Nreal Light
Property "Platform" (as page type) with input value "Android]] (Nebula app)" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process. Property "Developer" (as page type) with input value "Nreal]] (now Xreal)" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.
| Nreal Light | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Mixed Reality |
| Type | AR Glasses |
| Subtype | Consumer AR |
| Platform | Android (Nebula app) |
| Developer | Nreal (now Xreal) |
| Manufacturer | Nreal |
| Release Date | 2020 (Asia) / November 2021 (US) |
| Price | $599 USD |
| Website | https://www.xreal.com/ |
| Successor | Nreal Air |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | Birdbath optics |
| Resolution | 1920x1080 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 52° |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Binocular (stereo) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out SLAM) |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Spatial speakers |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | USB-C tethered |
| Device | |
| Weight | 88g (glasses only) |
The Nreal Light is a consumer mixed reality AR glasses developed by Nreal (now Xreal), first released in Asia in 2020 and launched in the US on November 18, 2021 through Verizon. At just 88g, the Nreal Light was one of the first affordable consumer AR glasses, featuring 1080p per eye resolution, 52° field of view appearing like a 220-inch display, 6DoF inside-out tracking via SLAM, and birdbath optics. Powered by a tethered Android smartphone running the Nebula app, the Light targeted consumers seeking mixed reality experiences, gaming, and personal entertainment in a lightweight sunglasses form factor.
History and Development
Nreal unveiled the Light at CES 2019 and began shipping to developers and enterprise customers in 2020. Consumer availability started in Korea, Japan, Germany, and Spain before rolling out globally. The US launch occurred on November 18, 2021 through select Verizon stores, with online availability following on December 2. The Nreal Light established the company (later rebranded to Xreal) as a pioneer in consumer AR glasses, leading to successors like the Nreal Air and Xreal Air series.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
Birdbath optics system:
- 1920x1080 per eye resolution
- 60 Hz refresh rate
- 52° field of view (wide for MR device)
- Appears like 220-inch display
- Birdbath optics technology
- Image projected onto lenses
- Faithful color reproduction
- 1080p quality projection
Tracking
Inside-out spatial tracking:
- 6DoF tracking
- 2 tracking cameras
- SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
- Inside-out positional tracking
- Head tracking
- Environment mapping
Audio
- Spatial speakers (one per arm)
- Spatial audio positioning
- Voice commands supported
- Bluetooth speaker compatible
- Directional sound detection
Build
Lightweight sunglasses design:
- 88g weight (glasses only)
- ~109g total system weight
- Sunglasses form factor
- 4 interchangeable nose pads
- Magnetic nose support
- Adjustable fit
- Prescription lens frame included
- VR cover included (light blocking)
Connectivity
- USB-C tethered to smartphone
- Volume rocker on left arm
- Phone becomes 3DoF controller
- Nebula app required
- Android smartphone powered
Operation
Requirements
- Compatible Android smartphone
- Nebula app installed
- USB-C connection
- Phone provides processing power
Controls
- Smartphone as 3DoF controller
- Touch controls on phone
- Volume rocker on glasses
- Voice commands
Applications
Entertainment
- Virtual cinema experience
- 220" equivalent screen
- Video streaming
- Movie watching
Gaming
- AR gaming experiences
- Mixed reality games
- Spatial gaming
Productivity
- Virtual displays
- Multi-window workspace
- Mobile productivity
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 1920x1080 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Field of View | 52° |
| Virtual Screen | 220" equivalent |
| Tracking | 6DoF (SLAM) |
| Cameras | 2 tracking |
| Audio | Spatial speakers |
| Connection | USB-C tethered |
| Weight | 88g |
| Price | $599 |
Included Accessories
- Carrying case
- VR cover (light blocking)
- 4 nose pads
- Prescription lens frame
- Cleaning cloth
Reception
Praise:
- 88g ultra-lightweight design
- 52° FOV wide for form factor
- 1080p per eye quality
- 220" virtual display impressive
- Sunglasses aesthetic appealing
- 6DoF tracking capable
- Spatial audio included
- Affordable consumer AR
- Prescription lens support
- VR cover for immersion
Criticism:
- Requires tethered smartphone
- Limited phone compatibility
- 60Hz lower than competitors
- Tracking has noticeable bounce/drift
- Phone becomes controller only
- Bird-bath optics limitations
- Not standalone device
- $599 still premium for consumers[2]