Apple Vision Pro vs Samsung Galaxy XR (2025): Which Mixed Reality Headset Is Smarter and Worth Your Money?

The year 2025 brought a significant showdown in the world of mixed reality (MR). Two of the biggest tech brands, Apple and Samsung, have launched their premium headsets, promising to change how we experience digital spaces.

Apple’s new Vision Pro (M5) and Samsung’s Galaxy XR are both impressive, but they target slightly different users. This article compares their prices, performance, comfort, design, displays, batteries, and software to help you decide which one suits you best.

Pricing and Availability

Headset	Starting Price	Launch Date	Countries Available
Apple Vision Pro (M5)	USD $3,499 (256 GB)	October 22 2025	U.S., U.K., Australia (coming November)
Samsung Galaxy XR	USD $1,799 (256 GB)	October 21 2025	U.S., South Korea (initial), Australia soon

Apple kept the exact pricing as its earlier M2 model, while Samsung took a more aggressive route, nearly half the price of Apple’s Vision Pro.

Samsung also included a “Galaxy XR Explorer Pack” valued at over $1,000, which includes a year of YouTube Premium, Google AI Pro, Google Play Pass, and NBA League Pass.

🟢 Verdict: Samsung wins on price and value for money.

Display and Visual Performance

Both headsets use micro-OLED displays but focus on different strengths.

Feature	Apple Vision Pro (M5)	Samsung Galaxy XR
Resolution	3,660 × 3,200 per eye (≈ 23 M pixels)	3,552 × 3,840 per eye (≈ 29 M pixels)
Refresh Rate	Up to 120 Hz	60 – 90 Hz (default 72 Hz)
Field of View	≈ 100°	109° H × 100° V
Pixel Density	~ 3,400 PPI	~ 4,032 PPI

The Galaxy XR delivers more pixels and a wider field of view, giving a slightly more open feel. The Vision Pro, however, offers smoother motion with its 120 Hz refresh rate and advanced foveated rendering, which sharpens the area you’re looking at in real time.

🟢 Verdict: Galaxy XR for wider and sharper visuals; Vision Pro for smoother motion.

Performance and Processing Power

Chipset	Apple M5 (3 nm)	Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2
CPU Cores	10 (4 Performance + 6 Efficiency)	Octa-Core (20% faster than Gen 2)
GPU Cores	10 w/ hardware ray tracing	Adreno XR GPU
Neural Engine	16-core AI engine	Qualcomm AI Engine
Latency	12 ms photon-to-photon	15 – 17 ms approx.

Apple’s M5 chip is far more powerful; it’s a desktop-class processor, not a mobile one. This gives it an edge for rendering complex 3D environments, multitasking, and running heavy spatial apps.

Samsung’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 is efficient and AI-ready, but not as strong in raw computing.

🟢 Verdict: Vision Pro (M5) leads in processing and future-proofing.

Comfort and Weight

• Apple Vision Pro (M5): 750 – 800 grams (26 – 28 oz) + 353 g battery
  New Dual Knit Band design improves balance and cushioning.
  
• Samsung Galaxy XR: 545 grams (19 oz) + 302 g battery
  Better weight distribution across the forehead and back.
  

Reviewers note that the Galaxy XR feels lighter and easier to use for longer sessions, while the Vision Pro’s comfort has improved compared to earlier versions.

🟢 Verdict: Galaxy XR is more comfortable for everyday use.

Tracking, Sensors, and Input

Both use a similar sensor array:

• 2 × 6.5 MP passthrough cameras
• 6 tracking cameras
• 4 eye-tracking cameras
• Depth sensors and IMUs

Eye Tracking: Vision Pro shows better precision (≈ 1.1° accuracy).
Hand Tracking: Vision Pro works even with hands on your lap; Galaxy XR needs visible hand positioning.
Passthrough: Both deliver excellent color clarity; Vision Pro has slightly lower latency.

Input Options:

• Apple Vision Pro: Eye + hand tracking only; supports PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers and Logitech Muse pen (optional).
• Samsung Galaxy XR: Supports hand tracking, controllers ($250), voice commands, keyboard, and mouse.
  

🟢 Verdict: Galaxy XR wins for flexibility; Vision Pro for precision tracking.

Software Ecosystem and AI

Apple Vision Pro (M5):

• Runs visionOS 2.6 with 3,000+ native spatial apps.
• Access to over 1 million iPhone and iPad apps.
• Supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
• Includes Apple Intelligence AI assistant for smart actions and translation.

Samsung Galaxy XR:

• Runs Android XR, giving access to millions of Play Store apps instantly.
• Features Gemini AI, Google’s contextual assistant that “sees” and hears your environment to help in real time.
• Optimized apps include YouTube XR, Google Maps XR, and FitXR for fitness.

🟢 Verdict: Apple wins on polished apps and content; Samsung wins on AI integration and app variety.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Feature	Apple Vision Pro (M5)	Samsung Galaxy XR
General Use	≈ 2.5 hours	≈ 2 hours
Video Playback	≈ 3 hours	≈ 2.5 hours
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Mirroring	AirPlay 2	Smart View (Android/Windows)

🟢 Verdict: Vision Pro lasts slightly longer; Galaxy XR offers newer wireless standards.

Key Strengths Summary

Category	Apple Vision Pro (M5)	Samsung Galaxy XR
Performance	✅ M5 chip (10-core)	⚪ Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2
Display	✅ 120 Hz refresh	✅ Higher pixel count
Comfort	⚪ Heavier	✅ Lighter & balanced
Ecosystem	✅ visionOS + Apple apps	✅ Android XR + Google ecosystem
Price	❌ Expensive ($3,499+)	✅ Affordable ($1,799)
AI Integration	✅ Apple Intelligence	✅ Gemini AI (Pro Level)
Battery	✅ Up to 3 hours	⚪ Up to 2.5 hours

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose Apple Vision Pro (M5) if:

• You use Apple devices and want deep integration.
• You need top-tier graphics and smooth performance.
• You value premium build and exclusive spatial apps.

Choose Samsung Galaxy XR if:

• You want a powerful headset for half the price.
• You prefer Android or Windows compatibility.
• You need a light and comfortable design for long sessions.
• You like AI-powered features (Gemini Assistant).

Both are excellent, but for most buyers, the Galaxy XR delivers better value, while Vision Pro (M5) remains the performance king for professionals and Apple ecosystem fans.

Also Read: iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 17 Pro Max: Which One Should You Buy in 2025?

FAQs

1. Is the Samsung Galaxy XR better than the Apple Vision Pro?

The Galaxy XR offers a broader field of view, higher resolution, and a lighter design for half the price. However, the Vision Pro wins in performance, refresh rate, and app quality.

2. What is the price difference between Apple Vision Pro and Samsung Galaxy XR?

The Apple Vision Pro (M5) starts at $3,499, while the Samsung Galaxy XR costs $1,799. That makes the Galaxy XR nearly 50% cheaper than Apple’s headset.

3. When will the Samsung Galaxy XR be available in Australia?

Samsung plans to roll out the Galaxy XR in Australia by early 2026, following its U.S. and South Korean launches. Local pricing and carrier bundles will be confirmed closer to release.

4. Which headset has better battery life, Vision Pro or Galaxy XR?

The Vision Pro lasts up to 2.5–3 hours, slightly longer than the Galaxy XR’s 2–2.5 hours. Both can be used while charging for longer sessions.

5. Which headset is best for gaming, Vision Pro or Galaxy XR?

The Galaxy XR supports motion controllers and popular VR games like Arizona Sunshine and FitXR. The Vision Pro offers smoother visuals but fewer gaming-focused titles.