Samsung’s new Galaxy XR headset is drastically cheaper than Apple's Vision Pro

If you thought big headworn virtual reality headsets and glasses were destined to be consigned into the bin marked ‘tech curiosity’, think again. In a sign that the market could be about to hot up, Samsung has unveiled its first mixed reality headset, the Samsung Galaxy XR, to compete directly with the Apple Vision Pro, which Apple has just updated with a new version.

Samsung launched the Galaxy XR to much fanfare, and will bring the bulky-looking device to Korea and the US. In the latter country it will sell for $1,799.99, only $50 more than half the price of the $3,499 Vision Pro.

The asking price is still sky high, but if you want to get your hands on cutting edge VR technology, Samsung will save you a wad of cash.

The ‘XR’ in Galaxy XR stands for ‘extended reality’, the term Samsung is using to describe the several modes the headset can be used in. You can plug into virtual reality (VR) worlds or augmented reality (AR), which projects text, apps, widgets and video over the top of the real world.

Samsung also says AI is central to the Galaxy XR with the inclusion of Google Gemini in many of the app experiences. You control proceedings with your hands or eyes, captured by sensors, and with optional controllers.

The Galaxy XR has been developed in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, and is positioned as “the first product built on the new Android XR platform”, according to Samsung.

Galaxy XR showcases the future of discovery, play, and work, enabling users to enjoy natural, deeply immersive experiences — from daily tasks to bold new frontiers,” Samsung said. “It’s the first step in Samsung’s long-term XR journey, with innovations to come across the full spectrum of XR form factors, including AI glasses.”

The headset promises immersive experiences in apps such as Google Maps, YouTube, Google Photos and sports streaming. You can also use Google’s Circle to Search in the real world to get information on what you’re looking at, though with a battery life of just 2.5 hours and the fact you might not want to walk around town with this thing strapped to your face could mean that, much like the Vision Pro, this is an at-home gadget for now.

You can view your photos and videos with added depth and dimension, which alongside watching movies and TV and playing VR games are likely to be the main attractions of the headset for most consumers.

Samsung also confirmed it is developing AI glasses in collaboration with Google and Warby Parker. These will likely be direct competition to Meta’s Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses.

“With Galaxy XR, Samsung is introducing a brand-new ecosystem of mobile devices,” said Won-Joon Choi, Chief Operating Officer of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Built on Android XR, Galaxy XR expands the vision for mobile AI into a new frontier of immersive and meaningful possibilities, allowing XR to move from concept to everyday reality, for both the industry and users.”

If you’re in the US you can buy the Galaxy XR right now. There’s no word on UK availability.