Last week we reported about how Apple is mass producing Vision Pro Headset and will start retailing it in February 2024. When Qualcomm announced its XR2+ VR chipset, it was confirmed that brands like Samsung and Google are also working on their Mixed Reality Headsets that will be powered by XR2+ SoC and give tough competition to Apple Vision Pro.
Samsung has been working on a Galaxy XR Headset in partnership with Google. This device will come with top-notch specs and aggressive pricing. With this headset, Samsung aims to compete with Apple Vision Pro. Although not much is known about Samsung’s headset, we still have some idea about its price, launch timeline, features, and more.
Samsung Galaxy XR Headset: Launch Timeline
Samsung teased an XR Headset in February 2023 when the brand claimed that it was partnering with Google for the same. Although Samsung did not indicate any date Samsung usually doesn’t announce its products too early, so chances are bright that XR Headset will be announced in 2024. The teaser might be out in February 2024.
Also recently, Snapdragon XR2+ was announced alongside which it was mentioned that Samsung is working on its XR Headset. Partners would not talk about Samsung’s headset if its launch was too far away, so the chances of a 2024 launch are strong.
Since Apple will start retailing its Vision Pro Headset soon, if Samsung wants to compete with Apple’s headset, it will have to launch it soon so that Vision Pro doesn’t take over the entire Mixed Reality Headset Market completely. Some reports claim that Samsung is planning to officially announce its XR Headset alongside the Galaxy Z6 Fold and Flip foldables in late 2024.
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Samsung Galaxy XR Headset: Expected Price
Samsung Galaxy XR Headset is expected to arrive with premium features and premium features mean premium pricing. Moreover, the official announcement of the Samsung headset was postponed after Apple launched Vision Pro. Although Samsung might not price its headset at around 3 lakhs like Apple, a price of around Rs. 90k- 1 Lakh is for sure. Here are the prices of some headsets currently available in India-
- HP Reverb G2- Rs. 1,13,907
- Sony PlayStation VR2- Rs. 57,990
- HTC Vive Focus 3 VR-Rs. 1,38,651
Considering the prices of these competitors, the Samsung XR Headset will cost somewhere between Rs. 90,000 to 1.5 lakhs.
Samsung Galaxy XR Headset Specs: Expected & Desired
The features of the Samsung XR Headset are still shrouded in mystery. The Samsung XR Headset will use Samsung-made displays but whether the type will be QLED, OLED or LCD remains to be seen. The design might be inspired by Meta Quest 3 or Quest Pro and it is confirmed to be powered by Snapdragon XR2+ chipset.
There are no details about storage space, or RAM as of now but since the new chipset supports 4.3k resolution at up to 90fps, the headset will feature a display with these specs. There will be 12 separate camera inputs that will be used for tracking controllers, objects, and face movements. The connectivity options will include WiFi 7 and Bluetooth as well.
Things we would like to see in the Samsung XR Headset:
1. Affordable price point
Samsung aiming for a balance between specs and price will be a boon. The headset by Samsung should come with good quality specs but it should also be more affordable than the Apple Vision Pro.
2. Smell Based Technology
There have been rumors about Samsung bringing a smell-based technology to the headset. The tech is rare but if it gets incorporated into the device then the experience will get even more immersive. This will give Samsung an edge over the competition as well.
3. Top-notch displays
Samsung is a brand that makes displays for many smartphones. Most leading smartphone brands use displays made by Samsung. Since Samsung is known for its display panels, it should use new, crisp, and even more immersive panels in the XR Headset. The material used for making these displays can be cheaper to reduce the price of the device. MicroOLED displays can be a good option.
4. Controllers for glasses
Mixed reality headsets mostly use eye and hand movements for tracking and controlling the device. However, having a controller with physical buttons will make operation easier. Playing games and performing all other work-related tasks will become even more dynamic if physical controllers work in tandem with human eyes and fingers.
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