Xreal Air 2
| Xreal Air 2 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | AR Glasses |
| Subtype | Smart Glasses |
| Platform | XREAL, Nebula |
| Developer | XREAL |
| Manufacturer | XREAL |
| Release Date | September 2023 |
| Price | $399 USD |
| Website | https://www.xreal.com/air2 |
| Predecessor | Nreal Air |
| Successor | Xreal One |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | 2× Sony 0.55" Micro-OLED |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 per eye (Full HD) |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 46° |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Birdbath |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 3DoF |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Directional speakers (reduced leakage) |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | 19mm frame thickness |
| Weight | 72g |
| Color | Gray |
The XREAL Air 2 is a consumer augmented reality smart glasses developed by XREAL, released in September 2023. It is an upgraded version of the Nreal Air (XREAL Air), featuring improved Sony Micro-OLED displays with 25% higher brightness, a lighter 72-gram design, 120 Hz refresh rate, and enhanced directional audio. The Air 2 serves as the mid-tier option in XREAL's lineup, positioned between the budget Viture One Lite and the premium Xreal Air 2 Pro.
History and Development
XREAL (formerly Nreal) released the Air 2 in September 2023 as a refinement of their successful Air lineup. The update addressed common feedback about the original model, improving comfort, brightness, and audio while maintaining the affordable price point. The Air 2 launched alongside the Xreal Air 2 Pro, which adds electrochromic dimming.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
The Air 2 features upgraded Sony 0.55-inch Micro-OLED displays:
- 1920×1080 resolution per eye (Full HD)
- 500 nits peak brightness (25% increase over Air 1's 400 nits)
- Improved color calibration
- 46° diagonal field of view
- 120 Hz refresh rate (up from 60 Hz)
- Virtual 130-inch screen equivalent
- ~49 pixels per degree[2]
Build and Comfort
Significant ergonomic improvements over the original Air:
- Weight: 72 grams (down from 79g, ~10% lighter)
- Frame thickness: 19mm (down from 21mm, ~10% thinner)
- Temples: Slightly longer for better fit
- Nose pads: Redesigned for comfort
- Hinges: 3-step adjustable rake system with flex for various face shapes
These changes result in notably improved comfort during prolonged wearing sessions.[3]
Audio
The Air 2 features an all-new speaker system:
- Directional sound technology
- Minimized sound leakage to surroundings
- Louder output than original Air
- Improved audio privacy (though nearby listeners may still hear at moderate volumes)[4]
Connectivity
- USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode
- Compatible with:
* Laptops and PCs * Tablets * Steam Deck and gaming handhelds * Smartphones with USB-C video output * XREAL Beam accessory ($119) for enhanced features
Comparison with Air 2 Pro
| Feature | Air 2 | Air 2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $449 |
| Display | Sony Micro-OLED | Sony Micro-OLED (same) |
| Brightness | 500 nits | 500 nits |
| Electrochromic Dimming | No | Yes (3 levels: 0%, 35%, 100%) |
| Weight | 72g | 75g |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
The Air 2 Pro adds electrochromic dimming for $50 more, allowing adjustment between transparent, semi-dark, and fully dark states.[5]
Reception
Praise:
- "A step up from 'good AR glasses' to 'excellent'" - PhoneArena
- "Greatly Improved, Well-Rounded AR Glasses" - Tom's Hardware
- 25% brighter displays
- Notably improved comfort
- Lighter and thinner design
- Better directional audio
- 120 Hz refresh rate upgrade
- Plug-and-play simplicity
- Excellent value at $399
Criticism:
- No electrochromic dimming (available on Pro model)
- Still requires XREAL Beam for full functionality
- Some audio leakage at moderate volumes
- 46° FOV unchanged from original[6]
See Also
References
- ↑ "Xreal Air 2 Review: Greatly Improved, Well-Rounded AR Glasses". Tom's Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/xreal-air-2.
- ↑ "XREAL Air 2 AR glasses review — An augmented reality check". Laptop Mag. https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/xreal-air-2-ar-glasses.
- ↑ "Xreal Air 2 review: a step up from "good AR glasses" to "excellent"". PhoneArena. https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/xreal-air-2-review_id5993.
- ↑ "XREAL Air 2 review". GSMArena. https://www.gsmarena.com/xreal_air_2_review-news-60451.php.
- ↑ "XReal Air 2 AR Glasses Review: Affordable Augmentation". XR Today. https://www.xrtoday.com/augmented-reality/xreal-air-2-ar-glasses-review-affordable-augmentation/.
- ↑ "Xreal Air 2 review: better in all but the most important way". TechRadar. https://www.techradar.com/computing/virtual-reality-augmented-reality/xreal-air-2-pro-review.
- ↑ "XREAL Air 2 AR Glasses Review: This shows great promise". Pocketnow. https://pocketnow.com/xreal-air-2-review/.