Samsung's answer to Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro arrives today with a cheaper price, but UK users miss out

Galaxy XR is equipped with ultra-high-resolution displays and a Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 from US chipmaker Qualcomm. Since the headset can see and hear what you do, Samsung says its AI experience should feel like a helpful companion — rather than an AI assistant that you bark commands to.

Samsung is the first manufacturer to rely on Android XR, a completely new operating system designed for these mixed reality experiences from Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm. It's been built from scratch specifically for these types of headsets and 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.”

“Android XR is the first Android platform built entirely for the Gemini era, and we are incredibly excited to take a significant leap forward today with the launch of Galaxy XR,” said Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem at Google.

“Through our partnership with Samsung, Android XR will unlock entirely new ways to explore, connect and create, building an open, unified platform for the next evolution of computing.”

If you're familiar with Vision Pro and its visionOS system, Android XR is basically Google's version of that. You'll be able to switch between being fully immersed in virtual worlds or staying connected to your actual surroundings through the headset's cameras – just like adjusting the immersion level on Apple's device.

In comparison, Meta Quest uses the Meta Horizon operating system, which is used to integrate its own immersive 3D environments, intuitive hand and body tracking, and multitasking across fitness and productivity apps.

All your favourite Android apps work straight away on Galaxy XR, like Google Maps, Canva, YouTube, and more. If you're already familiar with Samsung's other devices, like the latest Galaxy S25 mobile series, you don't need to learn new software or start from scratch.

Everything you already love on your phone transfers over seamlessly.

Want to watch your favourite shows? You'll get a 4K Micro-OLED screen that feels like having your own personal cinema. Sports fans can watch multiple matches at once, making it feel like they're right there in the stadium.

Gaming gets a boost, too. While you're playing VR games, you can chat with Gemini for tips and coaching in real-time. There's even creative software like Adobe's Project Pulsar that lets you edit videos in 3D space.

All this runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, which Alex Katouzian from Qualcomm says will "bring new use cases across various industries." The battery lasts about two and a half hours for video watching, and you can even use it while charging.

To take gaming a step further, Samsung is also selling Galaxy XR controllers to pair with the device.

They appear to be similar to the Meta Quest 3, where you can connect to games and the user interface on the headset.

You can also hook up a Bluetooth gamepad directly to the headset when you want to play your favourite 2D games.

If you're looking to get your hands on these, they'll be sold separately. Samsung will also be selling a travel case to fit all of these items when you're on the go.

In terms of feel, the headset is designed to spread its weight across your forehead and the back of your head, so your face doesn't feel the pressure. They've put the battery in a separate pack (just like the Vision Pro), making the actual headset lighter and more comfortable to wear for longer periods.

There's a removable light shield, too. Take it off when you want comfort, or attach it when you need to block out the world for deeper immersion.

If you're looking to get your hands on this new device, you may have to sit tight for a while. The Galaxy XR is only available for purchase in the US and South Korea on Samsung's online site starting today. There's no confirmed release date in the UK yet.

Looking at the price, the headset is being sold for $1,799 or $149 a month in the US, which roughly equates to £1,350 or £111 per month. The Galaxy XR controllers are priced at $250, equaling about £187.

This is significantly cheaper than the Apple Vision Pro, which costs £3,499.

Although Meta Quest seems like a steal in comparison with headsets starting from £289.99.

Looking ahead, Samsung is preparing to further compete against Meta with other wearables. They're developing AI glasses with some interesting partners - Warby Parker, known for their tech-savvy approach to eyewear, and Gentle Monster, who bring fashion-forward design to the mix.

They'll also connect seamlessly with the Android XR ecosystem, giving you advanced VR capabilities in something that looks and feels like normal eyewear.