Xreal 1S AR Glasses Review: The Virtual Big Screen Experience
Verdict from TechRadar The Xreal 1S AR glasses are a near-perfect solution for those looking to enjoy videos hands-free. Unlike traditional smart glasses, they serve as a virtual large screen compatible with any USB-C device with a display. They excel in clarity, color fidelity, fit, and feel, making them a compelling choice – provided you're comfortable with the price.
Key Features
- Lightweight design
- Higher resolution display
- Instantly creates a virtual big screen
- Slightly more affordable than previous models
Drawbacks
- Still looks a bit odd when worn
- Field of View (FoV) is bigger but somewhat limited
- Not true 'smart' glasses or AR in the traditional sense
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One-Minute Overview
The Xreal 1S glasses are simple, non-smart display wearables projecting a virtual 200-inch screen, perfect for casual viewing, gaming, or extended laptop use. They don't attempt to redefine the real world but rather offer a portable, high-resolution screen that connects effortlessly to your devices via USB-C.
How It Works
Utilizing advanced passthrough tech, these glasses display content from connected devices—smartphones, laptops, or gaming consoles—using high-resolution Sony Micro-OLED displays within lightweight frames. Power comes directly from connected devices, with no internal batteries needed.
User Experience
Controlling the glasses is straightforward—use your device's native controls (touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, controllers). The upgraded display brightness (700 nits), resolution (1200p), and wider field of view (52°) enhance the experience, with some experimental 3D features still in development.
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Price & Availability
- Launched: January 4, 2025
- Available in US and UK from [Xreal.com](https://xreal.com)
- Price: $449 / £449 (a $50 reduction from the previous model)
Optional accessories include:
- Xreal Eye: $99—modular 12MP camera
- Xreal Neo: $99—video passthrough, battery pack, and Power for Nintendo Switch
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Design & Comfort
The lightweight (84 grams), stylish frames resemble large sunglasses but with an unusual thick stem housing microphones, speakers, and control buttons. They rest comfortably with adjustable nose pads and can accommodate prescription lenses with a simple attachment. The glasses connect via USB-C and lack internal batteries, simplifying design and weight.
Pros
- Sleek, light, and comfortable
- Compatible with prescription inserts
- No heavy internal electronics
Cons
- Appearance can be odd from the side
- A wired connection may seem antiquated but is minimal
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Performance: Visuals & Connectivity
The glasses boast a 1200p, 120Hz display at 700 nits brightness, working effortlessly with virtually any USB-C device. I tested with a MacBook Pro, gaming on the Lenovo Legion Go, and streaming media from an iPhone, all with impressive clarity and color.
Gaming & Entertainment
- Sharp, vibrant visuals with minimal lag (~3ms latency)
- Bright screens render well even in well-lit environments
- Good Bose audio output, though earbuds are recommended in public
User Controls & Features
- Fixed or follow gaze virtual screen modes
- Adjustable screen size and distance
- Menu system via control button (slightly complex)
- Lens dimming for immersive viewing
Compatibility
- Works seamlessly with smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles
- Special adapter (Neo, $99) enables Nintendo Switch gameplay on a virtual big screen, with battery backup and power passthrough.
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Is It Worth Buying?
| Attribute | Comment | Score | |---|---|---| | Value | Better clarity and larger viewport at a lower price, but still nearly $450 | 4/5 | | Design | Lightweight, stylish, and practical, though somewhat odd-looking | 4/5 | | Performance | Excellent virtual display with smooth controls but menu navigation could improve | 4.5/5 |
Recommend if:
- You want a portable, big-screen experience everywhere
- You prefer a simple, lean-back video and gaming device
- You’re not seeking true AR or full immersion
Reconsider if:
- You expected augmented reality features
- You prefer a lower price point under $250
- You require immersive, sealed-off VR experiences
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Alternatives & Additional Notes
- Xreal Air 2: Slightly less expensive, with a slightly inferior display and audio quality
- Meta Quest 3: For a more immersive VR/MR experience, blending AR and VR in a different way
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How I Tested the Xreal 1S
Over a couple of weeks, I used these glasses for gaming, movies, and social media, connecting to various devices including Nintendo Switch (with the Neo), iPhone, and MacBook. I focused on visual clarity, responsiveness, comfort, and ease of use.
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Final Thoughts
The Xreal 1S provides a compelling, portable virtual display that is perfect for casual media consumption and gaming on the go. While not a true AR device, it excels as a big-screen extension that doesn’t weigh you down or overcomplicate. For those seeking a simple, high-quality virtual viewing experience, these glasses are worth considering.
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First reviewed: January 2026 Written by Lance Ulanoff, veteran tech journalist
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