Xreal Air
| Xreal Air | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | AR Glasses |
| Subtype | Smart Glasses |
| Platform | Xreal |
| Developer | Xreal |
| Manufacturer | Xreal |
| Release Date | 2022 |
| Price | $379 USD (launch), $299 USD (current) |
| Website | https://www.xreal.com/ |
| Successor | Xreal Air 2 |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | 2x Micro-OLED |
| Resolution | 1920x1080 per eye (Full HD) |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 46° |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Birdbath |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 3DoF |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Built-in speakers |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | USB-C (DisplayPort) |
| Device | |
| Weight | 79g |
The Xreal Air (formerly Nreal Air) is a consumer augmented reality smart glasses developed by Xreal, released in 2022. The glasses feature dual Micro-OLED displays with 1920x1080 resolution per eye, 100,000:1 contrast ratio, and create a virtual 201-inch screen experience. Weighing only 79 grams with TUV Rheinland eye comfort certification and 100% UVA/UVB protection, the Xreal Air became the best-selling consumer AR glasses on the market, popularizing the wearable display category for entertainment, gaming, and productivity use cases.
History and Development
The Xreal Air (originally branded Nreal Air) launched in 2022, establishing Xreal as a leader in consumer AR glasses. The company rebranded from Nreal to Xreal in 2023. The original Air glasses were succeeded by the Xreal Air 2 series featuring upgraded Sony Micro-OLED displays and improved specifications. Following the Air 2 launch, the original Air was reduced to $299, making it an accessible entry point for consumer AR.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
High-quality Micro-OLED technology:
- Dual Micro-OLED displays
- 1920x1080 resolution per eye (Full HD)
- 60 Hz refresh rate
- 100,000:1 contrast ratio
- 400 nits brightness
- 201-inch virtual screen equivalent
- Deep OLED blacks
- Vibrant colors
Field of View
- 46° FOV
- Comfortable centered viewing
- Immersive for entertainment
Optics
Birdbath optical system:
- Reflective optics design
- Reduced eye strain
- Clear image quality
Build and Comfort
Ultra-lightweight ergonomic design:
- 79g weight
- Glasses-style form factor
- Comfortable for extended wear
- TUV Rheinland Eye Comfort certified
- 100% UVA/UVB protection for outdoor use
- Foldable temples
- Multiple nose pad sizes
Audio
- Built-in directional speakers
- Private listening design
- Clear audio output
Tracking
- 3 Degrees of Freedom (3DoF)
- Head rotation tracking
- Pitch, yaw, roll detection
- No positional tracking
Connectivity
- USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode
- Compatible with:
- iPhone 15/16 and later
- Android smartphones
- Mac computers
- Windows PC
- PlayStation 5 (with adapter)
- Xbox (with adapter)
- Steam Deck
- Nintendo Switch
Accessories
Xreal Beam
- Wireless streaming adapter
- 3DoF spatial display
- Android-based
- Sold separately
Xreal Adapter
- HDMI compatibility
- Console gaming support
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Micro-OLED |
| Resolution | 1920x1080 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Virtual Screen | 201" |
| Field of View | 46° |
| Brightness | 400 nits |
| Contrast | 100,000:1 |
| Weight | 79g |
| Price | $299-$379 |
Reception
Praise:
- Best-selling consumer AR glasses
- 79g ultra-lightweight
- High contrast Micro-OLED (100,000:1)
- TUV Rheinland eye comfort certified
- 100% UV protection
- Wide device compatibility
- Affordable entry point at $299
- 201" virtual screen immersive
- Comfortable for extended use
- Popularized wearable display category
Criticism:
- 60 Hz refresh rate (vs 120 Hz on Air 2)
- 46° FOV narrower than some competitors
- 3DoF only—no spatial tracking
- Tethered connection required
- No built-in myopia adjustment
- Requires adapters for some devices
- Superseded by Air 2 series[2]
Legacy
The Xreal Air established wearable displays as a viable consumer category and became the best-selling consumer AR glasses. Its success led to the Air 2 series and increased competition from Rokid, Viture, and RayNeo.