Samsung Gear VR

Samsung Gear VR
Basic Info
VR/AR	Virtual Reality
Type	Head-mounted display
Subtype	Mobile VR
Platform	Oculus Home
Creator	Samsung, Oculus VR
Developer	Samsung, Oculus VR
Manufacturer	Samsung
Announcement Date	September 3, 2014 (IFA Berlin)
Release Date	November 27, 2015 (consumer version)
Price	$99 (consumer), $129 (2017 with controller)
Website	https://www.samsung.com/ (discontinued)
Versions	SM-R320 (Innovator), SM-R321, SM-R322, SM-R323, SM-R324, SM-R325
Requires	Compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Predecessor	None
Successor	None (discontinued)
System
Operating System	Oculus Home (Android-based)
Chipset	Powered by smartphone
CPU	Powered by smartphone
GPU	Powered by smartphone
Storage
Storage	Powered by smartphone
Memory	Powered by smartphone
SD Card Slot	Via smartphone
Display
Display	Smartphone display (AMOLED)
Subpixel Layout	PenTile (smartphone dependent)
Peak Brightness	Smartphone dependent
Resolution	Smartphone dependent (up to 2960 × 1440)
Pixel Density	Smartphone dependent
Refresh Rate	60Hz
Persistence	Low persistence
Image
Field of View	96° (early models), 101° (SM-R323+)
Horizontal FoV	~96-101°
Vertical FoV	~96-101°
Average Pixel Density	Smartphone dependent
Peak Pixel Density	Smartphone dependent
Foveated Rendering	No
Optics
Optics	Aspheric lenses
Ocularity	Binocular
IPD Range	Focus wheel adjustment
Adjustable Diopter	Yes (focus wheel)
Passthrough	No
Tracking
Tracking	3DoF (rotational only)
Tracking Frequency	1000Hz (IMU)
Base Stations	None required
Eye Tracking	No
Face Tracking	No
Hand Tracking	No
Body Tracking	No
Rotational Tracking	Yes
Positional Tracking	No
Update Rate	60Hz
Tracking Volume	Stationary/seated
Play Space	Stationary
Latency	<20ms motion-to-photon
Audio
Audio	Via smartphone (3.5mm or Bluetooth)
Microphone	Via smartphone
3.5mm Audio Jack	Pass-through from smartphone
Camera	No (phone camera not used)
Connectivity
Connectivity	USB (Micro-USB or USB-C)
Ports	USB to smartphone
Wired Video	No
Wireless Video	No
WiFi	Via smartphone
Bluetooth	Via smartphone
Power	Powered by smartphone
Battery Capacity	N/A (uses phone battery)
Battery Life	~2-3 hours (drains phone battery)
Charge Time	N/A
Device
Dimensions	207.8 × 122.5 × 98.6mm (SM-R325)
Weight	345g (with controller)
Material	Plastic
Headstrap	Elastic straps
Haptics	Controller haptics (2017 version)
Color	Frost White, Blue Black, Orchid Gray
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, geomagnetic sensor
Input	Touchpad, back button, volume keys, Gear VR Controller (2017)
Compliance	FCC, CE

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The Samsung Gear VR is a discontinued mobile VR head-mounted display developed by Samsung Electronics in collaboration with Oculus VR, first announced at IFA Berlin on September 3, 2014. The consumer version launched on November 27, 2015 at a price of $99.99, establishing the Gear VR as one of the most accessible and widely-adopted VR headsets of the early VR era. Unlike PC VR headsets, the Gear VR used a compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphone as its display and processor—users simply inserted their phone into the headset shell, which provided optics, an IMU for enhanced head tracking, and a touchpad for input. Through the partnership with Oculus, Gear VR users accessed content via the Oculus Home platform, giving them access to thousands of VR experiences. The Gear VR service was officially terminated on September 30, 2020, marking the end of an era for smartphone-based VR.

History and Development

Samsung-Oculus Partnership

Collaboration announced in 2014:

• Samsung provided hardware manufacturing
• Oculus provided VR expertise and platform
• Leveraged Galaxy AMOLED displays
• Combined mobile and VR innovation

IFA 2014 Announcement

Unveiled alongside Galaxy Note 4:

• "Innovator Edition" designation
• Developer-focused initial release
• Limited initial availability
• Technology demonstration

Innovator Edition

Early versions for developers:

• SM-R320 (Note 4 compatible)
• SM-R321 (S6 compatible)
• Limited retail availability
• $199-$249 price point

Consumer Version

Mass market release November 2015:

• SM-R322 model
• $99.99 retail price
• Wider Galaxy compatibility
• Oculus Home platform

Subsequent Versions

Regular hardware updates:

• SM-R323 (2016): USB-C support, wider FOV (101°)
• SM-R324 (2017): Note 8 support, controller included
• SM-R325 (2017): Latest version with controller

Design Philosophy

Mobile VR Accessibility

Core design principle:

• Leverage existing smartphone investment
• Low additional cost ($99)
• No PC required
• Easy setup and portability

Smartphone as Computer

Utilizing mobile hardware:

• Galaxy's AMOLED display for VR
• Mobile processor for rendering
• Phone's storage for content
• Existing app ecosystem

Enhanced Tracking

Beyond smartphone sensors:

• Custom IMU in headset
• Lower latency than phone alone
• 1000Hz sensor polling
• Smoother head tracking

Hardware Generations

SM-R320 (Innovator Edition for Note 4)

First generation:

• Compatible with Galaxy Note 4
• 96° field of view
• Micro-USB connection
• Focus wheel

SM-R321 (Innovator Edition for S6)

S6 compatibility:

• Galaxy S6, S6 edge support
• Similar specifications
• White color option

SM-R322 (Consumer Edition 2015)

Mass market version:

• Galaxy Note 5, S6 series support
• $99.99 price
• Blue Black color
• Improved comfort

SM-R323 (2016)

Major upgrade:

• USB-C port added (alongside Micro-USB)
• 101° field of view (expanded)
• Galaxy Note 7, S7 support
• Blue Black color

SM-R324 (2017)

With controller bundle:

• Galaxy S8, Note 8 support
• Gear VR Controller included
• Orchid Gray color
• $129 price point

SM-R325 (2017)

Final version:

• Galaxy S9 series support
• Latest compatible model
• Continued controller inclusion
• Same $129 price

Display Technology

Smartphone Display

Resolution depended on phone:

• Galaxy S9+: 2960 × 1440
• Galaxy S8: 2960 × 1440
• Galaxy Note 8: 2960 × 1440
• Galaxy S6: 2560 × 1440

AMOLED Advantages

Samsung display benefits:

• True blacks
• Fast pixel response
• Low persistence possible
• Good color saturation

PenTile Subpixels

Samsung AMOLED characteristic:

• Diamond PenTile arrangement
• Visible screen door effect
• Trade-off for OLED benefits

Optical System

Aspheric Lenses

Simple optical design:

• Fixed aspheric lenses
• 96-101° field of view
• Adequate for mobile VR

Focus Wheel

Diopter adjustment:

• Focus wheel on top
• Adjustable for different vision
• Reduces need for glasses
• Convenient feature

Field of View Evolution

Improved over time:

• 96° (SM-R320, R321, R322)
• 101° (SM-R323+)
• Competitive with mobile VR peers

Tracking System

3DoF Only

Rotational tracking only:

• No positional tracking
• Seated/stationary experiences
• Head rotation captured
• Limited movement

Custom IMU

Enhanced sensors:

• Accelerometer
• Gyroscope
• Geomagnetic sensor
• Better than phone IMU alone

Low Latency

Tracking performance:

• 1000Hz IMU polling
• Low motion-to-photon latency
• Reduced motion sickness
• Smooth head tracking

Gear VR Controller

2017 Addition

Wireless motion controller:

• Included with SM-R324/R325
• 3DoF tracking
• Trigger, trackpad, buttons
• AAA battery powered

Controller Features

Input options:

• Trackpad for navigation
• Trigger button
• Back and home buttons
• Volume control

Interaction Model

Pointer-based interface:

• Laser pointer metaphor
• Point and click interaction
• Menu navigation
• Game interaction

Phone Compatibility

Compatible Devices

Samsung Galaxy phones only:

• Galaxy Note 8
• Galaxy S9, S9+
• Galaxy S8, S8+
• Galaxy S7, S7 edge
• Galaxy Note 5
• Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+

Exclusions

Not compatible:

• Galaxy S6/S7/S8 Active
• Non-Samsung Android phones
• iPhones
• Other manufacturers

Connection Types

Dual USB support (later models):

• Micro-USB (older phones)
• USB-C (newer phones)
• Both ports on headset

Software Platform

Oculus Home

Content ecosystem:

• Oculus-powered store
• Thousands of apps and experiences
• 360° videos
• VR games

Notable Content

Popular experiences:

• Netflix VR
• Minecraft Gear VR Edition
• 360° video content
• Social VR apps

Samsung VR Video

Media platform:

• 360° video content
• Samsung-curated content
• Discontinued September 2020

Physical Design

Construction

Plastic shell design:

• Lightweight plastic body
• Elastic head straps
• Foam face padding
• Phone cradle mechanism

Touchpad

Side-mounted input:

• Touch-sensitive trackpad
• Tap and swipe gestures
• Back button
• Volume controls

Weight

Reasonable for mobile VR:

• 345g with controller
• Plus phone weight
• Acceptable comfort
• Elastic strap distribution

Ventilation

Heat management:

• Passive ventilation
• Phone generates heat
• Can get warm during use

Audio

No Built-In Audio

Relies on smartphone:

• 3.5mm pass-through
• Bluetooth headphone support
• Phone speakers (not ideal)
• User provides audio solution

Use Cases

Video Consumption

Primary use case:

• 360° video viewing
• Netflix, Hulu VR
• YouTube VR
• Virtual cinema experiences

Casual Gaming

Mobile VR games:

• Casual game experiences
• Puzzle games
• Exploration games
• Limited interaction (3DoF)

Social VR

Communication:

• Oculus Rooms
• Social spaces
• Avatar interaction
• Virtual hangouts

Education and Training

Enterprise applications:

• Training simulations
• Educational content
• Real estate tours
• Product demonstrations

Commercial Impact

Market Penetration

Widespread adoption:

• Millions of units sold
• Often bundled with phones
• Accessible price point
• Introduced many to VR

VR Awareness

Cultural impact:

• First VR for many users
• Demonstrated VR potential
• Built VR interest
• Mainstream exposure

Limitations Exposed

Mobile VR challenges:

• 3DoF not enough for advanced VR
• Overheating issues
• Battery drain
• Phone compatibility fragmentation

Service Discontinuation

September 30, 2020

End of service:

• Oculus Home support ended
• Content no longer accessible
• Samsung VR Video discontinued
• Hardware rendered largely useless

Reasons

Market evolution:

• Standalone VR (Quest) superior
• Mobile VR market declined
• 3DoF obsolete
• Development ceased

Legacy

VR Accessibility

Pioneered affordable VR:

• $99 entry point
• Millions experienced VR
• Proved mobile VR demand
• Market validation

Standalone VR Foundation

Led to Quest development:

• Lessons from mobile VR
• User experience research
• Content ecosystem development
• Oculus partnership continued

Market Lessons

Industry learnings:

• 6DoF necessary for immersion
• Standalone better than phone-dependent
• Quality matters over convenience
• Content ecosystem critical

Technical Specifications Summary

Specification	Details
Display	Smartphone AMOLED
Resolution	Phone dependent (up to 2960×1440)
FOV	96-101°
Tracking	3DoF (rotational only)
Sensors	Custom IMU (accelerometer, gyro, magnetic)
Controller	Gear VR Controller (3DoF)
Compatibility	Samsung Galaxy phones
Connection	USB (Micro-USB/USB-C)
Weight	345g (without phone)
Price	$99-$129
Status	Discontinued (September 2020)

See Also

• Samsung
• Oculus VR
• Mobile VR
• Google Cardboard
• Google Daydream
• Oculus Quest