Samsung Galaxy XR Enters the Ring: A Pricey Challenger to Meta Quest 3

Daily Technology

24/10/2025

Samsung has officially entered the virtual and augmented reality market with the launch of its Galaxy XR headset. This move positions Samsung as a new competitor to Meta, which has long dominated the consumer VR space. The Galaxy XR aims to offer a premium experience, but its high price point sets it apart significantly from Meta's more accessible Quest 3.

Key Takeaways

The Samsung Galaxy XR is priced at $1,799, while the Meta Quest 3 starts at $499.
Galaxy XR boasts superior display resolution (3552x3840 per eye) and a newer Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset.
Meta Quest 3 offers a higher refresh rate (120Hz vs 90Hz) and more onboard storage (512GB vs 256GB).
Samsung's headset includes advanced features like eye tracking and iris recognition, which are absent in the Quest 3.
Controllers are not included with the Galaxy XR and cost an additional $249, whereas they are bundled with the Quest 3.

Price Disparity

The most striking difference between the Samsung Galaxy XR and the Meta Quest 3 is their cost. The Galaxy XR comes with a hefty price tag of $1,799, making it a significant investment. In contrast, the Meta Quest 3 is considerably more affordable, starting at $499. This substantial price gap suggests that Samsung is targeting a different market segment, likely enthusiasts and early adopters, while the Quest 3 remains the mainstream-friendly option.

Specification Showdown

Samsung Galaxy XR:

Displays: Two micro-OLED, 3552x3840 resolution per eye, up to 90Hz refresh rate
Chipset: Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2
Field of View: 109-degree horizontal, 100-degree vertical
Features: Eye tracking, iris recognition
Storage: 256GB
RAM: 16GB
Weight: 545g
Cameras: Six motion-tracking cameras
Operating System: Android XR

Meta Quest 3:

Displays: Two LCD, 2064x2208 resolution per eye, up to 120Hz refresh rate
Chipset: Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
Field of View: 103.8-degree horizontal, 96.4-degree vertical
Features: No eye tracking
Storage: 512GB
RAM: 8GB
Weight: 515g
Cameras: Four motion-tracking cameras
Operating System: Meta's proprietary OS

The Galaxy XR leads in display technology with higher-resolution micro-OLED panels and a more advanced chipset. It also includes sophisticated features like eye tracking and iris recognition, along with more RAM and cameras. However, the Quest 3 offers a higher refresh rate and double the internal storage. The operating systems also differ, meaning app and game compatibility may vary.

Controller Considerations

While both devices support hand tracking, controllers enhance the VR experience. The Meta Quest 3 includes two controllers in its base package. Samsung's Galaxy XR, however, does not come with controllers. Dedicated Galaxy XR controllers are available separately for $249, significantly increasing the overall cost for a complete setup.

Battery Life

Battery performance is comparable between the two headsets. Samsung rates the Galaxy XR for up to 2 hours of general use and 2.5 hours for video playback. The Meta Quest 3 is rated for approximately 2.2 hours of usage. Despite the vast price difference, there isn't a significant advantage in battery life for the more expensive Samsung device.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy XR appears to be a high-end device aimed at tech enthusiasts who prioritize cutting-edge specifications and features, while the Meta Quest 3 continues to be the more accessible and practical choice for a broader consumer audience.

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