Nreal Light
Property "Platform" (as page type) with input value "Nebula]] (Android)" 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 | Augmented Reality |
| Type | AR Glasses |
| Subtype | Consumer AR |
| Platform | Nebula (Android) |
| Developer | Nreal (now Xreal) |
| Manufacturer | Nreal |
| Announcement Date | CES 2019 |
| Release Date | August 2020 |
| Price | $599 USD |
| Website | https://www.xreal.com/ |
| Successor | Xreal Air |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | Light guide optics |
| Resolution | 1920x1080 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 52° diagonal |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out, 2 cameras) |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated speakers |
| Connectivity | |
| Device | |
| Weight | 106g |
The Nreal Light is a consumer augmented reality glasses device developed by Nreal (now Xreal), released August 2020 at $599. One of the first affordable consumer AR glasses, featuring dual 1920x1080 displays, 52° diagonal field of view, 6DoF inside-out tracking via SLAM algorithms, smartphone tethered operation, and lightweight 106g sunglasses form factor. Company rebranded to Xreal in 2023.
History and Development
Nreal unveiled the Light at CES 2019, releasing August 2020 in Korea, Japan, Germany, and Spain, later expanding to the US via Verizon. Founded by former Magic Leap engineer Chi Xu, Nreal aimed to deliver affordable consumer AR at a fraction of competitors' prices ($599 vs $2,000-$3,000). The glasses connect to Android smartphones for processing. Nreal rebranded as Xreal in 2023, with the Light succeeded by the Air series.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
Light guide optics:
- 1920x1080 per eye resolution
- Full HD dual displays
- 60 Hz refresh rate
- 52° diagonal FOV
- Mirror projection system
- Semitransparent lenses
- See-through AR
Tracking
SLAM-based:
- 6DoF tracking
- Inside-out tracking
- 2 onboard cameras
- SLAM algorithms
- Position tracking
- No external markers
Audio
- Integrated speakers
- Near-ear design
- Microphone included
Design
Sunglasses form factor:
- 106g weight
- Lightweight design
- Fashion-forward appearance
- Standard sunglasses look
- Tinted lenses
Connectivity
- USB-C tether
- Android smartphone required
- Compatible phone list
- Nebula app
Compatible Devices
- Select Android phones
- USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 845+
- Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.
Software
Nebula
- AR environment launcher
- Virtual screens
- 3D content
- AR applications
Use Cases
- Virtual displays
- Video viewing
- AR gaming
- Productivity
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 1920x1080 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| FOV | 52° diagonal |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out) |
| Cameras | 2 |
| Weight | 106g |
| Connection | USB-C (tethered) |
| Price | $599 |
Reception
Praise:
- $599 affordable for AR
- 106g lightweight
- Sunglasses form factor
- Fashion-forward design
- 6DoF tracking
- Position awareness
- Virtual screens useful
- First real consumer AR
Criticism:
- 52° FOV narrow
- Phone compatibility limited
- Tethered operation
- Android only
- Display brightness limited
- Tracking occasionally unstable
- App ecosystem small
- Competition emerged[2]