Xreal 1S, the smart glasses cost less and are better than their predecessors

Xreal confirms its leading role in the thriving augmented reality sector with an announcement that takes the competition by surprise.

The company has unveiled the new Xreal 1S, a significant update to its line of smart glasses that arrives just over a year after the launch of the Xreal One.

The move by the manufacturer is not limited to a simple hardware upgrade; the new glasses offer superior performance in almost every technical aspect, while arriving on the market with a lower list price than their predecessors.

Xreal 1S, a leap in quality at a discounted price

The heart of the experience offered by the Xreal 1S lies in the renewed display technology. Like the previous model, these glasses connect via USB Type-C to external devices to project content onto micro-OLED displays positioned behind the lenses, creating the illusion of a large floating virtual display.

However, image quality has undergone a clear improvement. The resolution has been brought to 1200p per eye, a step up from the 1080p of the One model, ensuring greater sharpness for texts and videos.

The visual experience also becomes more immersive thanks to an expanded field of view, now reaching 52 degrees compared to the 50 of the previous generation.

Also the image format changes, moving from the classic 16:9 to a 16:10 aspect ratio, higher and more versatile, ideal for both productivity and entertainment.

A peak brightness of 700 nits finishes the technical picture of the displays, allowing a clear view even in environments that are not perfectly darkened.

Despite these updates, wearability remains a strength: the device weighs only 82 grams, maintaining the comfort needed for extended use sessions.

Compute Power and Advanced Features

Under the hood, the Xreal 1S retain the proprietary chip Xreal X1, introduced with the 2024 model. This processor is dedicated to “spatial computing” and handles the head tracking (3DoF), an essential function to visually anchor the virtual displays to the real world in a stable and smooth way.

The multimedia experience is enhanced by an audio system crafted by Bose, with speakers integrated directly into the glasses’ temple arms for high-quality personal listening without the bulk of external headphones.

The Xreal ecosystem proves mature also thanks to compatibility with well-known accessories, such as the Xreal Eye camera add-on, which not only allows taking photos and recording videos but also improves the precision of spatial anchoring.

Moreover, a recent system update introduced the “Real 3D” feature, available also for the Pro model, which promises to further enrich the consumption of three-dimensional content.

Another notable feature is the ability of the lenses to electronically darken on demand, allowing the user to decide how much of the surrounding world to filter during viewing.

Xreal Neo, the missing link for gamers?

Coinciding with the glasses, the company has introduced Xreal Neo, an accessory poised to become indispensable for mobile gamers.

It is a hybrid device that functions as both a 10,000 mAh power bank and a video hub. Its importance lies in its ability to solve one of the long-standing problems of AR glasses: compatibility with portable consoles.

Thanks to Xreal Neo, users can connect the glasses directly to both generations of Nintendo Switch or to devices like Steam Deck without the need for additional power cables or complex setups.

The Neo powers the console and the glasses simultaneously, handling the video flow transparently. As an added bonus, the device also supports wireless charging for smartphones, making it a versatile travel companion.

Pricing and Availability

The news perhaps the most surprising concerns the commercial positioning. The Xreal 1S are available today through official channels and major retailers like Amazon at a price of $449.

This represents a $50 discount compared to the launch price of the Xreal One, a move counter to the typical price hikes in the tech sector.

Also the Xreal Neo hub is now purchasable at a promotional price of $99 until February 4, then it will rise to $119.

With this launch, Xreal strengthens its offering as it waits for the next big step: the debut in the Android XR world with the mysterious “Project Aura”, planned for the near future, which could redefine the standards of mixed reality.