Samsung's first XR headset is expected to launch later this year. To compete with Apple's Vision Pro, the South Korean firm has reportedly decided to use a sharper screen than the one on Apple's XR headset.
Samsung XR headset could use Sony's OLEDoS screens with 3,800ppi pixel density
According to a report from TheElec, Samsung is planning to use Sony's 1.3-inch 4K OLEDoS (OLED on Silicon) panels in its first XR headset. The company has reportedly equipped its upcoming headset with two 1.3-inch screens with a pixel density of 3,800ppi, which makes them sharper than the ones on Apple's Vision Pro (3,391ppi).
While Samsung acquired eMagin, which also makes OLEDoS and Micro OLED panels with a 3,500ppi, Samsung isn't using those panels in its upcoming XR headset.
Samsung Display RGB OLEDoS XR Display Panel eMagin
OLEDoS panels use a technology that deposits organic light-emitting diodes (LED pixels) on a silicon substrate. Sony will reportedly start the mass production of OLEDoS panels for Samsung's XR headset next month and shipped to Samsung. It first launched 1.3-inch OLEDoS samples in 2023, and its price was around KRW 1.45 million ($1,995).
The South Korean firm will then start the mass production of its XR headset and start selling it in the second half of this year. Samsung expects to sell around 100,000 units of its XR headset.
Samsung had reportedly planned to launch its first XR headset in 2023. However, after reviewing the specifications of the Apple Vision Pro, it canceled that plan and decided to use better hardware and specifications. The Apple Vision Pro was unveiled in June 2023 and available for purchase in early 2024.
Apple Vision Pro
However, Apple is struggling to sell the Vision Pro. Reports indicate that its shipment figures are in a few hundred thousand units. Hence, the company plans to launch a cheaper XR headset and has requested that Samsung Display make a 2-2.1-inch display with a glass substrate and a pixel density of around 1,700 ppi.