Samsung is officially stepping into the extended reality (XR) ring with its first-ever headset, internally dubbed Project Moohan. After months of speculation, the South Korean tech giant confirmed that the device will launch before the end of the year. This marks Samsung’s bold move to challenge Apple’s Vision Pro, which has dominated headlines since its release.
Unveiled subtly during Galaxy Unpacked 2025, Project Moohan was overshadowed by the Galaxy S25 launch. Yet, its teaser revealed a sleek, ski-goggle-style headset built in collaboration with Google, running the newly minted Android XR platform.
Back in December, Samsung teased the immersive potential of its XR headset, writing:
“Imagine being able to step into any world in an instant, from the bustling streets of New York City to the snowy mountain tops of the Alps. These worlds are no longer merely places to observe from afar. They can now be explored and interacted with simply through a gaze, a gesture or your voice.”
This early messaging hinted at Samsung’s vision for XR: not just gaming, but real-world applications like virtual tourism, real estate tours, and educational experiences.
Spec Showdown
While Apple’s Vision Pro boasts a premium build and a $3,500 price tag, Samsung’s Project Moohan is expected to deliver comparable, if not superior, hardware. It is rumoured to feature the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, custom-built for immersive VR, Micro OLED displays for ultra-sharp visuals, eye and hand tracking, and an external battery pack.
Samsung’s XR device also integrates Google Gemini, enabling multimodal AI assistance that can interpret the user’s environment and offer contextual insights, from restaurant reviews to immersive Google Earth experiences.
Apple Vision Pro, while praised for its clean UI and productivity features, has faced criticism for limited everyday use and high cost. Samsung’s potential to undercut the price could be a game-changer.
The Role of AI and Operating Systems
One of Project Moohan’s standout features is its operating system: Android XR, Google’s dedicated platform for mixed reality. This contrasts with Apple’s proprietary visionOS, which is known for its seamless interface but limited third-party flexibility.
Samsung’s integration of Google Gemini AI adds another layer of intelligence, allowing users to interact with digital environments using voice, gaze, and gestures. This could make XR more intuitive and practical for non-gaming applications like virtual tourism, real estate, and education.
Price and Accessibility
While Samsung hasn’t revealed the official price, speculation suggests it will be significantly lower than Apple’s Vision Pro. If Samsung manages to deliver high-end specifications at a more accessible price point, it could attract a broader clientele, especially those hesitant to invest in its competitor’s premium offering.
Samsung’s strategy to focus on practical XR use cases rather than just gaming could help to appeal to more mainstream users.
What Will Become of the XR Battle?
Samsung’s entry into the XR space with Project Moohan signals a major shift in the virtual reality landscape. With Google as a strategic partner and a focus on affordability, AI integration, and real-world utility, Samsung is positioning itself as a serious contender.
This approach could democratise the technology, making extended reality more than just a futuristic novelty.
