Samsung has finally made its Galaxy XR headset available for purchase in the UK, offering tech enthusiasts a futuristic gadget that competes directly with the Apple Vision Pro at a lower price point.
What is the Samsung Galaxy XR?
The Galaxy XR, where XR stands for "extended reality," is a head-worn device with screens positioned directly in front of the eyes. It promises immersive content viewing, from fully virtual reality 3D worlds to augmented reality games that overlay digital objects onto the real world. The headset excels as a web browser, video player, and photo viewer, allowing users to see images and movies at enormous sizes, akin to a front-row IMAX experience on a plane.
Price and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy XR headset is available for pre-order now and ships on July 8, 2026, priced at £1,699. This is significantly less than the Apple Vision Pro, which retails for £3,199. Despite the high cost, it reflects the early stage of this technology, appealing to early adopters willing to invest.
Features and Apps
Like a Samsung smartphone, the Galaxy XR runs apps. Launch apps include YouTube and MLB for sports fans. Samsung states that the device is "optimised for multimodal AI interactions, where users can explore both virtual and real worlds, delivering natural and intuitive interactions through voice, vision and gesture." It supports immersive experiences across work, entertainment, and discovery.
Comfort and Design
Express technology editor Dave Snelling tried the Galaxy XR at an exclusive event in January. He noted it was more comfortable to wear than the Vision Pro, thanks to its 545g weight—100g less than Apple's device. The pixel-packed Micro-LED screens provided crisp and clear visuals. Cameras dotted around the case allow users to see the real world, enabling them to walk around while wearing the headset, powered by a small portable battery pack.
Comparison with Other Headsets
For those seeking a more affordable option, the Meta Quest range offers similar technology. The Meta Quest 3S is priced at £289.99 from EE, while the standard Meta Quest 3 costs £549 from Currys. Although their screens and power are less advanced than the Galaxy XR or Vision Pro, they provide a fun experience for content consumption and immersive games.
One drawback noted by Dave is the uncertainty around dedicated apps for Galaxy XR, as Apple's Vision Pro still suffers from a lack of software compared to iPhones and iPads.
