Samsung is gearing up to enter the premium mixed reality market with its much-anticipated Android XR headset, and recent reports suggest the device could carry a hefty price tag. According to South Korean media, Samsung is targeting a launch price between 2.5 million and 4 million won—roughly $1800 to $3000 USD.
That puts the headset below Apple’s Vision Pro, which launched in South Korea at around 5 million won, but still firmly in the premium category.
Launch Timeline and Limited Rollout
If these reports prove accurate, Samsung will first release the headset in South Korea this October, with preorders starting September 29. A broader global launch is expected afterward, though in limited quantities.
Much like Apple, Samsung is believed to be constrained by the cost and supply of 4K micro-OLED displays, which limits production volumes. Reports indicate the company may manufacture only 100,000 units per year, hinting at a slow but strategic rollout.
What We Know About the Headset
Samsung first announced its XR headset more than two years ago, confirming that Google would provide the software and Qualcomm the chipset. That chipset was later revealed to be the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, a high-end processor already seen in devices like Play For Dream MR and more powerful than the one inside the Meta Quest 3.
At the end of last year, Samsung finally unveiled the headset design alongside Google’s branding of Android XR. During a hands-on demo, the company confirmed it was also developing controllers, though it remains unclear if they’ll be bundled with the device or sold separately.
Display and Hardware Details
Reports suggest Samsung is equipping the device with Sony’s 1.35-inch 3552×3840 micro-OLED displays, delivering a higher resolution and wider color gamut than the Apple Vision Pro. If true, this would position Samsung’s headset as one of the most visually advanced XR devices on the market.
However, beyond display details and chipset confirmation, Samsung has remained tight-lipped. Specifics about battery life, comfort, content ecosystem, and software features have yet to be revealed.
Competing with Apple Vision Pro
Samsung’s move into premium XR clearly sets it up as a direct competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro. By coming in at a lower (yet still premium) price point, Samsung could attract buyers seeking cutting-edge hardware without paying Apple’s ultra-premium tag.
Still, with a limited initial rollout and niche appeal, the first-generation Samsung XR headset seems more like a technology showcase than a mass-market product.
Final Thoughts
Samsung’s Android XR headset is shaping up to be one of the most exciting entries into the mixed reality space in years. With Google powering the software and Qualcomm handling the processing, the device could represent a strong alternative to Apple Vision Pro—especially if its display quality lives up to the leaks.
The big question now is whether Samsung can deliver enough units and compelling content to truly compete in the emerging XR market.
