The mixed reality market is evolving rapidly, and after the arrival of the Apple Vision Pro, Samsung and Google have decided to join the competition with Project Moohan, their first XR headset based on Android XR. With a design similar to Apple’s, this device promises an immersive experience powered by artificial intelligence and an optimized app ecosystem.
But, can Project Moohan really compete with the Apple Vision Pro? In this article, we compare both devices in terms of design, technology, software, and applications to determine which offers the best experience in the XR sector.
What is Project Moohan? Features and functionalities
Project Moohan is the codename for Samsung and Google’s first mixed reality (MR) headset, unveiled at CES 2025 as part of the new Android XR platform. It is an ambitious effort aimed at competing with Apple’s Vision Pro, offering advanced interaction through AI, compatibility with the Play Store, and an ergonomic design inspired by other premium headsets.
The first MR glasses with Android XR
The distinguishing feature of Project Moohan is that it will be the first headset to run Android XR, an operating system optimized for immersive experiences. Thanks to its collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, Samsung has managed to integrate a Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, eye and hand tracking technology, and smooth interaction through gestures and voice commands with Gemini, Google’s artificial intelligence.
Additionally, since it is based on Android, all apps from the Play Store will be compatible with the headset, which could give it a significant advantage over Apple’s visionOS, which still has a limited app catalog.
Samsung vs. Apple: Is Project Moohan ready to challenge the Vision Pro?
Since its announcement, Project Moohan has been directly compared to the Apple Vision Pro, and it’s no coincidence. Its design, focus on mixed reality, and integration of artificial intelligence position it as the most ambitious alternative within the Android XR ecosystem.
Just like Apple, Samsung and Google aim to redefine the interaction with technology through a high-end XR device. While Apple is their main competitor, it is not the only one. Meta remains the leader in XR adoption with its Quest headsets, and other manufacturers like HTC and Sony are also seeking their place. However, none have bet on a high-level XR ecosystem with integrated AI like Samsung and Google.
So, can Project Moohan really compete with the Apple Vision Pro? To answer this question, we will analyze their differences in detail below.
Comparison between the Apple Vision Pro and Project Moohan
Samsung and Apple have both embraced mixed reality with similar approaches but with key differences. While Apple has designed a fully integrated XR device within its closed ecosystem, Samsung and Google have opted for a more open alternative based on Android XR. Below, we analyze their main differences in design, technology, and app ecosystem.
Design and ergonomics
At first glance, Project Moohan and Apple Vision Pro have a very similar design, with a glass front and a premium format that prioritizes immersion. However, there are important differences in their ergonomics and comfort:
- Weight and comfort: While both devices feature an external battery, the weight distribution is different. In the Apple Vision Pro, the weight is concentrated around the lower part of the eyes, which can cause facial fatigue after prolonged use. In Project Moohan, however, the weight is distributed more around the forehead and brow area, which might better distribute the load and reduce the sensation of pressure on the face.
- Adjustment system: Apple uses an elastic fabric band for adjustment, while Samsung has incorporated a rigid band with a dial adjustment, similar to the Meta Quest Pro, which could provide more stability.
- Customization options: Project Moohan allows you to add or remove a front light seal, adapting to different levels of immersion. In the Vision Pro, the seal is fixed.
- Physical interaction: Apple includes a digital crown on the side to control the immersive experience, while Project Moohan features a side touchpad to facilitate navigation.
In terms of ergonomics, Samsung seems to have taken note of Apple’s weaknesses, opting for a design with greater flexibility.
Technology and specifications
The hardware of both devices is state-of-the-art, but each with its own approach:
- Processor: The Apple Vision Pro runs on the powerful M2 chip and the R1 coprocessor, designed for latency-free XR processing. Project Moohan, on the other hand, is powered by a Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, a processor optimized for extended reality.
- Displays and optics: Vision Pro offers ultra-high-resolution micro-OLED displays, with exceptional visual quality. Project Moohan uses pancake lenses, though it has yet to be confirmed whether it will achieve the same level of sharpness as Apple.
- Tracking and control: Both headsets feature hand and eye tracking, but Project Moohan stands out by integrating downward-facing cameras for more precise hand tracking without the need to raise the arms.
- Battery: The Apple Vision Pro offers a battery life of approximately 2 hours with its proprietary external battery. In contrast, Samsung has yet to confirm the battery life of Project Moohan. However, a key advantage of Samsung’s headset is that its external battery connects via a removable USB-C cable, allowing it to be easily swapped with a higher-capacity battery, offering more flexibility for the user.
Ecosystem and applications
One of the biggest contrasts between Project Moohan and the Apple Vision Pro lies in their software and app ecosystem:
- Operating system: The Apple Vision Pro runs on visionOS, an operating system specifically designed for mixed reality within the Apple ecosystem. In contrast, Project Moohan is the first headset with Android XR, a platform that promises greater openness and compatibility with existing apps.
- App Store: Vision Pro relies on the App Store, with apps optimized for visionOS. Project Moohan, on the other hand, is compatible with the entire Play Store, providing immediate access to a wide variety of apps without the need for adaptations.
- Artificial intelligence: Samsung and Google have integrated Gemini AI, a multimodal artificial intelligence that sees what the user sees and allows for advanced interactions. Vision Pro, in comparison, relies on Siri, which offers more limited capabilities in this area.
- Device connectivity: The Apple Vision Pro is designed to work seamlessly with Mac, iPhone, and iPad, while Project Moohan will be able to integrate with Samsung Galaxy devices and other Android products, offering greater versatility.
Which is better? Apple Vision Pro or Project Moohan?
The arrival of Project Moohan marks a new competitor in the field of mixed reality, directly challenging the Apple Vision Pro. Both companies have bet on premium headsets with advanced features, but each has done so with a different philosophy.
Apple Vision Pro stands out for its integration of hardware and software within the Apple ecosystem, offering a polished experience with visionOS, premium construction, and a high-quality passthrough system. However, its weight, proprietary external battery, and high price may be limitations for some users.
On the other hand, Project Moohan emerges as a more flexible alternative thanks to its integration with Android XR, support for apps from the Play Store, and its connection to the Google ecosystem. Its design aims to improve comfort by better distributing the weight over the forehead and allowing for easy battery replacement with its removable USB-C connection, offering greater potential autonomy.
Ultimately, the choice between the Apple Vision Pro and Project Moohan depends on the user’s preferences. Those seeking the best image quality and an optimized experience within the Apple ecosystem will find the Vision Pro the ideal option. Meanwhile, those who prefer greater flexibility, Android compatibility, and a more open alternative will likely find Project Moohan a more attractive option.
There is still key information missing about Samsung’s headset, such as its final price or the actual performance of Android XR. However, it’s clear that the mixed reality market is diversifying, and Project Moohan could be the first major competitor to challenge Apple in this new segment.