Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro: Who Did It Better?

Samsung’s finally making its big move into mixed reality, and it’s called the Galaxy XR. Priced at $1,799, it’s clearly gunning for Apple’s Vision Pro, which costs almost twice as much. Both headsets look surprisingly similar and promise an immersive mix of virtual and real worlds.

So, did Android just deliver a real Vision Pro killer? Let’s find out. We’ll break down how the two compare, where Samsung nails it, and where it still trails behind.

Let’s keep things simple and see how it stacks up.

Two Different Visions for XR

Apple and Samsung are chasing the same dream: to redefine the future of computing. Apple wants you to live inside its polished ecosystem, while Samsung wants AI to live inside your world.

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The Vision Pro is Apple’s ultra-premium headset with desktop-level performance. The Galaxy XR, co-developed with Google and Qualcomm, is lighter, smarter, and built for everyday use.

Headset	Price	Key Focus	OS	Weight
Samsung Galaxy XR	$1,799	AI + Comfort + Accessibility	Android XR	545g
Apple Vision Pro (M5)	$3,499	Performance + Ecosystem	visionOS	750–800g

Display: Pixels vs Smoothness

Visuals are everything in XR, and both headsets come close to perfection, but in different ways.

• Galaxy XR: Dual 4K micro-OLED displays with 3,552×3,840 resolution per eye (29 million pixels total). That’s an insane 4,032 PPI, sharper than anything else right now.
• Vision Pro: 23 million pixels total with 3,386 PPI, but it wins with a 120Hz refresh rate versus Samsung’s 90Hz.

So, the Galaxy XR gives you a crisper picture. The Vision Pro feels smoother when you move your head or watch fast motion. Samsung covers 95% of the DCI-P3 color range, Apple hits 92% and both are excellent. But Apple adds personalized spatial audio for more precise sound. There’s no such feature on Samsung headset yet. 

Performance: Mobile Chip vs Mac Power

Here’s where they really diverge.

• Galaxy XR uses Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2. It’s a mobile chip optimized for XR.
• Vision Pro runs Apple’s M5 chip (same class as Mac computers) with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine.

That means Apple’s headset is better suited for demanding tasks like 3D design, video editing, and multitasking. Samsung clearly falls behind here. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still fast enough to handle most immersive apps, just not on the same level as Apple’s powerhouse.

Both headsets come with 16GB of RAM, but storage is another story. While both start at 256GB, Apple offers options all the way up to 1TB, whereas Samsung sticks to a single 256GB variant.

Category	Samsung Galaxy XR	Apple Vision Pro
Processor	Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2	M5 chip + R1 chip
RAM	16GB	16GB
Storage	256GB	256GB–1TB
Refresh Rate	90Hz	120Hz
Resolution	29M pixels	23M pixels

Design and Comfort: Wearability Wins

Samsung clearly designed the Galaxy XR to be worn longer. At 545 grams, it’s almost 200–250 grams lighter than the Vision Pro. The lighter frame and dial-adjustable strap make it easier to keep on for extended sessions.

Apple’s Vision Pro, on the other hand, feels more premium with its aluminum and glass build, but that comes with extra weight. Even the 2025 version with the new dual knit band still feels heavy after a while, and that front-loaded design makes it uncomfortable for long use.

Battery Life: Close, but Apple Leads Slightly

Both headsets rely on external battery packs to reduce front weight. That means the battery sits on your hip or pocket rather than your head. It’s a smart move for comfort but slightly limits mobility. Both the companies have not revealed exact battery mAh details, but here’s what you can expect: 

• Galaxy XR: Up to 2 hours of general use or 2.5 hours of video playback.
• Vision Pro (M5): Up to 2.5 hours of general use or 3 hours of video playback.

So, Apple still manages to squeeze out a bit more power, though the gap isn’t massive. Both headsets can run while charging, handy if you’re watching a long movie or working at your desk. Still, Apple holds a slight edge when it comes to overall battery life.

Controls and Tracking: Hands, Eyes, and AI

Both headsets rely on eye and hand tracking, and the overall experience feels quite similar. You can easily select options or navigate the interface with natural gestures. Well, at least most of time. That said, it still lacks the precision and feedback you’d get from a physical controller.

Samsung offers an optional controller set, which is great news for gamers or anyone who prefers tactile input. Apple’s Vision Pro sticks purely to gesture and gaze tracking — it feels futuristic and magical, but not always the most reliable. Samsung’s hybrid approach gives users a bit more flexibility.

Software and Ecosystem: Gemini AI vs Apple Integration

Here’s where things get exciting.

The Galaxy XR runs on Android XR, Google’s new mixed reality platform. It comes with Gemini Live, a built-in AI that literally sees what you see. Think of it as Google Assistant with vision, you can ask it about landmarks, translate signs, or explain what’s on your screen in real time.

Apple’s visionOS, on the other hand, is tailor-made for Apple users. It connects effortlessly with your Mac, iPhone, and iPad, creating a seamless ecosystem. If you plan to run heavy 3D or gaming apps, Apple definitely has the edge here. However, Siri still can’t match Gemini’s context awareness yet.

App ecosystem comparison:

• Apple Vision Pro: Over 1 million compatible apps, plus hundreds of native spatial apps.
• Samsung Galaxy XR: Around 30 native XR apps at launch, but supports most Android apps.

If you’re after AI-powered smart features and the Android ecosystem, Samsung’s option is the one to go for. But if you want raw power and deep integration with Apple devices, the Vision Pro remains the better pick.

Real-World Use: Work vs Play

Here’s where it really comes down to how you’ll use these headsets in day-to-day life. Both can handle work and fun, but they clearly lean in different directions once you start spending time with them.

• Apple Vision Pro: Ideal for professionals who need serious computing power. It shines for multitasking, 3D design, and immersive movie watching. Its crisp visuals and smooth motion make everything look incredible, but that heavy build and premium price mean it’s best for shorter focused sessions rather than all-day wear.
• Samsung Galaxy XR: More approachable and playful. It’s built for exploring, learning, and enjoying AI-driven experiences. It’s lighter, so you can wear it longer, and the built-in Gemini AI actually interacts with what you see, like pointing out details in a map or describing something in your environment. Think of it as your first real taste of where spatial computing is headed.

Samsung also throws in a few solid extras to sweeten the deal:

• 1 year of Google AI Pro
• 1 year of YouTube Premium
• 1 season of NBA League Pass
• 1 year of Google Play Pass

Those perks make the high price feel more justified and give users a reason to stay inside Samsung’s growing XR ecosystem.

Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Both headsets feel like they’re defining different futures.

• Samsung Galaxy XR is your AI-powered entry into mixed reality, lighter, smarter, and half the price.
• Apple Vision Pro is the high-end powerhouse built for professionals already deep in Apple’s ecosystem.

If you want to explore the future of spatial AI without emptying your wallet, go for the Galaxy XR. If you want the best performance and are all-in on Apple gear, Vision Pro still reigns supreme.

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