Samsung Launches Galaxy XR Headset, Priced $1,700 Below Apple's Vision Pro

Samsung's Galaxy XR Mixed Reality Headset Undercuts Apple's Vision Pro by $1,700 In a bold move to reclaim the mixed reality market, Samsung has launched its Galaxy XR headset, priced at $1,800. The device is available today in the US and South Korea, with financing options starting at $149 per month for 12 months. The Galaxy XR is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip and runs on Android XR, a new platform developed in partnership with Google. This marks a significant shift from Samsung's previous mobile virtual reality headsets, which were discontinued five years ago. "We're excited to bring our vision of mixed reality to the market," said Dr. Lee Jae-yong, Samsung's Vice President of Mobile Division. "The Galaxy XR is designed to provide an immersive experience that blurs the lines between the physical and digital worlds." In comparison, Apple's Vision Pro headset, which was refreshed this week with a new M5 processor, carries a price tag of $3,499. The Galaxy XR's lower price point has sparked interest among industry analysts, who see it as a competitive advantage for Samsung. "The Galaxy XR is a game-changer in the mixed reality space," said Daniel Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities. "Samsung's ability to offer a high-end headset at a significantly lower price than Apple's Vision Pro will undoubtedly attract consumers looking for a more affordable option." The Galaxy XR features advanced capabilities, including 6DoF (six degrees of freedom) tracking and hand-tracking technology. It also supports Android apps and games, as well as Google's Gemini assistant. Background on the development of the Galaxy XR is provided by Samsung's partnership with Google to create Android XR, a new platform designed specifically for smart glasses and headsets. This collaboration aims to provide a seamless user experience across devices and platforms. Industry experts predict that the mixed reality market will continue to grow in the coming years, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand from consumers. As Samsung and its partners push forward with innovative products like the Galaxy XR, it remains to be seen how Apple's Vision Pro will fare in the competitive landscape. The Galaxy XR is now available for purchase in the US and South Korea, marking a significant milestone in the development of mixed reality technology. With its lower price point and advanced features, Samsung's headset is poised to make a splash in the market, challenging Apple's dominance in the space. *Reporting by Wired.*