Samsung and Google have finally unveiled their ambitious mixed reality device to the public, and from what we’ve seen thus far, it is quite an accomplishment. The Samsung Galaxy XR brings a new contender to the market, one that poses a strong challenge to the Apple Vision Pro and manages to come in at almost half the price.
Samsung Galaxy XR is now available for guided demonstration and purchase. [Image: Samsung]
Retailing for $1,799.99, Samsung Galaxy XR is much more accessible than Apple’s infamously expensive headset yet it manages to come loaded with genuinely impressive tech.
A Virtual Unboxing
Materially speaking, Galaxy XR is quite an achievement, if not a ground-breaking one. Weighing in at 545 grams (1.2 lb), it is lighter than Vision Pro and only slightly heavier than Meta Quest 3. (This weight includes the optional forehead cushion that comes packaged with all Galaxy XR units.) Galaxy XR opts for a rigid head strap instead of the more common cloth-based designs for greater stability and more even weight distribution, though some users have already noted some discomfort.
Galaxy XR is powered by an external battery pack that provides up to 2 hours use per charge. [Image: Samsung]
Google Gemini AI integration gives assistance to all Galaxy XR users as they move through menus and apps alike. User control comes in the form of voice commands, gestural input, and eye tracking courtesy of four dedicated eye-tracking cameras.
Physical handheld controllers, primarily intended for gaming, are available for purchase and feature 6DoF tracking, haptic feedback, and a six-button layout, powered by a single AA battery in each.
Four eye tracking cameras allow for, among other uses, glance-based menu navigation. [Image: Samsung]
A Moveable Visual Feast
Micro-OLEDs deliver a 3552x3840px resolution display for a total of 27 megapixels, 4 MP more than Vision Pro. Galaxy XR’s Field of View reaches 109° horizontal and 100° vertical, while refresh rates on offer are 60Hz, 72Hz, and 90Hz. (Vision Pro offers smoother visuals at a peak of 120Hz.)
Two pass-through cameras allow for virtual overlays on your real-world environment, while six world-facing cameras pack ample tracking power. 3D photo and video capture is also available at 6.5 MP.
Deep XR immersion comes courtesy of high-res Micro-OLED displays, spatial sound, and full color passthrough capabilities. [Image: Samsung]
Six microphones capture environmental and user sound while two dual speakers (woofer and tweeter) bring spatial sound in a range of codecs including Dolby Digital, Digital Plus, and ATMOS.
Guts and Glory
Inside the device, a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, although not as powerful or power-efficient as the Vision Pro’s M5 chipset, keeps things running smoothly with ample power on hand for a range of use cases. 16GB memory and 256GB storage will cover most users’ needs, while Wi-Fi 7(802.11be) and Bluetooth 5.4 support ensure strong and smooth wireless connectivity. Galaxy XR’s external battery pack provides up to 2 hours of use per charge, and the device can also be used while plugged into a power outlet.
Galaxy XR runs all Android apps and optimized Google apps like Google Maps, Google Photos, and YouTube.
Where VR and AR porn is concerned, Samsung Galaxy XR occupies a crucial position in the market. Any dedicated VR porn fan looking to expand into AR and XR, or simply wanting a solid upgrade to their existing device, can now do so with a sub-$2k headset loaded with powerful tech and exciting features. Exactly how adult users and creators alike will make the most of Galaxy XR remains to be seen, of course, but it is already showing plenty of porn promise.
