Samsung Introduces Galaxy XR, Its First Device on Android XR

• Galaxy XR is Samsung’s first mixed reality headset and the debut device for the new Android XR platform, available now for $1,799.99.
• Built with Google and Qualcomm, it runs Android apps out of the box and features native multimodal AI through Gemini integration.

Samsung has launched Galaxy XR, its first mixed reality headset and the debut device for the new Android XR platform. Co-developed with Google and Qualcomm, the headset is available in the U.S. starting October 21 for $1,799.99. Galaxy XR also marks the start of Samsung’s broader roadmap, which includes additional form factors like AI-powered glasses.

Galaxy XR is built for comfort and long sessions, with a balanced frame, detachable light shield, and separate battery pack to reduce pressure during wear. The headset weighs 545 grams with the forehead cushion. It includes a 4K Micro-OLED display running at a 72Hz default refresh rate, with a wide field of view of 109 degrees horizontally and 100 degrees vertically. Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 platform, the device also supports spatial audio and real-time tracking through a multi-camera sensor system. Iris recognition adds secure access, and the device runs up to 2.5 hours on a charge, or longer while plugged in. Prescription lenses are supported but sold separately.

Galaxy XR runs on Android XR, a new operating system developed by Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm. The platform features multimodal AI through Google’s Gemini, which is integrated at the system level. This allows the headset to process voice, vision, and gesture together, enabling Gemini to respond in real time based on what the user sees and says.

“Android XR is the first Android platform built entirely for the Gemini era, and we are incredibly excited to take a significant leap forward today with the launch of Galaxy XR”, said Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem at Google, in an official news release. “Through our partnership with Samsung, Android XR will unlock entirely new ways to explore, connect, and create, building an open, unified platform for the next evolution of computing.”

Galaxy XR supports millions of Android apps from Google Play, with many already enhanced for immersive use. Users can access spatial versions of apps like Google Maps for 3D navigation, YouTube with stereoscopic video, Google Photos with spatialized photos and videos, and Circle to Search for real-world object lookup. Those who purchase Galaxy XR before the end of 2025 receive the Explorer Pack, which includes select subscriptions and XR content such as Google AI Pro, NBA League Pass, and specialized XR content.

🌀 Tom’s Take:

Galaxy XR is Samsung and Google’s much-anticipated entry into the mixed reality race, joining Apple, Meta, and ByteDance. It is hoping its native Gemini integration and multimodal AI are key strategic advantages.

Source: Samsung