Compare Meta Rift S vs Samsung Galaxy XR
In this technical comparison between the Meta Rift S and the Samsung Galaxy XR, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 2560×1440 total (1280×1440 per eye) for the Rift S 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 $399 (at launch) and $1,799.99 USD (Controllers and Travel Case sold separately for $249.99 each).
| Specifications |
Meta Rift S |
Samsung Galaxy XR |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | May 2019 | October 2025 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Single Fast-Switch LCD (RGB Stripe) | Dual Micro-OLED panels |
| Resolution | 2560×1440 total (1280×1440 per eye) | 3,552 × 3,840 per eye (29 million total pixels) |
| Refresh rate | 80Hz | 60Hz, 72Hz (Default), up to 90Hz |
| Field of view | ~115° | 109° Horizontal / 100° Vertical |
| Brightness | Standard SDR (Not officially rated for high-peak nits) | High-peak brightness with 95% DCI-P3 color gamut |
| HDR | Not supported | Supports HDR10 and HLG video playback |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | 2nd Generation Fresnel Lenses (Reduced god rays) | Even HAO 2.0 (Holistic Adaptive Optics) – specialized high-definition lenses |
| IPD adjustment | Software-only (Fixed lens distance at 63.5mm) | Electronic/Mechanical adjustment (54mm – 70mm) |
| Eye relief | Adjustable via a button on the bottom of the headset (Slides the visor forward/back) | Supports separately purchasable Kodak prescription optical inserts |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | Oculus Insight (6DOF Inside-out tracking) | 6-DOF Inside-out tracking |
| Controller tracking | 5 Integrated cameras on the headset | Supports dedicated Galaxy XR Controllers (sold separately) |
| Hand tracking | No | High-precision via 6 world-facing cameras |
| Eye tracking | No | Yes (4 interior cameras) |
| Facial tracking | No | Included; supports natural expressions for avatars |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | None (PC-powered) | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 |
| RAM | Dependent on PC (Minimum 8GB recommended) | 16GB |
| Storage | None (Games are stored on the connected PC) | 256GB (No microSD expansion) |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Passthrough+ (Monoscopic, Black & White) | High-resolution Full-Color Passthrough via dual 6.5MP cameras |
| Depth sensing | Software-based (Using camera parallax) | Built-in Depth Sensor and Flicker Sensor for environmental mapping |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Integrated directional speakers (located in the headband) | Two 2-way speakers (Woofer + Tweeter) with Dolby Atmos |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No (supports USB-C and Bluetooth audio) |
| Mic | Integrated dual-microphone array | 6-microphone array with beamforming |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | 5-meter tethered cable (DisplayPort 1.2 and USB 3.0) | Proprietary power connector; USB-C (for data transfer only) |
| Wireless | No | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | No | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| PCVR support | Native (Primary mode) | Supported via wireless streaming/link apps |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | Oculus Home, SteamVR, Viveport | Android XR (Google Play Store ecosystem) |
| Supported OS | Windows | Android XR (powered by Google, optimized for Gemini AI) |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | 500g (Approx. 1.1 lbs) | 545g (Headset) / 302g (External battery pack) |
| Strap type | Halo Headband with rear tension dial (Lenovo design) | Ergonomic side bands with forehead cushion to distribute pressure |
| Face interface | Replaceable foam gasket | Fabric-based soft-touch interface; light shield included |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (Headset is powered via USB) | ~2 hours (General use) / 2.5 hours (Video playback) |
| Charging method | No | USB-C (charging the external puck) |
| External battery support | Not required; controllers use 1x AA battery each | Required (Tethered external battery design) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Rift S Headset, 2x Touch Controllers, Headset Cable (5m), Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapter, 2x AA batteries | Galaxy XR Headset, External Battery Pack, Forehead Cushion, Light Shield, Lens Cleaning Cloth, USB-C Cable & Power Adapter |
| Price | $399 (at launch) | $1,799.99 USD (Controllers and Travel Case sold separately for $249.99 each) |
| Full Details | Rift S - Full Specifications | Galaxy XR - Full Specifications |