With advanced features and strategic collaborations, Samsung aims to strengthen its position against Apple and Meta in the extended reality landscape.

Samsung is poised for a significant comeback in the extended reality (XR) space with plans to unveil a new mixed-reality (MR) device in 2025. This move marks nearly a decade since the company first made waves in the virtual reality (VR) market with its Gear VR headset. According to Samsung’s recent Q3 financial report, this new device will enhance connectivity within the Samsung ecosystem, reflecting a renewed commitment to XR technology amid a growing demand for immersive experiences.

The timing of Samsung’s re-entry aligns with broader trends in the tech industry, particularly as the Google Play Store has launched a dedicated category for XR applications, signalling a push towards mainstream XR adoption. This context suggests that Samsung is ready to capitalize on the growing interest and investment in mixed reality solutions.

Collaborating with industry giants Google and Qualcomm, Samsung’s upcoming XR device is expected to leverage cutting-edge technology. Rumours suggest the device will be powered by the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, a platform well-suited for high-performance VR applications. Recent benchmarks from Geekbench reveal that the device will feature 16GB of RAM and a six-core system on a chip (SoC), promising robust processing capabilities.

Anticipated to run on Android 14, the new headset is expected to incorporate advanced sensors that enhance environmental awareness and potentially track health metrics, allowing for a more interactive and immersive user experience. Additionally, it may include a micro-OLED display known for its high pixel density and superior brightness, further enhancing visual quality. Notably, the device might feature a capability akin to the Persona mode showcased in Apple’s Vision Pro, which personalises the user experience.

As competition heats up with the likes of Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest series, Samsung is likely to introduce its XR device at the Galaxy Unpacked event in early 2025, coinciding with the launch of the Galaxy S25 series. This strategic timing would enable Samsung to present its XR device as a seamless extension of the Galaxy ecosystem, aimed at enhancing the overall user experience for existing Galaxy smartphone owners.

In addition to the XR device, industry insiders suggest that Samsung may pivot towards lighter, smartphone-compatible augmented reality (AR) glasses. This would position the AR glasses as essential companions for Galaxy users, integrating mixed reality features into their daily lives. Such a shift could reflect a broader trend towards portable and user-friendly AR solutions, catering to an audience seeking accessible XR experiences.

Rumours also indicate a potential rebranding of the upcoming S25 series, with the company possibly dropping the ‘Galaxy’ moniker in favour of a simpler Samsung S25 lineup. The introduction of an S25 FE model, likely a more budget-friendly option dubbed the “Slim,” could further diversify Samsung’s offerings and appeal to a wider consumer base.

As Samsung gears up for this exciting new chapter in the XR landscape, all eyes will be on its ability to innovate and compete in a market increasingly dominated by powerful rivals. With its strong legacy in technology and commitment to enhancing user experiences, Samsung’s return to the XR arena promises to be a significant development for both the company and its customers.