A huge leak from Andriod Headlines has revealed almost every detail of the upcoming Galaxy XR headset, exposing the design, hardware, and software. This was the sort of shiny toy that Apple should have made and didn't quite have the innovation ability to pull it off.
The Galaxy XR’s design looks sharp and modern, with a curved visor, matte metal frame, and soft interior padding. At just 545 grams, it is lighter and more comfortable than Apple’s bloated headset. A rear strap dial allows for an adjustable fit, while ventilation slots and detachable light shields make it suitable for longer use. Samsung seems to have actually thought about user comfort, something Job’s Mob still treats as an afterthought.
On the technical front, there is no contest. The Galaxy XR includes dual 4K micro-OLED panels with a combined 4,032 pixels per inch, which easily outclass the Vision Pro’s weaker 3,386 PPI screens. Powering it all is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, capable of 90 frames per second per eye and seamless mixed-reality performance.
The Galaxy XR also features six cameras for tracking, mapping, and passthrough. AI-based eye and hand tracking provide natural, intuitive control. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, while battery life is about two hours of active use, or two and a half hours of media playback.
Samsung’s new One UI XR interface gives the headset a proper Android feel. Floating apps such as YouTube, Netflix, Maps, and Google Photos hover in 3D space, while a central bar holds Google Gemini AI, system tools, and search. Compared with Apple’s sterile VisionOS, this looks like real software made for real users, not another locked-down showpiece for Apple’s diehards.
Two 6-DoF controllers with haptic feedback and analogue sticks come in the box, while voice and hand gestures offer alternative controls. Detachable light shields block out distractions for an immersive session.
Reports suggest the Galaxy XR will launch around 21 or 22 October, with pre-orders opening in mid-October. The price is expected to land between $1,800 and $2,000 (€1,680–€1,865), it is pricey but far less than the Vision Pro’s ridiculous $3,499 price tag.
To be fair, only the Tame Apple Press seems to be making comparisons with the Vision Pro. Samsung’s Galaxy XR joins a list of serious rivals, including Meta’s Quest 3, HTC’s Vive XR Elite, and Sony’s PlayStation VR2. All of them deliver stronger performance, more versatility, and better value.