Xreal has launched a new pair of augmented reality glasses called the A01 Plus, priced at $299. This model is a stripped-down version of the company's premium $449 1S, designed to make AR experiences more accessible. The A01 Plus weighs just 62 grams—over 20 grams lighter than the 1S—making it one of the lightest AR glasses on the market. The weight reduction comes from a simpler frame that feels less sturdy than the 1S, but the glasses remain comfortable for extended wear.
The A01 Plus features birdbath optics with micro OLED panels that deliver a 1080p resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and impressive brightness and contrast for the price. The field of view is 50 degrees, equivalent to a virtual screen size of 147 inches. However, the screen size and placement are fixed; users cannot adjust the virtual screen size or position, unlike some competitor models. This limitation is one of the compromises made to achieve the lower price point.
Customization is a key selling point for the A01 Plus. The glasses come with a modular shell that can be swapped out. The included shell has tinted lenses that block ambient light, while an optional opaque shell is better at eliminating reflections and glare. Xreal plans to allow third-party 3D-printed shells in the future, opening up possibilities for personalization. Removing and attaching the shells requires a gentle touch because the frame is delicate; careless handling could damage the optics.
One notable omission is the electrochromic lens technology found on the 1S and other premium AR glasses, which allows adjustable opacity. Instead, the A01 Plus uses reflective films on the back of the optics to reduce light intrusion. The opaque shell provided with the review unit was particularly effective at blocking out light, even when a flashlight was pressed directly against the lens. This makes the glasses suitable for outdoor use, albeit with the shell attached.
The A01 Plus lacks three degrees of freedom (3DOF) tracking, which is a feature that locks the virtual screen in space. Instead, Xreal includes a stabilization feature that acts like a gimbal, smoothing out small head movements but not preventing the screen from moving entirely. Some users may notice slight jitter when reading text. This stabilization is a basic alternative to full 3DOF and may be sufficient for casual media consumption.
Audio quality is another area where the A01 Plus falls short of the 1S. The built-in speakers produce decent sound but lack volume and bass compared to the premium model. There is also no way to adjust the volume directly from the glasses; users must control it from the connected device. This is a minor inconvenience but worth noting for those who frequently adjust audio levels.
The A01 Plus ships with a hard carrying case and a USB-C cable. The glasses connect to any USB-C device that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, including smartphones, laptops, and handheld gaming consoles like the Steam Deck. During testing, the glasses worked well for gaming, but the screens appeared blurry without prescription lens inserts. Xreal provided HonsVR prescription lenses that drastically improved clarity. These lenses cost around $50 and are recommended for anyone who wears corrective eyewear.
Xreal's decision to release the A01 Plus reflects a broader trend in the AR industry: making technology cheaper and lighter to attract a wider audience. The company has been a key player in consumer AR since its founding in 2017, with previous models like the Xreal Air and Xreal Air 2. The A01 Plus builds on that legacy but targets first-time buyers who are not ready to invest in premium features. However, the trade-offs—flimsy build, fixed screen size, lack of 3DOF, and mediocre audio—may push some users toward the more expensive 1S.
The market for AR glasses is still nascent, with companies like Meta, Apple, and Google exploring different form factors. Xreal's approach with the A01 Plus is to offer a practical, wired solution that can mirror a device's display without requiring a separate processing unit. This simplicity appeals to users who want a large virtual screen for movies, games, or productivity without the complexity of full AR operating systems.
For those considering the A01 Plus, the $300 price tag is attractive, but potential buyers should budget an additional $50 for prescription lenses if needed. The glasses perform well in bright environments with the opaque shell, and the lightweight design reduces fatigue during long sessions. However, the fixed screen size and lack of volume controls are frustrating limitations that even budget alternatives should address.
In comparison to the 1S, the A01 Plus feels like a cost-reduced version that retains the core display technology but cuts corners on build quality, tracking, and audio. Users who value a premium feel and advanced features will likely prefer the 1S. But for those who prioritize affordability and simplicity, the A01 Plus delivers a solid entry point into wearable displays.
Source: The Verge News