Xreal Air
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.
| 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 |
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.