Experiencing Samsung Project Moohan at Google I/O: A Genuine Rival to Apple Vision Pro
Samsung’s Project Moohan: An Exciting Step into Android XR
During Google I/O 2025, Samsung finally provided an in-depth look at its long-anticipated mixed-reality headset, known as Project Moohan. Following months of speculation and a limited number of previews, the device made its debut among select attendees, showcasing what could potentially be the most refined Android XR experience so far.
While initial showcases of Android XR glasses have hinted at potential, Samsung’s Project Moohan feels like a well-developed product. Featuring intuitive controls, high-quality visuals, and seamless integration with Google’s Gemini AI, this headset transcends the realm of prototypes—it’s a formidable contender in the upcoming era of spatial computing.
An Impressive Hands-On Experience
The hands-on demonstration of Project Moohan presented a headset that is both snug and carefully engineered. Although users need to carry a power brick in their pocket, the headset itself was well-balanced and secure, aided by a rear adjustment knob. The setup offered custom lens inserts for prescription wearers, a thoughtful addition reflecting Samsung’s focus on user comfort.
The headset’s mixed-reality passthrough was vivid and sharp, enabling users to observe their environment in vibrant color while engaging with virtual components. The hand-tracking controls were user-friendly and quick, comparable to those available on the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro. Gestures such as pinching to select or resize windows, along with summoning the home menu with a palm-facing gesture, executed with minimal lag or errors.
Visuals and Performance
Although Samsung has not confirmed the specific specifications, rumors indicate that the headset utilizes Sony’s 4K micro-OLED displays with a resolution of 3,552 × 3,840 per eye, 1,000-nit brightness, and a 96% DCI-P3 color gamut. The visual experience during the demonstration supported these claims, featuring pixel-rich, vibrant imagery that made 4K YouTube videos and immersive 180° content truly stand out.
Equipped with the Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 2 processor and ample RAM, the headset ensured smooth operations. Whether navigating Google Maps or watching AI-enhanced 3D videos, the headset handled tasks effortlessly. While certain applications like Street View exhibited resolution limitations, the overall experience remained fluid and captivating.
Gemini Integration: A Seamless Connection
A significant highlight of Project Moohan is its integration with Google’s Gemini AI. Unlike AR glasses that depend on a smartphone for processing, Moohan operates Gemini directly on the device, resulting in swifter and more natural interactions. Voice commands felt conversational, and Gemini’s contextual understanding—such as identifying Yosemite’s El Capitan and providing historical insights—enhanced the experience significantly.
Gemini also facilitated app navigation, enabling users to launch and manage applications like YouTube or Maps through voice commands. The headset’s user interface adjusted smoothly, expanding video windows into curved, theater-like displays and adding contextual side panels for an enriched experience.
Design and Functionality
The design of Project Moohan incorporates modular features, including a removable face shield that allows users to select between total immersion or peripheral awareness. The headset is wireless, providing the freedom to move without the constraints of a PC or console. This versatility, combined with its high-quality visuals and user-friendly controls, positions Moohan as a multifaceted device suitable for both productivity and entertainment.
However, the necessity of carrying a pocket power brick may prove to be a minor inconvenience for some, particularly during extended use. Nonetheless, this trade-off enables a greater degree of mobility compared to tethered alternatives.
The Pricing Dilemma
Although Samsung has not yet revealed an official name or price for Project Moohan, its premium features suggest it will be priced at a higher range. In comparison to the Apple Vision Pro—priced at $3,500—it is probable that Moohan will fall somewhere in the premium bracket, although Samsung may strive to offer a more competitive price to capture a wider audience.
This brings forth inquiries regarding the headset’s intended market. While the demonstration centered around casual use cases such as media consumption and virtual exploration, the real challenge lies in whether Moohan can function as a productivity tool or even as a laptop replacement. This will depend on its app ecosystem, compatibility with peripherals like Bluetooth keyboards and mice, and long-term comfort.
Final Reflections
Samsung’s Project Moohan is more than just an impressive demonstration—it represents a compelling vision for the future of Android XR. With high-resolution displays, responsive hand tracking, and seamless Gemini integration, it promises a user experience that feels refined and ready for mainstream adoption.
Whether it can stand alongside competitors like Meta and Apple will hinge on its pricing, app support, and real-world performance. Based on this initial hands-on experience, Project Moohan appears poised to be a key player in the XR landscape—and a hopeful indication that Android XR is at last evolving into its full potential.
As we look forward to its official launch later in 2025, one fact is evident: Samsung’s XR headset
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