The tech world is buzzing with the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy XR, the company’s inaugural extended reality (XR) headset. Unveiled during Samsung’s latest hardware launch event, this device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset, boasting a robust 16GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. Its debut comes swiftly after Apple refreshed its Vision Pro mixed reality headset, equipping it with the cutting-edge M5 chip and an enhanced headband. While both headsets share a similar aesthetic, their differences in various crucial aspects are worth exploring.
We’ve put these two powerhouse XR headsets from Samsung and Apple head-to-head, evaluating their displays, design philosophies, raw performance, battery endurance, and sophisticated sensor arrays.
Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro With M5 Chip: Price and Availability
Samsung Galaxy XR: The new Samsung headset carries a price tag of $1,799 (approximately Rs. 1,58,000) in the US and KRW 2,690,000 (around Rs. 1,65,000) in South Korea. It is exclusively available in a single configuration: 16GB RAM paired with 256GB of storage, directly from Samsung’s online store. The sole color option is ‘Silver Shadow’. For added flexibility, the South Korean tech giant provides a 12-month payment plan, breaking down the cost to roughly $149 (around Rs. 13,000) per month.
Apple Vision Pro With M5 Chip: In contrast, the Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip starts at a higher price point of $3,499 (approximately Rs. 3,07,000) for its base 256GB storage model. Consumers can also opt for 512GB or 1TB storage variants, priced at $3,699 (around Rs. 3,25,000) and $3,899 (about Rs. 3,43,000), respectively. Apple plans to roll out the M5-equipped Vision Pro to its US retail stores starting October 22, offered exclusively in a silver finish. Financing options are also available for US customers who prefer not to pay the full amount upfront.
Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro With M5 Chip: Display and Design
Samsung Galaxy XR: This headset is equipped with advanced micro-OLED displays featuring 27 million pixels, a sharp 3,552×3,840 pixels resolution, a minute 6.3-micron pixel pitch, and a smooth refresh rate of up to 90Hz. Furthermore, the Galaxy XR displays achieve an impressive 95 percent DCI-P3 color gamut, providing a wide 109-degree horizontal and 100-degree vertical field of view.
From a design perspective, the Samsung Galaxy XR headset incorporates a headband that wraps around the wearer’s head, crucial for comfortable support and even weight distribution. Its external battery pack connects via a wireless charging port conveniently located on the left side of the headband. The device measures 121.92×195.58×264.16mm and weighs approximately 545g, including the forehead cushion.
Apple Vision Pro With M5 Chip: Apple’s updated Vision Pro, now featuring the M5 chip, also utilizes micro-OLED displays. These displays offer 23 million pixels, a sophisticated 3D display system, a 7.5‑micron pixel pitch, a 92 percent DCI‑P3 color gamut, and an even higher refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
While both the Samsung Galaxy XR and Apple Vision Pro headsets share a fundamental design similarity, the M5 chip variant of the Vision Pro introduces a notable design change: it now includes 3D-knit upper and lower straps, a departure from the single strap found on the previous generation Apple headset and the new Galaxy XR headset.
Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro With M5 Chip: Performance and Battery
Samsung Galaxy XR: Powering Samsung’s new XR headset is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset, complemented by 16GB of RAM and 256GB of integrated storage. It runs on the Android XR platform right out of the box, facilitating seamless integration with other Android XR devices within its ecosystem. The device also comes equipped with Google’s Gemini AI assistant.
The Samsung Galaxy XR’s external battery pack is designed to provide up to 2 hours of battery life during general use and extends to a respectable 2.5 hours for video playback.
Apple Vision Pro With M5 Chip: Apple’s mixed reality headset is now powered by the advanced Apple M5 chipset. This chip integrates a 10‑core CPU (featuring four performance cores and six efficiency cores), a 10‑core GPU, neural accelerators, hardware‑accelerated ray tracing, and a potent 16‑core Neural Engine. The Vision Pro operates on the latest visionOS 26.
Further enhancing its capabilities, the headset includes Apple’s dedicated R1 chip, responsible for processing input from its various cameras, sensors, and microphones. Apple claims the R1 chip achieves an impressive 12ms photon‑to‑photon latency with 256GB per second memory bandwidth.
Like its Samsung counterpart, the Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip relies on an external battery, which is rated to deliver up to 2.5 hours of general use and up to three hours for video playback.
Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro With M5 Chip: Cameras and Sensors
Samsung Galaxy XR: The Galaxy XR headset features a 6.5-megapixel multi-camera setup, capable of 3D photo and video capturing. It boasts an 18mm focal length and an f/2.0 aperture. Additionally, it incorporates two pass-through cameras, allowing users to seamlessly view their real-world surroundings with augmented reality elements overlaid.
For comprehensive tracking and spatial awareness, the Samsung Galaxy XR headset is equipped with six world-facing tracking cameras, four eye-tracking cameras, five Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), one depth sensor, and one flicker sensor. For secure access, the new headset supports Iris Recognition.
Audio is handled by two-way speaker setups, each featuring a woofer and a tweeter, providing an immersive sound experience. A six-microphone array with beamforming technology ensures clear audio input.
Apple Vision Pro With M5 Chip: The Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip integrates a 6.5-megapixel stereoscopic 3D main camera system, supporting spatial photo and video capture, an 18mm focal length, and an f/2.0 aperture. It includes a dual main camera setup, six world‑facing tracking cameras, four eye‑tracking cameras, and a TrueDepth camera. Additional sensors comprise a LiDAR Scanner, four inertial measurement units, a flicker sensor, and an ambient light sensor.
Mirroring the Samsung Galaxy XR, the Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip also offers Iris‑based biometric authentication for enhanced security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How much does the Samsung Galaxy XR cost in India?
The new Samsung Galaxy XR is not yet available in India. In the US, its price is set at $1,799 (approximately Rs. 1,58,000) for the single 16GB RAM + 256GB storage variant.
Q. What is the release date of the Samsung Galaxy XR?
The Samsung Galaxy XR was launched on October 22 in the US and South Korea.
Q. What colors does the Samsung Galaxy XR come in?
The Samsung Galaxy XR is currently offered in a single ‘Silver Shadow’ colorway.
Q. Where can I buy the Samsung Galaxy XR?
Presently, the Samsung Galaxy XR is exclusively available for purchase in the US and South Korea via Samsung’s official website.
Q. What is the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy XR?
The Samsung Galaxy XR utilizes an external battery pack, which is rated to provide up to 2 hours of battery life with general usage and up to 2.5 hours for video playback.