainstream adoption.

Of course, the headset market is still niche, and lighter smart glasses may become the next big leap. But for now, the Galaxy XR shows how far mixed reality has come — and just how much further it can go when innovation meets accessibility.

Price: $1,800
Availability: Samsung.com