Samsung Galaxy XR with Gemini AI, Qualcomm chip, and Android apps launched

Samsung has unveiled its first extended reality (XR) headset, the Galaxy XR, at the “Worlds Wide Open” event, marking its entry into the growing XR market. Developed under Project Moohan, the device runs on Android XR, Google’s new operating system for spatial computing designed for headsets and smart glasses, and integrates Gemini AI for real-time contextual assistance and intelligent multitasking.

Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 2 chip, the Galaxy XR is positioned as a direct competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro M5. The headset debuts in the United States and South Korea with a price tag of $1,799, significantly lower than the Vision Pro’s $3,499. Samsung has not yet announced plans to launch the device in India but said it intends to expand its XR portfolio soon with AI-powered smart glasses.

The Galaxy XR features a Micro-OLED display with a resolution of 3,552 by 3,840 pixels, delivering 27 million pixels, surpassing the Vision Pro’s display. The headset supports refresh rates of 60Hz, 72Hz, and 90Hz, and is equipped with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, enabling high-performance processing for immersive 3D experiences. For visual tracking, the device comes with a 6.5MP camera, two pass-through cameras, six world-facing cameras, four eye-tracking cameras, as well as multiple motion, depth, and flicker sensors. Users can navigate the interface using hand gestures, eye movement, and voice commands, and switch seamlessly between full immersion and passthrough modes for multitasking.

Audio is delivered through dual two-way speakers and a six-microphone array with Dolby Atmos support, while Samsung claims the headset can handle 8K HDR video playback at 60 frames per second with AV1, HEVC, and VP9 codecs. Battery life is rated at up to two hours of normal use and 2.5 hours for video playback, with the ability to use the headset while charging. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, and the headset weighs 545 grams, with an additional 302 grams for the detachable battery.

Running on Android XR, the Galaxy XR supports a wide array of apps from Google Play, including YouTube, Maps, Photos, Chrome, Meet, and Google TV, as well as streaming services such as Netflix and HBO Max. It also offers AI-powered features like Gemini Live, which provides real-time contextual insights, and tools that convert 2D photos and videos into immersive 3D content. Users can explore global landmarks in 3D via Google Maps’ Immersive View or use the “Circle to Search” feature to identify objects seen through the headset.

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Samsung said the device also supports productivity and creative work, allowing multiple resizable windows, connection with keyboards or PCs, and apps like Adobe’s Project Pulsar and Concepts by TopHatch. At launch, more than 50 XR-optimised games and applications from partners including Adobe, Calm, Fox Sports, MLB, and Resolution Games will be available.