Samsung is preparing to make a significant return to the extended reality (XR) and mixed reality (MR) sectors, nearly ten years after the successful release of its Gear VR headset, which helped establish the VR market.
Samsung’s XR Comeback: New Device Expected with Galaxy S25
Based on Samsung's Q3 financial report, the company is likely to reveal a new XR device in 2025. This upcoming device is expected to offer enhanced connectivity within Samsung's ecosystem, showcasing the company’s renewed focus on XR technology. This pivot occurs as the Google Play Store has launched a category dedicated to XR applications, indicating a growing trend towards mainstream XR usage.
The creation of Samsung’s new XR device involves teamwork with Google and Qualcomm. Earlier this year, during the announcement of the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung shared its plans for this partnership. The new XR device is said to be equipped with the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip and was recently listed on Geekbench, boasting 16GB RAM and a 6-core SoC, perfect for VR applications. The device is expected to run on Android 14 and may feature advanced sensors for environmental awareness, possible health monitoring, and a micro-OLED display with high pixel density and improved brightness for immersive experiences. Additionally, it might come with a function similar to the Persona mode seen in Apple’s Vision Pro.
Competing with Tech Giants
As Samsung faces competition from Apple and Meta, which offer products like the Apple Vision Pro and the Meta Quest series, it is anticipated that Samsung will unveil its XR device during the Galaxy Unpacked event in early 2025, together with the Galaxy S25 series. This timing would enable Samsung to demonstrate a unified Galaxy ecosystem, positioning the XR device as an effortless addition for Galaxy users.
With the industry moving towards lighter, smartphone-compatible AR glasses, there are also speculations that Samsung could launch AR glasses instead of a headset designed to complement smartphones. This approach could make Samsung’s XR glasses a vital accessory for Galaxy smartphone owners, integrating mixed reality elements into daily activities.
Potential Branding Changes
Reports also suggest that Samsung might eliminate the 'Galaxy' branding from its upcoming S25 series, renaming it as the Samsung S25 lineup. Furthermore, the series could introduce an S25 FE model as a more affordable option, potentially marketed as a “Slim” device.
