Galaxy XR hands-on: Samsung’s $1,799 headset is here

Samsung's Galaxy XR headset is a lighter, more comfortable, and significantly more affordable alternative to the Apple Vision Pro, heavily integrating Google's Gemini AI and launching with extensive content bundles.

• Galaxy XR is lighter, more comfortable, and half the price of the Vision Pro.

• Google's Gemini AI is deeply integrated, enhancing app experiences and content interaction.

• Launches with extensive content access and bundled subscriptions, offering great value for money.

Samsung's new Galaxy XR headset, formerly Project Muhan, directly competes with the Apple Vision Pro but offers key advantages in weight, comfort, and price. It focuses on deep integration with Google's Gemini AI across its applications and launches with a robust content ecosystem, including Netflix and YouTube. Priced at $1,799, it is half the cost of the Vision Pro and includes valuable subscription bundles in an Explorer Pack.

Hardware and Comfort

• 00:00:33 The Galaxy XR is notably lighter and less front-heavy than the Vision Pro, contributing to a more comfortable fit without excessive head tension. Its design is not fully closed off by default, allowing for peripheral vision to maintain engagement with surroundings, though an optional light seal is available for full immersion. The device incorporates a cushioned, removable head pad and a dial for adjusting the fit.

AI Integration and Interaction

• 00:01:51 AI, specifically Google's Gemini, is central to the Galaxy XR experience, integrated across various Google apps like YouTube and Google Maps. Users can interact with the device through pinch gestures for hand and eye tracking, similar to the Vision Pro, or by using handheld controllers for more variety. Gemini allows for asking questions about content being viewed and offers immersive features like dragging through virtual maps, though its performance in loud demo environments showed some 'ruffles' to be smoothed over.

Price and Content Bundles

• 00:02:45 Launching on October 21st for $1,799, the Galaxy XR is roughly half the price of the Vision Pro, presenting a significant differentiator. For a limited time, an 'Explorer Pack' will bundle free subscriptions such as Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, YouTube Music, Calm, and a season of NBA League Pass, offering substantial value. This extensive content library, including Netflix, is a key advantage, with similar screen resolution and field of view to the Vision Pro at a lower cost.

User Experience Impressions

• 00:04:05 During a demo, the device successfully spatialized 2D photos and videos, creating immersive experiences within apps like YouTube and Netflix, where multiple windows could be open concurrently. Hand motion tracking was effective, utilizing pinch gestures for navigation and menu access, complemented by a cursor for precise pointing. While a virtual keyboard is available, a Bluetooth keyboard or voice commands are recommended for efficiency, and overall, the Galaxy XR feels like a blend of the Vision Pro's and Meta's Oculus headsets' best features, with Gemini AI adding a unique dimension.