Samsung Gear VR Headset Review: Is It Still Usable?

Samsung Gear VR status

Product status and source notes

Samsung Gear VR: discontinued, with support winding down since 2020

Still sold? No. Samsung dropped Gear VR support from the Galaxy Note10 in 2019, and by May 2020 Engadget reported that the headset was no longer available. Any listing you find now is old or second-hand stock.

Still usable? Only partly. Meta dropped Gear VR app development from Oculus SDK Suite 1.42 in November 2019, and in March 2020 it removed Oculus Video and Oculus 360 Photos from download and stopped updating the Oculus Browser. Samsung closed its Samsung XR service on 30 September 2020. The Gear VR Codex fan site reports that since Oculus accounts were retired in January 2023, new users often can't log in at all, while owners of older accounts linked to Facebook can still reach their library through a workaround. It also needs a compatible phone: the Galaxy S6 to S10 series, Note5, Note8, Note9 or A8, not the Note10 or anything newer.

What to consider instead: a standalone headset such as the Meta Quest 3S, which needs no phone or PC. See What to buy instead. Checked 24 September 2026.

Original review introduction

I recently got a chance to use my friend’s Oculus Rift, and I found it quite impressive.

Though I want to get a VR headset, unfortunately, I don’t have hundreds of dollars to spend on it. I prefer something affordable that gives me tremendous immersive experience in virtual reality.

After spending hours on research, I found Samsung Gear VR. It caught my attention for its affordability and performance. In this blog post, I will be sharing all the details about Samsung Gear VR to help you make an informed decision.

Features to Consider Before Buying a VR Headset

Buying a VR headset can be a challenging process if you don’t know what you want. If you are a hardcore gaming fan, you may be eyeing a particular headset. For a VR newbie, you would want to know the options in the market before you make your decision. Let’s know more about VR headsets.

Mobile vs. Tethered Headsets

Powered by smartphones, Mobile VR headsets are quite affordable. They use the processing power and display of the phone to deliver a classic VR experience. Samsung Gear VR is a mobile headset, which means you need a Samsung phone for it to work.

Tethered headsets provide a decent graphical experience. They can run intensive VR apps using the computer’s processing power. Tethered headsets such as HTC Vive or Oculus Rift have inbuilt displays and need a PC.

If you are new to the world of VR, then mobile headsets can be a good option to enjoy 360-degree videos and games. But if you want high-end performance, only a top-end tethered headset will be able to deliver.

Note: this split has changed since the review was written. Phone-based headsets such as Gear VR and Google Daydream, and the standalone 3DoF Oculus Go, have all been discontinued, and Meta said in 2020 that it would ship no more 3DoF VR products. The cheap entry point today is a standalone headset like the Meta Quest 3S.

Presenting Samsung Gear VR

Samsung Gear VR was aimed at people who owned a Samsung smartphone and gave them an affordable way into VR. First sold to consumers in 2015 (a first edition came out in December 2014), Gear VR has seen many modifications by Samsung to make it better.

The last model, the SM-R325 from September 2017, comes with a wireless motion controller for easy control in apps and games.

The controller is simple and like Google Daydream’s controller. Samsung has also upgraded its software which supports higher resolutions. It also provides a built-in web browser.

You can find a few new additions such as a USB-C port which Samsung advertises as a multi function port.

The model’s dimensions are a bit wider and heavier at 345 grams than the earlier version that was 318 grams. The design has also got a makeover with curved edges and has an all-black appearance.

Samsung Gear VR works only with Samsung smartphones, including:

• Galaxy S10, S10+ and S10e
• Galaxy S9 and S9+
• S7 and S7 edge
• S6, S6 edge, and S6+
• Note 9
• Note 8, S8 and S8+
• A8 and A8+
• Note 5

If you use the extender, a couple of earlier models like the Note 4 become compatible too. The Galaxy Note10 is not compatible, and Samsung also left Gear VR support out of the Galaxy S20, so a current Galaxy phone won’t work in it.

Samsung Gear VR was a good way of stepping into the world of VR. It improved motion tracking and resolution over earlier versions, but it only tracks head rotation (3DoF), not your position, so it was never a match for PC headsets like the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive.

Pros

• Comfortable and lightweight
• Comes with wireless controller
• Supports voice commands
• Simple interface

Cons

• More expensive than other mobile VR headsets
• Controller batteries are not chargeable
• Limited functionality
• Discontinued; app and account support has largely ended

View the listing on AmazonPaid link · Historical or unverified listing

Features & Benefits

Now let’s explore the characteristics of Samsung Gear VR!

Design

The new Samsung Gear VR shares similar design features with its second version. It’s bigger than headsets like Google Daydream. The Gear’s sizing makes it suitable for all sizes and shapes of heads.

You can find a dial on the top of the headset to adjust the optics for a clear focus and picture. Samsung has also made sure that light doesn’t interfere with your VR experience. To ensure this, they have provided a back cover to sit on the front when the device is not in use.

The new Gear VR integrates a few more air vents beneath the eyes to improve ventilation. Now you don’t have to worry about heat or lens fogging up even if you use the headset for hours.

Samsung makes it easy to control your VR experience. You can use the recessed touch pad located on the right side of the headset. You can also find the back and volume buttons towards the front of the device.

The Home button which enables you to close your VR applications at the touch of a button is quite useful.

Comfort

The Gear VR is bulkier than its previous versions and Daydream. Even then, it fits quite comfortably around your head. The round-the-head harnessing system is adjustable. It makes for a snug fit by matching the size of your head.

Samsung has also worked on the cushioning in the new Gear VR. The cushioning around the eyes and face area is thick and soft. If you are gaming for extended periods, you are unlikely to feel uncomfortable. You can access the controls on the headset when you are in the middle of gaming or watching videos.

VR Experience and Controller

Thanks to the Oculus chip, the Samsung Gear VR offers a smooth and accurate head-tracking.

The device has a 101-degree field of view. This feature enhances the immersive feel and provides sharper details and precise gaze.

You may notice a bit of blurring around the edges. But it soon vanishes once you fix your gaze in the direction of the blurring.

Samsung now provides a wireless handheld controller along with the Gear VR. You can also buy the controller if you already own a Gear VR.

The controller has a circular touch pad on the top which is responsive and tracks the motions of your hands. You can also find the volume, home and back buttons, like what you see on the headset.

There is a trigger at the back of the controller. This enables you to shoot zombies and play other first-person shooter games. The entire experience of using the controller is at par with Google Daydream or Rift.

The controller measures 4.2 x 1.8 x 1.5-inches and weighs 2.3 ounces. The weight of the controller is majorly due to the twin AAA batteries which powers the device. Rechargeable batteries are not provided. They could have saved battery costs if present.

Samsung provides a controller holder with Gear VR. that attaches with the head strap for convenient storage.

Performance

The Gear VR supports a wide range of Samsung phones (Galaxy S6 to S10 generation). The performance of the Gear varies according to the model you use. A Samsung Galaxy S8 with Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB RAM is decent for all VR applications. It will not allow any glitches.

As a rule of thumb, phones with older chip sets and low RAM can lead to overheating and frame stutters. Our Gear VR overheating guide covers ways to reduce it.

The resolution also depends on the phone you are using. Some Samsung smartphones released in 2015 can support resolutions of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels. For higher resolutions, you can use phones like S8 and S8+ which sports a display of 2,960 x 1,440 pixels.

The pixel density is uniform irrespective of the phone you use.

Cleaner UI and Voice Control

Oculus has upgraded the interface of Gear VR by making it cleaner, slicker and more polished. Menus now come with appealing backdrops and don’t float in a black background. The virtual lobby is like a lavish home with details like a hardwood floor. The new upgrade makes it easy to navigate through the options.

You can also explore the store in VR. For this, it may need a bit of improvement as you go back and forth sometimes to select your options.

Samsung now allows you to browse the internet in VR mode so that you don’t have to detach your smartphone. You can access built-in apps like Youtube, Facebook, CNN, Instagram, Amazon and Twitch. You can also use a browser to type in URLs.

It’s cool to access your Facebook feed within the VR and share posts and likes!

One of the best features of the new Gear VR is the ability to issue voice commands, which is still in beta stage. You can say “Hey Oculus” and give your command to browse and search apps, exit a program or recenter your view.

The voice commands are responsive and get carried out in a matter of seconds!

Note: since the March 2020 end of updates, the Oculus Browser no longer gets security fixes, and Oculus Video and Oculus 360 Photos were withdrawn. We could not confirm which of the other built-in apps listed above still work on Gear VR.

Audio and Camera

It looks like the companies in VR are yet to focus on the audio aspect of their headsets. The Gear VR doesn’t come with any speakers. You have to depend on your smartphone speaker to feel the sound effects.

Samsung has left the required space to plug your headphone into your smartphone’s 3.5mm jack. You also have the option of using wireless headphones to reduce wire clutter.

The Gear VR doesn’t come with a camera. So, this means you can’t move around within the VR environment or lean out to see what’s on the other side of abysses.

The Gear VR presents a pass through camera mode. It enables to see your surroundings using the smartphone camera. You can check on your surroundings or sip your favorite drink without taking off the headset.

Setup

The setup process is straightforward and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Your Samsung phone needs to have the latest firmware from your carrier and a 16GB SD card. Once you take out the headset from the box, fix your phone on the headset’s front side. Now secure it with a flexible latch.

Remove the phone now and go through the software installation process. You will see the video player and the Oculus operating system getting downloaded. Then you can hook up your phone and jump directly into VR!

Samsung also provides a tutorial on how to use Gear VR, so that you never face any problems!

Apps and Games

The Samsung VR ecosystem grew quickly after its start in 2015. The collaboration with Oculus gives you access to the Oculus VR content library, with free and paid apps in gaming, entertainment, videos, education and more.

That library is now frozen. Meta dropped Gear VR from its development kit in late 2019 and, according to UploadVR, stopped developers from supporting Gear VR in new Oculus Store apps from 15 September 2020. Samsung’s own Samsung VR video service shut down with the Samsung XR closure on 30 September 2020.

What are People Saying about Samsung Gear VR?

I scanned many user reviews. Most of the user testimonials of Samsung Gear VR are positive, and the users seem to love it! Let me share the links with you:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1R7ZX79ZFS7K1/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R2GDPWOLS4SCMM/

These reviews date from when the headset was still supported.

Alternatives to Samsung Gear VR

If you think the Gear VR is not for you, then you can consider the following options. Two of the three original picks are also discontinued, so we have added a current recommendation first.

What to buy instead

Meta’s current line-up, according to its comparison page, is the Meta Quest 3S and Meta Quest 3. Both are standalone headsets with the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip and full-color passthrough, so they avoid the Gear VR’s reliance on a phone. Prices below are Meta’s US prices after its April 2026 price rise, checked 24 September 2026:

For most people moving on from a Gear VR, the 128 GB Quest 3S is the natural starting point. Our Quest 3 vs Quest 3S comparison explains when the Quest 3 is worth the extra money.

HTC Vive VR System (discontinued)

Note: HTC discontinued the original Vive in 2019, so it is now only available second-hand.

HTC Vive can provide one of the best virtual reality experiences if you have the budget. It’s a tethered headset, and you need a PC with high-end hardware to power the device.

The headset comes with built-in sensors to track your movements in VR. The Gear VR depends on the phone’s sensors.

The controllers are versatile and feature a touch pad and rear trigger. You have access to a wide range of high-quality content on the SteamVR interface. The headset has its audio output. It also features an integrated display which doesn’t need any smartphone.

Similarities

• Comes with a controller

Differences

• Equipped with inbuilt display
• No smartphone required
• Needs PC to function
• Three-strap harnessing system

View the listing on AmazonPaid link · Historical or unverified listing

Pansonite VR Headset with Controller

Pansonite VR headset is cheaper than Gear VR and is a good option if you want to test VR, before making the plunge. You can pair any Android, iOS, or Windows phone with the Pansonite. To do this, the phone size should range from 4.7 to 6-inches in size.

Good compatibility makes this headset more versatile than the Gear VR.

The headset comes with a controller like the traditional game pads. You can find the usual home, back and volume buttons and a circular touch pad to use as a joystick in games. The device also features inbuilt headphones that are not present in Samsung VR.

You can check out third-party applications for your VR content, as a dedicated store is not available.

Similarities

• Needs a smartphone to operate
• Comes with a Controller

Differences

• Compatible with Android, iPhone and Windows phones
• Comes with inbuilt headphones
• Wide viewing angle
• Three-strap harnessing system

Oculus Rift Touch VR System (discontinued)

Oculus Rift is similar in price to HTC Vive and provides an immersive VR experience. Note: the original Rift was replaced by the Rift S, and Facebook ended Rift S sales in 2021, so neither is sold new.

You don’t have to use any smartphone as the device has its display. But you need to have a PC with the required hardware to run the system.

The headset comes with Oculus Touch motion controllers. They let you navigate within VR and play games. But unlike Gear VR, you have two controllers for your two hands. You get many free VR games with the package and can access apps on the Oculus store (now the Meta store).

Similarities

• Suitable for VR games and videos
• Access to Oculus store

Differences

• Doesn’t need a smartphone
• Three-strap harnessing system
• Comes with two controllers
• Inbuilt display
• Features integrated headphones

Conclusion

Samsung Gear VR was ideal for owners of a compatible Samsung smartphone.

It suited VR enthusiasts who wanted to experience VR on a budget, without a high-specification PC and with a wire-free experience.

Today, though, we don’t recommend buying one. The headset is discontinued, it doesn’t work with the Galaxy Note10 (2019) or any later Samsung phone, no new apps are being made for it, and new users report being unable to log in. If you already own one with a working account and a compatible phone, it can still play your existing library. Otherwise, a Meta Quest 3S is the better way into VR.

Samsung Gear VR listings (discontinued; old stock only)

Research behind this guide

Check the linked specifications and support documents, or read how we research. Original review experience stays attributed to its author.

View 11 sources

• UploadVR: Oculus ends Samsung Gear VR updates
• Meta for Developers: Gear VR app development no longer supported from SDK Suite 1.42
• Engadget: Samsung is killing its VR applications now that Gear VR is dead
• GSMArena: Galaxy Note10 and Note10+ are not compatible with the Gear VR
• The Gear VR Codex (fan site): Meta killed the Gear VR
• Meta: An update on the evolution of the Oculus platform
• Wikipedia: Samsung Gear VR
• UploadVR: HTC discontinues the original Vive
• Road to VR: Facebook to discontinue the Rift product line in 2021
• Meta: Compare Meta Quest headsets
• Meta: An update on Meta Quest pricing

Explore the related guides in VR headsets.