Compare HTC Vive XR Elite vs Samsung Galaxy XR
In this technical comparison between the HTC Vive XR Elite and the Samsung Galaxy XR, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 1920 × 1920 per eye (3840 × 1920 combined) for the Vive XR Elite versus 3,552 × 3,840 per eye (29 million total pixels) for the Galaxy XR.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $899 – $1,099 USD (depending on bundle/Business edition) and $1,799.99 USD (Controllers and Travel Case sold separately for $249.99 each).
| Specifications |
HTC Vive XR Elite |
Samsung Galaxy XR |
|---|---|---|
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| Launch | ||
| Release Version | February 2023 | October 2025 |
| Display | ||
| Sensor Technology | Dual LCD Panels | Dual Micro-OLED panels |
| Image Resolution | 1920 × 1920 per eye (3840 × 1920 combined) | 3,552 × 3,840 per eye (29 million total pixels) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 60Hz, 72Hz (Default), up to 90Hz |
| Field of view | Up to 110° | 109° Horizontal / 100° Vertical |
| Brightness | Optimized for clear passthrough; 19 PPD (Pixels Per Degree) | High-peak brightness with 95% DCI-P3 color gamut |
| HDR | No | Supports HDR10 and HLG video playback |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Pancake Lenses | Even HAO 2.0 (Holistic Adaptive Optics) – specialized high-definition lenses |
| IPD adjustment | Manual stepless slider (54mm - 73mm) | Electronic/Mechanical adjustment (54mm – 70mm) |
| Eye relief | Includes Diopter Dials (adjustable focus for each eye, allowing most nearsighted users to go glasses-free) | Supports separately purchasable Kodak prescription optical inserts |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | 6-DOF Inside-out via 4 wide-FOV tracking cameras | 6-DOF Inside-out tracking |
| Controller tracking | 6-DOF VIVE XR Controllers (included) | Supports dedicated Galaxy XR Controllers (sold separately) |
| Hand tracking | Yes (Skeletal-level tracking) | High-precision via 6 world-facing cameras |
| Eye tracking | Optional (via VIVE Full Face Tracker accessory) | Yes (4 interior cameras) |
| Facial tracking | Optional (via VIVE Full Face Tracker accessory) | Included; supports natural expressions for avatars |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5 | 16GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 256GB (No microSD expansion) |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | 16MP RGB Camera (Full-Color Passthrough) | High-resolution Full-Color Passthrough via dual 6.5MP cameras |
| Depth sensing | Built-in Depth Sensor for improved spatial mapping | Built-in Depth Sensor and Flicker Sensor for environmental mapping |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Dual integrated speakers with directional sound | Two 2-way speakers (Woofer + Tweeter) with Dolby Atmos |
| 3.5mm jack | No (supports USB-C and Bluetooth 5.2) | No (supports USB-C and Bluetooth audio) |
| Mic | Dual microphones with echo cancellation | 6-microphone array with beamforming |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen-1 (Peripheral), 1x USB-C (Power) | Proprietary power connector; USB-C (for data transfer only) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 + Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 + BLE | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| PCVR support | Yes (VIVE Streaming via USB-C or Wireless Wi-Fi 6E) | Supported via wireless streaming/link apps |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | VIVERSE, SteamVR, Viveport | Android XR (Google Play Store ecosystem) |
| Supported OS | VIVE XR (Android-based) | Android XR (powered by Google, optimized for Gemini AI) |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | 625g (with battery cradle) / 260g (in Glasses Mode) | 545g (Headset) / 302g (External battery pack) |
| Strap type | Rigid battery cradle (standalone) or Temple arms (glasses mode) | Ergonomic side bands with forehead cushion to distribute pressure |
| Face interface | Magnetic fabric gasket (Face Gasket 2.0 included in Deluxe Pack) | Fabric-based soft-touch interface; light shield included |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 2 hours (Hot-swappable) | ~2 hours (General use) / 2.5 hours (Video playback) |
| Charging method | USB-C (30W Fast Charging) | USB-C (charging the external puck) |
| External battery support | Yes (Headset has a built-in 20-minute reserve for swapping) | Required (Tethered external battery design) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | XR Elite Headset, Battery Cradle, 2x Controllers, Deluxe Strap, Face Gasket 2.0, MR Gasket, USB-C Cables, Microfiber Pouch | Galaxy XR Headset, External Battery Pack, Forehead Cushion, Light Shield, Lens Cleaning Cloth, USB-C Cable & Power Adapter |
| Price | $899 – $1,099 USD (depending on bundle/Business edition) | $1,799.99 USD (Controllers and Travel Case sold separately for $249.99 each) |
| Full Details | Vive XR Elite - Full Specifications | Galaxy XR - Full Specifications |