Samsung’s Galaxy XR: A Direct Competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro
Watching the first few minutes of KPop Demon Hunters on Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset, it becomes apparent that Apple’s Vision Pro may have serious competition. While the Galaxy XR, previously teased as Project Moohan, offers a comparable experience, the real kicker is the price. At $1,799, it’s significantly cheaper than the Vision Pro’s hefty $3,499 price tag.
The Galaxy XR officially launches today in the US and Korea, and to entice customers further, Samsung and Google are providing an “explorer pack” with the headset. This pack includes one year of Google AI Pro, a Google Play Pass, discounted YouTube Premium and YouTube TV subscriptions, and a complimentary season of NBA League Pass.
Additionally, the Galaxy XR is not just more affordable but also lighter and more comfortable than the Vision Pro. It features a native Netflix app, making it an attractive option for media consumption. The Vision Pro may appeal to those deeply enmeshed in Apple’s ecosystem and in need of Mac capabilities for professional use, but many others may find the Galaxy XR more fitting for their needs.
Hands-On Impressions
During my second demo of Samsung’s headset, I noticed several improvements from the previous prototype I had tested last December. The front piece of the headset is now significantly cushioned, and I had the opportunity to try the removable bottom light seal. The overall design evokes a fusion of the Vision Pro and a Meta Quest 3, minus the unsettling eyes on the front screen. Instead, it showcases a glass panel equipped with multiple cameras to capture surroundings and hand gestures.
The Galaxy XR packs mini-LEDs supporting up to 4K resolution and 90Hz refresh rates, ensuring smoother scrolling and gaming experiences. Samsung promises a battery life of up to 2.5 hours, comparable to the Vision Pro.
It sure looks like a Vision Pro. Image: Owen Grove, The Verge
The design remains simple—there’s no removable strap, just a lightweight plastic construction with a cushioned back piece. Although the materials may not feel as premium as those of the Vision Pro, the plastic is easier to clean, and its lighter weight allows for a comfortable, prolonged wearing experience.
The user experience inside the headset mirrors aspects of the Vision Pro. A high-resolution passthrough feature exists, along with tracking capabilities based on your gaze. A notable difference is the inclusion of a Quest-like cursor, making navigation and menu selection slightly more intuitive.
They look like Vision Pros, but are much easier to wear. Photo by Victoria Song / The Verge
Feature Set and AI Integration
Feature-wise, the Galaxy XR boasts a variety of capabilities, including spatial photos, immersive environments, and the ability to enlarge multiple browser windows for productivity. One particularly intriguing addition is automatic spatialization for existing 2D content, such as YouTube videos, allowing a more dynamic viewing experience.
Executives from both Samsung and Google emphasize that the Galaxy XR places “AI at the core” of its operations, integrating Gemini technology for smarter interactions. For instance, users can link their physical magazines with virtual product information—a fascinating blend of the real and virtual worlds.
The button that turns the device on and also cues Gemini. Image: Owen Grove, The Verge
The intent is clear: Galaxy XR aims to be a versatile headset that can be used for work, entertainment, and even casual browsing. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that early impressions and demos may differ from everyday usage. As such, it remains to be seen how the Galaxy XR performs once users integrate it into their daily lives.
While hype around mobile XR technology fluctuates, the Galaxy XR offers a compelling combination of pricing, features, and usability. If it succeeds in real-world tests, its appeal may soon overshadow that of the Vision Pro.
In addition to hand gestures, the Galaxy XR can also be controlled with handheld controllers (sold separately). Image: Owen Grove, The Verge
In conclusion, if you’re considering an XR headset, the Galaxy XR presents a strong case, especially given its attractive price point and features. For those interested in streamlined virtual content consumption and productivity, it may soon become a go-to option. For more details on the Galaxy XR, check out the full article here.
Image Credit: www.theverge.com
