Samsung, in partnership with Google and Qualcomm, has officially introduced the Galaxy XR headset, the first major device built on the new Android XR platform. Priced at $1,799.99, the Galaxy XR marks Samsung’s biggest move yet into extended reality and sets the stage for a new ecosystem of connected devices.

Won-Joon Choi, Chief Operating Officer of Samsung’s Mobile eXperience Business, said in the company’s announcement, “With Galaxy XR, Samsung is introducing a brand-new ecosystem of mobile devices. 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.”

The Galaxy XR is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 processor, designed specifically for mixed and virtual reality experiences. It runs Android XR, co-developed by Google and Qualcomm, and integrates Gemini AI for natural interaction through voice, gaze, and gestures. Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem at Google, said, “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. 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.”

Alex Katouzian, Group GM of Mobile, Compute, and XR at Qualcomm Technologies, added, “Galaxy XR embodies our vision for the future, where the synergy of AI and XR transforms the possibilities of personal computing. We’re thrilled to be collaborating on this initiative, as Galaxy XR will help to bring new use cases across various industries and pave the way for exciting multi-device experiences.”

The headset features dual micro-OLED displays with 3,552 x 3,840 resolution per eye, offering high pixel density and realistic depth. Samsung emphasized the comfort aspect of the design, noting that the frame is balanced to reduce facial pressure and maintain stability during longer sessions. The headset includes eye, hand, and head tracking, along with six outward-facing cameras for depth sensing and environmental mapping.

Battery life reaches up to two and a half hours of video playback. The detachable battery pack doubles as a portable charger, a design choice that keeps the headset lighter and more comfortable to wear. Samsung will first launch the Galaxy XR in the US and South Korea before expanding globally later this year.

A key feature of Galaxy XR is its compatibility. Because it runs Android XR, the headset supports existing Android apps while also enabling developers to create immersive XR-native experiences. Samsung confirmed that apps built for Android will work out of the box, and the device supports OpenXR standards, giving developers flexibility to integrate content using Unity, Unreal Engine, or WebXR.

Samsung’s approach positions the Galaxy XR as more than just another headset. It is a foundational piece in a broader roadmap for spatial computing. The company envisions a future where XR extends beyond entertainment to become part of everyday productivity, communication, and creativity. Demonstrations highlighted experiences like using Google Maps in 3D space, turning standard photos into immersive environments, and using Gemini AI to provide real-time assistance based on what the user sees or says.

At $1,799, the Galaxy XR targets the premium market but offers a lower price than some competitors. By combining Samsung’s hardware, Google’s software, and Qualcomm’s processing power, the Galaxy XR delivers an open, high-performance alternative to Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest Pro. Its focus on developer accessibility, comfort, and AI-driven interaction could give it an edge in a growing but competitive market.

The Galaxy XR represents the beginning of a new chapter for Samsung and Google’s shared vision of spatial computing. It merges advanced display technology, artificial intelligence, and mobile design expertise into a single device aimed at reshaping how users interact with digital worlds.