Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm have teamed up to launch the Galaxy XR, a mixed-reality headset that costs a fraction of the Apple Vision Pro.
Designed for Google’s Android XR software, Samsung’s headset isn’t coming to Australia yet, but the price is a big talking point. US$1,799 is the asking price, based on its online listing in the US, which is roughly $2,800 in Australian dollars. For reference, the Apple Vision Pro, which impressed reviewers, costs $5,999 (US$3,499) locally.
Like the Vision Pro, the Galaxy XR acts like a computer for your face. It displays content, like multiple app windows or videos, on a private screen that only the wearer can see. Google’s AI technology also features heavily throughout, including the popular Circle to Search feature, which can identify real-world objects when using the headset in passthrough mode.
Samsung’s device uses the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset, with Micro-OLED technology powering the display. One of the common complaints levelled at the Vision Pro was how heavy it was, weighing upwards of 700 grams. As if directly addressing this feedback, the Galaxy XR weighs less than 550 grams, indicating it might be more comfortable for longer use.
However, the Galaxy wearable reportedly lasts a slightly shorter time on a full battery. Samsung quotes roughly two hours of general use, while Apple’s device gets an extra half an hour. In reality, the difference isn’t that great, but it might make the difference between finishing a movie and just missing the ending.
More companies are getting into mixed reality headsets and smart glasses, but there’s already an early leader in the race. Market analytics firm IDC puts Meta in the lead with a 60.6 per cent market share last quarter, while its nearest competitor, Xiaomi, clung onto 7.7 per cent. Affordability is likely a major factor, with the cheapest Meta Quest 3S model priced at $499 in Australia.
