Samsung’s long-awaited entry into the extended reality market is finally taking shape. Project Moohan, the company’s codename for its first XR headset, has been the subject of numerous leaks that reveal nearly every detail about the device—officially dubbed the Samsung Galaxy XR. With a rumored launch potentially happening as soon as October 21, the comprehensive specifications paint a picture of a serious competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro[7].
The Galaxy XR represents a collaborative effort between Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm, bringing together Android XR software, cutting-edge display technology, and powerful mobile processing. Recent leaks have provided an unprecedented look at the device’s capabilities, design choices, and pricing strategy, giving us the clearest picture yet of Samsung’s vision for mixed reality computing.
Display Technology Sets New Standards
Samsung is betting heavily on display quality to differentiate its XR headset from competitors. The Galaxy XR features two 4K micro-OLED displays, one for each eye, delivering an impressive pixel density of 4,032 pixels per inch[1][3]. This represents a significant advantage over Apple’s Vision Pro, which offers 3,386 PPI—nearly 650 pixels per inch less than Samsung’s offering[1].
The combined display output totals approximately 29 million pixels across both screens, compared to the 23 million pixels found in Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest 3 headsets[5]. Samsung promises “vivid image and true-to-life colors” with this setup, potentially setting a new benchmark for visual fidelity in consumer XR devices[3]. The use of micro-OLED technology should provide deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast ratios that are essential for immersive virtual environments.
Powerful Processing and Software Integration
Under the hood, the Galaxy XR runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 processor, the latest chipset designed specifically for extended reality applications[3][7]. This silicon provides the computational power necessary to handle high-resolution rendering, real-time tracking, and complex spatial computing tasks.
The software experience centers around Samsung’s One UI XR, a customized version of Google’s Android XR platform. This approach gives Samsung the flexibility to integrate its ecosystem apps while maintaining compatibility with the broader Android XR application library[7]. Screenshots reveal an app grid featuring Samsung’s browser, photos, and camera applications alongside standard Android XR offerings, suggesting a balanced approach between proprietary and platform features[7].
Advanced Tracking and Input Methods
Samsung has implemented a comprehensive sensor array to enable natural interaction with the virtual environment. The headset features six front-facing cameras and additional sensors strategically placed around the device[1]. Four sensors on the front corners and two at the bottom near the nose cutout work together to recognize hand gestures and movements[3].
Eye tracking utilizes four internal cameras with infrared LEDs—two per eye—to detect pupil position with precision[3]. This technology enables foveated rendering for improved performance and allows users to navigate interfaces simply by looking at elements.
Voice control rounds out the input options through four microphones positioned at the bottom of the device. These microphones can capture sound from all directions and use advanced audio processing to distinguish the user’s voice from ambient noise and other speakers[3][5]. Additionally, the headset supports two physical controllers featuring 6 degrees of freedom tracking, analog sticks, and haptic feedback, resembling Meta’s Touch Plus controllers[7].
Design Emphasizes Comfort and Versatility
Weighing in at 545 grams (18.2 ounces), the Galaxy XR is notably lighter than Apple’s Vision Pro, which exceeds 600 grams[7]. This weight reduction could make extended wear sessions more comfortable, addressing one of the primary concerns with current-generation XR headsets.
The design incorporates an adjustable headband for personalized fit and detachable light shields that can block external light for more immersive VR experiences[3]. The device primarily functions as passthrough goggles, emphasizing mixed reality applications that blend digital content with the physical world[7].
Physical controls include volume buttons and a “Top Button” on the upper surface. Tapping the Top Button brings up the app launcher, while holding it summons Google’s Gemini AI assistant[3]. The right side features a touchpad that allows users to recenter content with a tap-and-hold gesture or switch between VR and passthrough modes with a double-tap[3]. An external battery pack connects via a power port on the left side, similar to Apple’s approach with the Vision Pro[7].
The headset includes spatial audio capabilities through a dual-speaker system—each side featuring both a woofer and tweeter for fuller sound reproduction[3]. Ventilation has been carefully considered, with air vents placed at the bottom to manage the heat generated by the powerful processor[3].
Pricing and Availability
Battery life estimates suggest approximately 2.5 hours of video playback or two hours of general mixed-use, comparable to competitors in this category[3][7]. This runtime necessitates the external battery pack design, which allows for potentially swappable power sources during extended sessions.
Samsung confirmed in its Q2 2025 earnings report that it expects to ship the Galaxy XR headset before the end of 2025, with rumors pointing to a potential October 21 reveal[5][7]. Pricing remains the biggest question mark, though industry reports suggest the device will carry a premium price tag. Estimates range from 2,500,000 to 4,000,000 Korean won, translating to approximately $1,700 to $2,800 USD[7].
This pricing would position the Galaxy XR between high-end consumer devices and professional-grade equipment, directly competing with Apple’s Vision Pro while potentially undercutting it depending on the final retail price. The device’s combination of superior display specifications, lighter weight, and Android XR ecosystem integration could justify the premium positioning.
What This Means for the XR Market
The Samsung Galaxy XR represents a significant moment for the extended reality industry. With Google’s Android XR platform providing the software foundation, Samsung’s hardware expertise delivering premium components, and Qualcomm’s specialized silicon powering the experience, the device embodies a coordinated effort to establish a viable alternative to Apple’s Vision Pro ecosystem.
The emphasis on passthrough functionality and mixed reality applications suggests Samsung envisions the Galaxy XR as more than just a gaming device or entertainment platform. The integration of productivity apps, AI assistance through Gemini, and compatibility with Samsung’s broader device ecosystem hints at ambitions for the headset to serve as a spatial computing platform for work and creativity.
Whether consumers will embrace XR headsets at premium price points remains uncertain, but Samsung’s specifications indicate the company is serious about establishing itself in this emerging category. The leaked details suggest a thoughtfully designed device that addresses many of the first-generation issues that have plagued competitors, particularly around display quality, weight, and tracking accuracy.
As we await official confirmation of these specifications and pricing, the Galaxy XR stands as one of the most anticipated hardware launches of late 2025, with the potential to reshape expectations for what consumer XR devices can deliver.
Sources
[2] https://www.sammobile.com/news/samsung-galaxy-xr-headset-images-details-leak/
[3] https://www.gsmarena.com/samsungs_vr_headset_project_moohan_leaks_in_full-news-69864.php
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