Significant leaks are circulating this week, revealing potential details on Samsung’s elusive XR headset via a GeekBench listing.
Until now, details on the device have been sparse. However, it is safe to say that Samsung is developing its XR wearable as part of its broader mobile hardware ecosystem, ready for its debut sometime in 2024/25.
Leaked device details include 16GB RAM, 2.36GHz, and an Android 14 framework. Moreover, the leaks confirm that Samsung’s device will leverage a 6-core Android 14 chipset, similar to the popular Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset. At the start of the year, Qualcomm quietly set the stage for the Samsung XR headset when it first revealed its XR2+ Gen 2 Platform, with Samsung and Google as partners, so the integration makes sense.
Not many details were revealed; however, the new information clearly shows that Samsung is moving towards fully revealing the upcoming XR device.
The Samsung XR Journey in 2024
At Unpacked 2024, Samsung provided more details about its XR headset, which was first showcased at MWC earlier this year.
During the Galaxy Unpacked event in Paris, France, on July 10, the company’s top representatives announced that the XR device will be released later this year, despite previous news from MWC suggesting a 2025 release.
This timing allows Samsung to quickly enter the competition, following the hype surrounding the international deployment of the Vision Pro and potential product releases at Meta Connect 2024. Suppose Samsung releases a device in late 2024 offering a more affordable and accessible XR product. In that case, the company may position itself favourably by capitalizing on the significant vendor hype with an attractive hardware alternative.
Furthermore, with its XR device, Samsung can offer a headset with an extensive operating system and accompanying hardware ecosystem through the Galaxy product portfolio. Similar to how Apple can provide a trusted framework around its Vision Pro headset, the Galaxy ecosystem could provide familiarity and confidence to enhance the visibility of the XR device.
At the event, TM Roh, the President of Samsung’s Mobile Division, and Google’s Senior Vice President of Platforms and Devices, Rick Osterloh, confirmed that the XR device is under rigorous development and aims for a late 2024 release.
He also added:
Looking forward, we’re collaborating to bring next-generation experiences across Galaxy products from smartphones and wearables to even future technologies like the upcoming XR platform we’ve been working closely to develop in partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm.
Roh also confirmed that the device is coming “later this year,” despite Samsung not revealing a release window; the pair appeared confident about the potential XR device’s 2024 debut.
Furthermore, at MWC 2024, Samsung officially unveiled the upcoming XR headset, which was created in partnership with Google and Qualcomm. During the event, Samsung introduced several innovative tech products, including the XR headset, a smart ring, and assistive mobility robotics, perhaps signifying a broader accompanying ecosystem.
The upcoming device is currently named “XR,” but this name may change as the release date approaches. This choice of name suggests that Samsung may not be using the “spatial computing” label, opting instead for the more traditional AR/VR/MR classification.
Although details were limited then, previous reports indicate that the device will feature a microOLED display, eight tracking cameras, a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor, voice commands, eye tracking, and hand tracking.
