Copyright gulfnews
In late October 2025, Samsung officially unveiled its long-rumoured mixed-reality headset, the Galaxy XR — marking its major entry into the extended reality (XR) space. The launch event, titled “Worlds Wide Open”, brought to market what Samsung is positioning as a serious alternative to premium headsets such as the Vision Pro. The device is built in partnership with Google and Qualcomm, leveraging Google’s Android XR platform and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 silicon. Samsung describes the Galaxy XR as the first headset designed to scale across form-factors and deliver immersive everyday computing—not just for enthusiasts, but for a broader audience. What it offersOn the hardware front, the Galaxy XR packs high-end features: reports suggest dual micro-OLED panels totalling around 29 million pixels, pixel density in the ~4,000 ppi range, and support for 4.3K resolution per eye. Weight is estimated at about 545 grams. Interaction is described as “multimodal”—the device can interpret hand gestures, eye-tracking, voice input and controllers. .On the software side, because it runs Android XR and supports OpenXR standards, many existing Android apps will run out of the box, and developers are encouraged to adapt them into immersive 3D experiences.Price, availability, and what we know for the UAEWorldwide, the Galaxy XR is priced at $1,799 for the base unit. That puts it significantly below the Vision Pro’s starting cost, while offering many of the high-end features. However, as of the latest updates there is no confirmed retail price for the UAE-specific region publicly available — Samsung has not yet announced regional pricing for the Middle East in the sources.While a UAE launch is likely — given Samsung’s typically global rollout strategy and the region’s strong interest in premium tech — users in the UAE should watch for localised announcements via Samsung Gulf or authorised retailers. Pre-registration promotions (in the US) included a $100 credit when reserving ahead of launch. .Apple’s new Vision Pro gets major upgrade, pre-order now in UAE.Samsung’s play is strategic. By positioning Galaxy XR at a high-end but comparatively more accessible price, it appears to aim for both consumers and enterprise users — undercutting Apple’s more exclusive positioning. Analysts note that Samsung’s open ecosystem approach (via Android XR) could accelerate XR adoption by lowering barriers for developers and users alike. From a tech-journalist perspective: this device matters because it signals XR is moving from niche novelty toward more mainstream ambitions. The integration of Gemini AI (from Google), spatial media, mixed-reality productivity potential (e.g., virtual workspaces), and content ecosystems means Samsung is trying to build a full XR orbit, not just a gadget.Strengths and WeaknessesOn the plus side: the price is competitive; the hardware specs are compelling; the ecosystem backing (Samsung + Google + Qualcomm) is strong; and the open software stance may encourage faster content development..On the other hand: early reports indicate battery life might be limited (e.g., 2 hours general use, 2.5 hours video) for the Galaxy XR. Comfort for long sessions, real-world fit (glasses wearers, heat levels, strap ergonomics) remain to be independently confirmed. And success ultimately depends on whether users buy into XR as a regular computing paradigm—the market still carries scepticism: for example global XR/VR headset shipments are forecast to decline in 2025. The Galaxy XR is a bold move by Samsung: it says XR isn’t just for enthusiasts anymore—it could soon be a serious alternative to laptops, tablets, even desktops for certain workflows. If you’re in the UAE and interested in being at the cutting edge of spatial computing, it warrants watching closely. That said, if you are buying purely for casual entertainment or anticipate long sessions, it might be prudent to wait for detailed hands-on reviews, especially around comfort, battery life and local ecosystem support..Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses: AI, launch, price. In short: With the Galaxy XR, Samsung has thrown down the gauntlet. The question now is whether the market, particularly outside the US, is ready—and whether the UX lives up to the hype.How it stacks up against the competitionGalaxy XR vs Vision ProThe Galaxy XR emerges as a direct challenger to the Vision Pro (Apple’s premium mixed reality 'spatial computer'). While both share a ski-mask form-factor and focus on immersive experiences, the differences come into focus when you dig deeper.Apple’s Vision Pro features dual micro-OLED displays with about 23 million pixels in total, an estimated 3,360 ppi and other advanced optics. In contrast, Samsung’s Galaxy XR claims around 29 million pixels and a pixel density around 4,032 ppi. Weight-wise, the Galaxy XR at ~545 g is slightly lighter than many estimates of the Vision Pro (600–650 g or more, depending on configuration). .Apple plans glasses for 2026 as part of AI push, nixes watch with camera. The starting price is one of the biggest differences: Vision Pro begins at $3,499 in US markets. By comparison, Galaxy XR starts at $1,799—about half the price. Samsung appears to be offering nearly comparable hardware specs at a far more accessible price point.However, Apple’s ecosystem leverage—seamless integration with iOS/macOS, spatial computing ambitions, and premium materials—remains strong. So if you’re deeply embedded in Apple’s environment, Vision Pro may still carry advantages. Meanwhile, Samsung is banking on broader Android/Google compatibility plus its open strategy.From a user perspective: if you want the 'best possible' XR experience with the highest optics and don’t mind the steep price, Vision Pro remains compelling. If instead you seek high-end XR with better value and are open to Android/Google, Galaxy XR may hit the sweet spot.Galaxy XR vs Meta Quest 3On the other end of the spectrum lies the Meta Quest 3—a more affordable, mass-market mixed-reality headset. Starting price is around $499 for the base unit. Its display resolution per-eye is around 2,064 × 2,208 pixels. By contrast, Galaxy XR aims for far higher resolution, premium optics, tracking, and enterprise/creator features..Photos: Meta unveils AI assistant, Quest 3 VR headset, Facebook-streaming glasses .In weight and comfort, Quest 3 weighs around 515 g in some estimates—slightly lighter than the Galaxy XR. But the trade-off is in capability: less optical clarity, fewer high-end features, fewer enterprise-level productivity capabilities. Meta positions Quest 3 for gaming and general VR/MR use; Samsung positions Galaxy XR for immersive computing, productivity, creators and enterprise.Essentially: if your budget is limited or you want to dive into mixed reality casually, Quest 3 offers very good value. If you demand the highest specs and invest in XR as a computing platform, Galaxy XR sits in the middle of the market between Quest and Vision Pro.For early adopters in markets like the UAE, the arrival of the Galaxy XR signals a meaningful step: XR headsets are no longer niche experiment devices—they are positioning as serious computing platforms. If you’re looking to explore the next wave of immersive computers, the Galaxy XR offers a compelling entry point—provided you’re ready for the excitement and the caveats (battery life, ecosystem, regional availability).
