The Galaxy XR Has a Problem (But I Think I Can Fix It)
The Samsung Galaxy XR headset is a Good looking VR Headset with its sleek design, insane features, and that comfy premium vibe that screams top-tier AR/VR tech. They did a lot right with this headset, but there’s one design choice that immediately caught my attention, and not in the way you’d expect.
They crushed it on most fronts, but they totally dropped the ball on making it easy for us modders and repair technicians. That might sound like a small thing, but if you’ve ever swapped straps or replaced padding on a VR headset, you know how useful that feature is. The Galaxy XR has a problem: unlike pretty much every other VR headset, the headband isn't detachable, but I had faith in Samsung. Time to put that to the test and see if I could hack it.
This is the first teardown of the Galaxy XR anywhere online, and this is how it went down.
Getting Started: Finding the Entry Points
So, where do you even start tearing down a Samsung Galaxy XR? I started poking around the edges and spotted these tiny tabs hiding some screws. A few were tucked in super awkward spots which I couldn’t even get to.
I unscrewed the visible tabs first, then scouted for more near the top headrest., After yanking those out, one plastic piece came off, but I’m not able to unscrew them due to the angle, so yeah, it’s time to open this up.
A Scratchy Surprise: The Front Panel Reveal
Most VR headsets open from the front where the cameras are, so I decided to go there.
As I went to pry off the front in this Galaxy XR headband removal mission, I noticed it scratched up really easily. Turns out, it’s not real glass, it’s just a plastic screen protector sitting on top, but there is glass under.
I removed the front glass, which was held by some clips and a bit of adhesive, so it popped right off without much of a fight.
Under that panel, there’s a housing that covers the main board, and this section holds most of the cameras and sensors that make the headset work..
A Closer Look Inside
Once the front cover was off, I unscrewed a few more Phillips screws (all thankfully the same size). That freed the front section, revealing the main circuit board.
The Galaxy XR’s internal design reminds me of the Meta Quest, but it’s simpler. There’s no folded double-sided logic board like what we saw inside the Apple Vision Pro. Instead, there’s one clean main board in the middle and a lot of empty space around the sides.
To fully remove the headband, I had to disconnect a couple of flex cables on each side and undo more screws. After that, it finally came free. It took time, and it kind of sucks to see how complicated this is.
My Thoughts on Galaxy XR Repairability
Opening the Galaxy XR was challenging, but once inside, I was surprised by how straightforward it actually is. The screws are all uniform, the layout is logical, and there isn’t too much glue compared to other headsets.
From what I’ve seen, the Galaxy XR repair process is far less complicated than the Vision Pro and even a bit cleaner than the Meta Quest. Samsung clearly designed it with solid structure and modular parts, which makes things like camera or strap replacements possible with patience and the right tools.
I’d say this is one of the most repairable VR headsets on the market right now. The only major weakness will likely be the displays. Just like with other VR headsets, once the display panels go bad, replacing them will be the hardest part. Also, of course, the headband/ head strap being non-removable means you have to perform a full-on repair to replace it instead of just popping them off like most other VR headsets. You win some, you lose some, I guess.
So, Was It Worth It?
Absolutely. This teardown showed that Samsung put real thought into how this device is built. The Galaxy XR may not have a detachable headband, but it’s a pretty cool device and one that I would definitely service for people. There are a few things I don’t like about it, but from a repairability standpoint, it’s pretty solid.
And being the first person on the internet to open it up? That feels pretty good.
