Samsung Galaxy XR Review: The Android Headset That Finally Gets It Right

Samsung’s Galaxy XR is the most compelling VR headset in years, but its success hinges on one critical factor: Android app compatibility.

After months of daily use, the Galaxy XR has become an indispensable part of my workflow. This headset represents Samsung’s most mature VR effort yet, building on lessons from the Gear VR era while embracing modern XR capabilities. The hardware is excellent—lightweight at 545g, featuring a stunning 3552 x 3840 OLED display, and equipped with eye-tracking, iris recognition, and six world-tracking cameras.

The Real Superpower: Android App Compatibility

The Galaxy XR’s killer feature isn’t its hardware specs or pancake lenses—it’s running Android XR with full Google Play Store access. Every Android app I’ve tried works flawlessly, from productivity tools to entertainment apps. I can run my computer’s virtual desktop alongside multiple Android apps, creating a truly infinite canvas workspace.

This seamless integration means I can ditch my phone entirely while working. Whether I’m on the couch, at my desk, or anywhere else, all my apps are available in-headset. The eye-tracking and pinch-to-select interface feels natural once you adapt, and the iris recognition makes logging into services effortless—a significant advantage over Meta Quest headsets.

The Android XR Experience: Brilliant but Imperfect

Android XR is a significant step forward, offering multitasking capabilities that rival traditional desktop operating systems. You can run apps side-by-side, resize windows, and navigate with intuitive gestures. However, it’s not quite there yet compared to Windows or macOS. Window snapping isn’t as refined, and Google’s promise of a Gemini AI that can control everything falls short in practice.

The OLED display is crisp and bright, making mixed reality content look fantastic. While I typically experience headaches from PWM dimming on Samsung phones, the Galaxy XR only caused mild discomfort in low-light conditions.

The Controllers Controversy

Here’s where things get complicated: Samsung doesn’t include controllers in the box. This decision makes sense for a productivity-focused headset, but it severely limits gaming potential. VR games require controllers, and buying them separately for $250 adds significant cost. This omission is particularly frustrating because the Galaxy XR would be the best wireless SteamVR headset available if controllers were included.

The lack of default controllers also means most VR developers won’t port their games to the platform, creating a chicken-and-egg problem. You should only consider this for gaming if you’re willing to invest in additional controllers.

Design and Comfort: Learning From the Past

The Galaxy XR’s design closely resembles the Meta Quest Pro, using a rigid plastic strap and generous forehead padding to distribute weight. Samsung improved the forehead pad design with modular, magnetically attachable options, but didn’t address the Quest Pro’s headstrap limitations. The strap isn’t detachable or rotatable, so there’s a specific way to wear it for optimal comfort.

The battery design is brilliant—a detachable pack that you can leave in your pocket or plug into a wall for extended use. This solves the Quest Pro’s built-in battery limitations and makes long-term “office work” sessions practical.

The Verdict: Almost Perfect

The Galaxy XR is nearly the perfect VR headset, but that “almost” is crucial. Its ability to run all Android apps from the Google Play Store is a monumental achievement that Meta and Apple couldn’t accomplish. It gives you every app you love in infinitely resizable, movable windows anywhere you are.

However, the lack of included controllers and limited VR game library hold it back from being a truly comprehensive solution. If Samsung included controllers and more developers embraced Android XR, this could become the de facto alternative to Meta Quest headsets.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Price: $1,799.99

Pros:

• Excellent Android app compatibility
• Comfortable design with detachable battery
• Eye-tracking and iris recognition
• Crisp OLED display
• Seamless multitasking

Cons:

• No included controllers
• Limited VR game library
• Android XR needs more polish
• Specific wearing requirements

Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy XR is the most compelling VR headset in years, offering unmatched Android app compatibility and productivity features. While the lack of included controllers and limited gaming library hold it back, its ability to serve as an “infinite canvas” for all your apps makes it a truly special device that achieves what Meta and Apple couldn’t.

Tags: #Samsung #GalaxyXR #AndroidXR #VR #VirtualReality #MixedReality #Android #GooglePlay #MetaQuest #Meta #AppleVisionPro #Gaming #Productivity #Review #Technology #Headset #OLED #EyeTracking #IrisRecognition #Controllers #SteamVR #InfiniteCanvas

Viral Phrases:

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• “Android Apps in VR: Finally Seamless”
• “The Future of Mixed Reality”
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