Samsung Launches 'Galaxy XR' Headset, Challenging Meta and Apple

[Financial News] Samsung Electronics simultaneously launched its extended reality (XR) headset, 'Galaxy XR,' in Korea and the United States on the 22nd. The Galaxy XR enables users to enjoy content and interact intuitively in an expanded three-dimensional space without physical limitations, using voice, gaze, and gestures. Its competitive pricing—set in the two-million-won range—stands out, especially compared to Apple’s newly released 'Apple Vision Pro 2.'■ AI Recognizes User Voice, Gaze, and GesturesOn the 22nd, Samsung Electronics held a media briefing at Samsung Gangnam on Gangnam-daero in Seoul to unveil the Galaxy XR. The device is optimized for 'multimodal artificial intelligence (AI),' which processes and understands various types of information—such as text, images, voice, and video—simultaneously. The Galaxy XR operates using voice, gaze, and gestures, integrated with Google Gemini. To enable this, it is equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, microphones, and the high-performance Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset. For example, users can ask Google Gemini by voice to find a desired YouTube video, select a result with their gaze, and execute the command with a finger gesture.
Samsung Electronics also plans to expand the possibilities of multimodal AI in the business-to-business (B2B) sector through XR collaborations with other industries. The company has signed an MOU with Samsung Heavy Industries to build a virtual shipbuilding training solution using Galaxy XR. This will allow new engineers to train in virtual spaces, such as inspecting ship engines, before being deployed in real-world scenarios. The Galaxy XR runs on the 'Android XR' platform, enabling the use of Android-based apps. Core Google services—such as Google Maps, Google Photos, and YouTube XR—as well as features familiar from smartphones, are all available on the Galaxy XR.■ Priced Lower Than Apple Vision Pro at 2.69 Million WonThe Galaxy XR weighs 545g, making it lighter than Apple Vision Pro (600–650g) but heavier than Meta Quest 3 (515g). The headset’s frame evenly distributes pressure across the forehead and back of the head, minimizing fatigue during extended use and ensuring a stable fit. It also comes with a removable 'external light-blocking pad' to block out ambient light as needed.
Users with low vision can order custom prescription insert lenses that attach magnetically to the Galaxy XR. After undergoing an eye exam at any Davich Optical store nationwide and placing an order, Essilor International, a global lens specialist, manufactures the lenses. The price is set at 140,000 won.
In 'pass-through' mode, which allows users to see the real world through the headset, the 'Circle to Search' feature provides instant information about objects in view. Users can enjoy XR-exclusive and Android-based games with real-time coaching from Google Gemini. The 'Adobe Project Pulsar' program enables 3D video production. Samsung Electronics offers XR content in partnership with global services such as Adobe, Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), Calm, AmazeVR, and more. XR-exclusive content will also be available on Naver Corporation’s streaming platform, CHZZK.
Its relatively low price of 2.69 million won is another advantage, making it about 2 million won cheaper than the Apple Vision Pro 1 (3,499 USD, approximately 4.9 million won).
Samsung Electronics expects the XR device market to more than double next year. The company is also developing next-generation smart glasses in collaboration with Google LLC. Through partnerships with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, Samsung plans to introduce products that combine both style and practicality. Lim Sung-taek, Vice President of Samsung Electronics Korea, stated, “We are confident that Galaxy XR offers the industry’s best hardware and software. With the launch of Galaxy XR, we expect XR devices to become much more mainstream, driving positive market response and marking the beginning of a new era of innovation.”
mkchang@fnnews.com Jang Min-kwon Reporter