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First impressions of the Samsung Galaxy XR: Is it worth it?
This video offers a hands-on review and first impressions of the Samsung Galaxy XR, a new extended reality (XR) headset. The presenter shares his experience as a newcomer to the world of virtual reality, highlighting the unboxing process, setup, and initial use. He also discusses the pros and cons of the device, such as build quality, Samsung integration, battery limitations, and the controversy surrounding the unincluded controllers. Overall, the presenter is excited about the Galaxy XR, especially for its integration with Android and its immersive capabilities.
1. 🚀 Introduction to the Samsung Galaxy XR: A New Venture into Virtual Reality
- ✅ The presenter expresses his enthusiasm for trying out the Samsung Galaxy XR, a virtual reality headset that Google and its partners have been working on for years.
- ✅ This video is not a complete review, but rather a hands-on experience and first impressions from someone who hasn't used a virtual reality headset since 2017.
- ✅ The goal is to help other newcomers navigate the setup and usage process.
00:00 - 00:38
1. 🚀 Introduction to the Samsung Galaxy XR: A New Venture into Virtual Reality
- ✅ The presenter expresses his enthusiasm for trying out the Samsung Galaxy XR, a virtual reality headset that Google and its partners have been working on for years.
- ✅ This video is not a complete review, but rather a hands-on experience and first impressions from someone who hasn't used a virtual reality headset since 2017.
- ✅ The goal is to help other newcomers navigate the setup and usage process.
00:39 - 02:53
2. 🤔 Why the Galaxy XR? Exploring the Appeal for an Android Enthusiast
- ✅ The presenter was initially not interested in buying the headset, but as an Android enthusiast, he felt that the smartphone market hasn't been offering anything particularly exciting lately.
- ✅ After trying the iPhone 17 Pro, he realized that he will never like iOS, which left him with foldable phones as the only new and interesting option.
- ✅ However, foldable phones are expensive and not as innovative as the Galaxy XR, which offers an immersive 3D environment for using Google services, Google Gemini, and Play Store apps.
- ✅ The Galaxy XR is a cutting-edge technology that is not for everyone, but it is perfect for those who want to try something exciting in the world of Android.
02:54 - 04:43
3. 📦 Unboxing and First Design Impressions: Is the Experience Premium?
- ✅ The unboxing is the best experience the presenter has had with a tech item in a long time, with a clean presentation and a premium feel.
- ✅ The box includes the headset, a thick braided cable, a battery, three magnetic forehead pads, a USBC brick, a Samsung-branded cloth, and a Samsung-branded rubber cover for the headset visor.
- ✅ The build has more plastic than expected, but this helps keep the weight down. The Galaxy VR is lighter than the Vision Pro and only slightly heavier than the MetaQuest 3.
04:44 - 05:56
4. ⚙️ Setup Tips for Beginners: Avoiding Common Mistakes
- ✅ Setup can be overwhelming for VR newcomers, so it's important to take your time and do everything correctly.
- ✅ The presenter made some mistakes during his initial setup, which made the experience uncomfortable.
- ✅ Make sure the accessories are installed correctly for a comfortable fit before starting the setup process.
- ✅ Look directly at the screen, not at a weird angle, and use the cushion size adjusters accordingly.
05:57 - 06:48
5. 📱 Samsung Integration and Setup Issues: Pros and Cons
- ✅ The setup is highly optimized for Samsung Galaxy phone users, allowing them to transfer their Google accounts from the phone to the headset by generating a QR code.
- ✅ This means you don't have to manually type in your passwords during setup, and you'll receive incoming calls, notifications, and messages.
- ✅ The presenter, who uses the Nothing Phone 3, had to manually type everything in using the virtual keyboard.
- ✅ The hand tracking for typing on the keyboard is very good, with super responsive point and pinch gestures.
06:49 - 07:46
6. 🔋 Battery Limitations and Accessories: Important Considerations
- ✅ The headset can only run on Samsung's proprietary battery. The presenter was unable to use a third-party battery.
- ✅ There are no convenient accessories included in the box, such as a carrying case or basic controllers.
07:47 - 08:52
7. 🎮 Controller Controversy: A Costly Omission?
- ✅ There are no controllers included with the headset, which is a major fail in the presenter's opinion.
- ✅ He feels that half of the headset's functionality cannot be used without controllers.
- ✅ The controllers will be shipped almost a month after the presenter receives the headset.
- ✅ There are rumors that third-party controllers are supported, but the presenter hasn't seen anyone successfully use them.
08:53 - 09:38
8. ✨ First Impressions and Performance: An Immersive Android Experience
- ✅ Despite the drawbacks, the presenter is optimistic and feels that it is amazing to interact with Android in this format.
- ✅ Hand movements are clean and responsive, eye tracking works well, and YouTube XR content is incredible.
09:39 - 10:22
9. 🤔 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Review: Is It Worth the Investment?
- ✅ The presenter is in love with the Galaxy XR and feels that it is more worthwhile than buying a foldable phone.
- ✅ This is the kind of tech product that would make him hold on to his main smartphone for longer.
- ✅ A full review is on the way from senior editor Abner Lee, which will offer a deep and complex look at the Galaxy VR.