Three-day test highlights native app support and seamless AI integration, outperforming Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro

On the 24th of last month, I put on Samsung Electronics' extended reality (XR) headset, the Galaxy XR, and activated it. The real world I was originally viewing appeared transparently before my eyes. Pressing the button in the upper right corner summoned basic apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Google Photos into the air. Pointing at the YouTube app and pinching my thumb and index finger caused YouTube videos to line up in midair. Playing a virtual reality (VR) video of traveling through Oslo, Norway, surrounded me with 360-degree views of the city's streets. When I asked the AI Gemini, "Recommend videos of other cities," a VR video of a Swiss small town immediately appeared, giving me the feeling of traveling to another country instantly.

I tested the Galaxy XR, released by Samsung on the 22nd of last month, for three days. The Galaxy XR is a headset that realizes an XR environment bridging the real and virtual worlds. Samsung emphasized its content and AI competitiveness compared to competitors like Meta's Quest 3 and Apple's Vision Pro. In actual use, the ability to freely use diverse apps unavailable on competing products stood out as a major advantage. The AI features were also seamlessly integrated into all apps and functions, acting like a personal assistant.

◇All Content in VR

The Galaxy XR can be controlled via gaze, hand gestures, and voice. When first worn, it displays a "pass-through" screen that transparently shows the real world. Pressing the upper right button or pinching (touching the thumb and index finger) with the palm facing the body brings up installed apps on the home screen. Selecting an app launches it in midair, where it can be manipulated by hand. Additional settings allow controlling apps by gaze direction and pinch gestures. An external battery must be connected during use.

Hardware performance was stable. Weighing 545g, it was not entirely lightweight but fell between Meta Quest 3 (515g) and Apple Vision Pro (750g). Unlike competitors, which place weight on the cheekbones, the Galaxy XR secures the headset to the forehead via a dial on the rear. This design reduced discomfort during prolonged use. Lens positions adjusted automatically to eye level, ensuring consistent focus. If not worn properly, the device guided users to shift or rotate it left or right. First-time XR users would likely find it easy to adapt. Sensors for gaze, hand, and depth tracking also functioned reliably.

The biggest advantage was content diversity. Unlike competing products, which require accessing YouTube or Netflix via websites, the Galaxy XR natively supports these apps. This made VR video consumption significantly more convenient.

The Google Photos app converted existing 2D photos into 3D images. On Google Meet, video call participants appeared as if sitting right in front of me. The pre-made "Galaxy Avatar" (a virtual character modeled after the user) mirrored my expressions and hand movements with minimal lag. The Galaxy XR also allows free use of all apps on the Google Play Store.

AI features developed in collaboration with Google were well-implemented. Holding the top button or saying "Hey Google" summoned Gemini in any environment. Asking, "Play VR-supported basketball videos," prompted YouTube to find relevant content instantly. Saying, "Organize the windows," arranged cluttered apps in a straight line. Requesting, "Find restaurants near Gwanghwamun," displayed recommendations on Google Maps, with an "Immersive View" letting me explore the area as if I were there. Using the "Circle to Search" feature on a real-world flower identified it as an amaryllis.

◇Adaptation Requires Time

However, adapting to the XR device took some time. The "pinch" gesture sometimes failed to register unless performed exaggeratedly. Voice commands via Gemini were often more convenient than pinch gestures for app control.

A related issue was keyboard input. Entering passwords, IDs, or emails via pinch on a dense virtual keyboard was cumbersome. While a separate controller (330,000 Korean won) improves manipulation, its high cost is a drawback. Enabling "Touch Control" in the settings' lab feature allowed inputting passwords by mimicking smartphone touches, partially resolving the issue.

The Galaxy XR seems suited for those seeking a premium XR device. Priced in the 700,000 Korean won range, it surpasses Meta Quest 3 in display and content. Apple's Vision Pro, at 5,000,000 Korean won and 800g, is less accessible. The Galaxy XR offers immersive video content and AI at half the price and weight of the Vision Pro.

Galaxy XR Delivers Immersive Content, AI Control