Samsung’s Galaxy XR Marks a Bold Step Into Mixed Reality
Samsung has moved into the mixed reality sector with the introduction of the Galaxy XR, a device positioned to challenge the dominance of Apple’s Vision Pro. The headset is now available in the United States and South Korea, signalling the company’s intention to compete directly in a market that continues to mature. The release represents a deliberate push to blend mobile familiarity with advanced spatial computing, offering potential buyers a product that attempts to match established rivals while adopting a different approach to software, controls, and general use.
The device showcases a modern, ski-goggle-inspired build that appears heavier at first glance than it feels once worn. Samsung has aimed to balance the weight so users experience minimal neck strain during longer sessions. Even so, many early testers have noted mild pressure on the forehead after extended use, a reminder that comfort remains a key challenge across all high-end headsets. The Galaxy XR relies on a connected external battery pack that users typically tuck into a pocket. This setup reflects a trade-off manufacturers often make when trying to deliver high performance without overloading the device itself.
Samsung has equipped the Galaxy XR with the new Android XR operating system, creating a familiar environment for those already using Galaxy smartphones or other Android devices. Access to the wider Google Play ecosystem allows users to download standard Android apps rather than wait for specialised MR versions. This broader compatibility is intended to reduce the entry barrier for first-time mixed-reality users who may not want to learn a completely new platform.
Navigation within the headset has been designed around natural interactions. Instead of controllers, the Galaxy XR depends entirely on eye tracking and hand gestures. Users direct their gaze to highlight items and then perform a small pinch gesture to confirm selections. After a short adjustment period, the control scheme appears to function intuitively, creating a sense that users are interacting directly with digital objects in their environment. This design choice aligns with Samsung’s goal of keeping the system accessible to a wide range of consumers.
Performance is driven by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset, which has been engineered specifically for spatial computing tasks. Early testers have reported smooth transitions between apps, stable playback of high-resolution content, and no noticeable interruptions during demanding tasks. High-quality passthrough cameras help maintain situational awareness by showing a clear, near-real-time view of the surrounding room, an aspect that many users consider essential for prolonged sessions.
Samsung has also integrated Google’s Gemini AI and Circle to Search into the Galaxy XR. The headset allows users to identify objects by drawing a circle around them in mid-air, after which contextual information appears within the interface. This AI-driven functionality aims to streamline everyday tasks and distinguish the Galaxy XR from competing models that rely more heavily on proprietary ecosystems.
Taken together, the Galaxy XR positions Samsung as a serious contender in the mixed reality category. The combination of familiar software, natural input methods, and strong performance creates a device that may appeal to Android users seeking an alternative to Apple’s vision of spatial computing.
