Samsung has joined forces with Google and Qualcomm to launch the Galaxy XR headset – the first of many Android XR devices to come. All three tech giants are promising devices covering the “full spectrum of XR form factors,” including AI glasses. Samsung is working on it, but today the focus is on the headset.
The Samsung Galaxy XR has a micro-OLED display with a resolution of 3,552 x 3,840px for a total of 27 megapixels (which is close to 8K resolution). Supported refresh rates are 72Hz default, 60Hz option and 90Hz option. The virtual display covers 109° horizontally and 100° vertically.
There are two cameras on board that can be used for video passthrough (allowing you to see the outside world for the XR experience). The camera can also capture 3D photos and videos. They have an 18mm f/2.0 wide-angle lens and a 6.5MP sensor.
In addition, there are six world-facing cameras called Inside-Out Tracking – position tracking without the need for external hardware, just you and your headset. The camera also tracks your hand, which is the primary input method. There is a depth sensor, five IMUs (accelerometer + gyroscope) and a flicker sensor for a better experience under artificial lighting.
There are also four eye-tracking cameras inside, so the headset knows what you’re looking at. It also supports iris recognition, which is used to unlock the headset and authenticate you to the apps you need.
The headset has an adjustable interpupillary distance (54-70mm) and supports an optical insert for users who require glasses. There is also a removable light shield – it blocks light for better immersion when using VR apps and can be removed for better comfort.
The Galaxy XR weighs 545g with the forehead cushion and there is a separate battery which weighs 302g. Weight does not include light shield or optional cushion size adjusters.
Samsung says the headset’s frame is designed to distribute pressure across the user’s forehead and back of the head to make it more comfortable to wear. Keeping the battery separate from the main unit puts less weight on your head and neck.
Note that this isn’t an “out and about headset” – Samsung says battery life is up to 2.5 hours, but that’s when watching 2D YouTube videos. In normal use, it is expected to last 2 hours.
Samsung Galaxy XR is powered by Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2. It has a 20% faster CPU and 15% faster GPU than the regular XR2 Gen 2 and supports 12ms full-color video passthrough. The chipset is coupled with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
OK, but what can you do with it? Android XR is an open platform that supports all Android apps out of the box. Developers can use OpenXR, WebXR, and Unity to create new experiences for these and future XR devices.
Google’s Gemini AI is another focal point of the platform – while wearing it, the Galaxy XR sees what you see and hears what you hear, so you can have natural conversations with it about your surroundings and your tasks.
You can plan trips with Google Maps using Gemini to find cool places to visit. You can find YouTube videos with Gemini and ask him questions about what you’re watching. With video passthrough mode enabled, you can use your finger to draw a circle around an object and start searching immediately.
The Galaxy XR can also be used for entertainment. You can stream your favorite shows in a theater-like experience or watch multiple sports broadcasts at the same time. You can also play XR-specific games while Gemini gives you tips. Adobe has created Project Pulsar, an XR video editor. With all the AI on board, you can even turn regular 2D photos and videos into 3D.
Some other specs to mention – the headset supports low-latency Wi-Fi 7 connections (802.11be) and Bluetooth 5.4. It has six microphones to pick up your voice and sounds from your surroundings. Additionally, there are two 2-way speakers (woofer + tweeter).
The Samsung Galaxy XR is available in the US and Korea starting today for $1,800.
If you are in US, you can use this link to get some benefits. This includes a 30% discount on accessories like cases, controllers and Galaxy Buds3 Pro. Students can get 10% discount on the headset itself. Additionally, our link gives you a free subscription to premium content: access to exclusive XR apps, gaming content, NBA streaming and more.
Looking to the near future, AI glasses are also in the pipeline – Samsung and Google are collaborating with lifestyle brand Warby Parker to create beautifully designed glasses. Samsung has also partnered with another luxury eyewear brand, Gentle Monster.
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