Samsung’s Galaxy XR is out now — here’s the fastest way to get it in the UAE

Samsung has launched the Galaxy XR, its first mixed reality headset for the new Android XR platform. It’s on sale in the US and Korea, but not officially in our region yet.

If you’re in the UAE and don’t feel like waiting, you can order it through a US shopping concierge, Big Apple Buddy, which handles purchase and international shipping. Here’s what you get, how much to budget in AED, and the steps to bring one home without drama.

What the Galaxy XR actually offers

Samsung’s pitch is straightforward: premium visuals, spatial awareness and Android XR apps with Google’s Gemini AI on top.

• Android XR with One UI XR and Gemini for voice, hand and eye input
• Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB storage
• Dual Micro-OLED panels, 3552×3840 per eye, up to 90 Hz, HDR support
• Colour passthrough via high-res cameras; world and eye-tracking sensors
• Detachable battery pack rated up to 2.5 hours; Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
• Optional Galaxy XR Controllers and a Travel Case sold separately

Under the shell, Samsung is leaning on Qualcomm silicon and Google’s Android XR stack. The spec sheet points at crisp text and solid passthrough, with enough sensor coverage for accurate hand and eye tracking. Battery is external and short for all-day work but fine for sessions. Controllers aren’t bundled; each main accessory is an extra purchase.

Price and what that means in AED

The US price is $1,799.99. The controllers are $249.99. That converts to roughly:

• Headset: about AED 6,618
• Controllers: about AED 919

In the UAE, imports attract 5% customs duty (usually on the CIF value: cost + insurance + freight) and 5% VAT calculated after duty. Expect courier handling fees as well. Budget a margin over the sticker price to cover these.

How UAE buyers can order today

Big Apple Buddy is a US-based shopping concierge that buys products locally in America and ships to more than 100 countries.

For Galaxy XR, the process is:

• Request a quote for Galaxy XR on Big Apple Buddy’s site
• They purchase from a US retailer, verify, re-pack and prepare customs documents
• Shipment goes out via express courier to your UAE address

Delivery timelines depend on release and courier speed; you’ll also need to clear duties and VAT on arrival. The service exists for launches limited to the US and Korea, which is where Galaxy XR is currently sold.

The obvious caveat: support and warranty typically follow the country of purchase.
Check Samsung’s regional warranty terms and Big Apple Buddy’s service policies before you commit.

What to consider before importing

There are a few practical points to think about beyond the shiny spec sheet.

• Total landed cost: product, shipping, insurance, customs duty, VAT, courier fees
• Warranty and repairs: confirm coverage for a US model in the UAE
• Returns and DOA: understand who handles returns and at whose cost
• Accessories: controllers and case are extra, each at $249.99
• Apps and ecosystem: Android XR apps are growing; expect rapid updates this year

Getting a US-only device early is fun, but be clinical about the full cost and after-sales plan. For many buyers, waiting for official GCC availability may still be the saner choice. If you’re comparing platforms, see our Vision Pro coverage for context on display, comfort and battery life in daily use.

Specs at a glance

A quick recap of the headline numbers.

• Platform: Android XR with One UI XR, Gemini AI
• Processor: Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2
• Memory/Storage: 16 GB / 256 GB
• Displays: dual Micro-OLED, 3552×3840 per eye, HDR, up to 90 Hz
• Sensors: high-res colour passthrough cameras, world-tracking, eye-tracking
• Audio: dual two-way speakers, Dolby Atmos, 6-mic array
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
• Battery: external pack, up to 2.5 hours
• Price: $1,799.99; Controllers/Travel Case $249.99 each

These are Samsung’s stated figures at launch and set expectations for early software.

How it stacks up in the real world

If you live inside Samsung’s ecosystem, Galaxy XR pairs neatly with recent Galaxy phones and wearables. If you’re already dabbling in spatial computing, you’ll want to compare app support, comfort, and battery against rivals.

For a point of reference within the Samsung world, see our Galaxy Ring review for how the company’s health and AI features feel in daily life.

Is Galaxy XR officially available in the UAE?

Not yet. Samsung’s launch availability is the US and Korea for now.

How much will Galaxy XR cost me in the UAE after taxes?

Start from about AED 6,618 for the headset, then add shipping, insurance, 5% customs duty on CIF and 5% VAT on the duty-inclusive value. Exact totals vary by courier and insurance.

Can I buy the controllers now?

Yes. Galaxy XR Controllers are a separate purchase at $249.99. Same price for the Travel Case.

How long does the battery last?

Samsung quotes up to 2.5 hours per charge with the external pack. Plan for shorter or longer depending on workload and brightness.

Is Android XR ready with apps?

Google and Samsung say key Android apps like Maps and YouTube are being adapted for XR, with more on the way. Early adopters should expect a fast-moving software roadmap.