Samsung Galaxy XR Headset Launches as Android’s First Premium VR Competitor

Samsung Enters Premium VR Market with Galaxy XR

Samsung has officially launched its Galaxy XR virtual reality headset, according to reports from the company’s recent Galaxy Event. The device, which previously operated under the “Project Moohan” codename, represents what analysts suggest is Android’s first serious entry into the premium XR headset market, positioned as a direct competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro.

Samsung Enters Premium VR Market with Galaxy XR
Pricing and Availability
Included Accessories and Separate Purchases
Prescription Lens Option
Limited-Time Service Bundle
Market Position and Competitive Landscape

Pricing and Availability

The Galaxy XR carries a price tag of $1,799.99, sources indicate, making it approximately half the cost of Apple’s $3,499 Vision Pro. The report states that the headset is exclusively available through Samsung.com and Samsung Experience Stores in the United States and South Korea. American customers can reportedly expect deliveries as early as November 4 based on current shipping estimates.

Included Accessories and Separate Purchases

According to the product documentation, the base Galaxy XR package includes multiple essential accessories: a protective cover, forehead cushion with adjustment mechanisms, detachable light shields for enhanced immersion, power cable, battery pack, wall charger, and lens cleaning cloth. However, the report states that controllers and travel cases retail separately for $249.99 each through Samsung’s official channels.

Sources indicate significant savings are available for customers who bundle these accessories at initial purchase. The bundle option reportedly offers 30% savings compared to purchasing controllers and travel case separately later. Market observers note that the travel case has experienced limited availability, with the accessory showing as sold out during recent inventory checks.

Prescription Lens Option

For users requiring vision correction, the Galaxy XR supports magnetically-attached prescription lenses available through Eyebuydirect for an additional $99.99. This approach, analysts suggest, mirrors accessibility features seen in competing headsets while maintaining the device’s sleek design profile.

Limited-Time Service Bundle

Perhaps the most significant value proposition, according to the analysis, comes from the included “Explorer Pack” of services available for a limited time. The report states this bundle includes 12-month subscriptions to Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass, Calm Premium, and Adobe’s Project Pulsar 3D video editing application. The total value of these services reportedly exceeds $1,140, potentially offsetting the headset’s substantial upfront cost for interested buyers.

Market Position and Competitive Landscape

The Galaxy XR’s launch comes at a pivotal moment in the premium VR market, with Apple having recently updated its Vision Pro with M5 silicon and new band options. Industry watchers suggest Samsung’s pricing strategy positions the Galaxy XR as a more accessible alternative to Apple’s flagship device while offering comparable core functionality. Detailed comparative analyses between the two platforms are expected to emerge in coming days as reviewers gain more hands-on experience with the new Samsung device.

For additional perspective on the Galaxy XR’s capabilities and user experience, Mashable contributor Adam Dowd has published initial hands-on impressions that potential buyers may find valuable when considering their purchase decision.