Nreal Air
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| Nreal Air | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | AR Glasses |
| Subtype | Consumer AR |
| Platform | USB-C display (multi-device) |
| Developer | Nreal (now Xreal) |
| Manufacturer | Nreal |
| Release Date | 2022 |
| Price | $379 USD |
| Website | https://www.xreal.com/ |
| Successor | Xreal Air 2 |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | Sony Micro-OLED |
| Resolution | 1920x1080 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 46° |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 3DoF |
| Audio | |
| Audio | In-stem speakers |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | USB-C |
| Device | |
| Weight | 79g |
The Nreal Air (now Xreal Air) is a consumer augmented reality AR glasses developed by Nreal (now Xreal), released in 2022 at $379. A lighter, more affordable alternative to the Nreal Light, the Air features Sony Micro-OLED displays at 1920x1080 per eye, 46° field of view appearing as a 130-inch virtual screen, 3DoF tracking, and an ultra-lightweight 79g design. Connecting via USB-C to smartphones, tablets, PCs, and game consoles, the Nreal Air excels as a portable big-screen media consumption device and gaming display rather than a full AR platform.
History and Development
Nreal announced the Air in September 2021 as a consumer-focused alternative to the more expensive Nreal Light. The glasses launched in 2022 across various markets, later becoming available in the US through carriers and direct sales. Nreal rebranded to Xreal in 2023, with the Air continuing as part of the Xreal Air lineup. The Air's success led to the Xreal Air 2 and Air 2 Pro successors with improved specifications.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
Sony Micro-OLED technology:
- 1920x1080 per eye resolution
- Sony Micro-OLED panels
- 60 Hz refresh rate
- 46° field of view
- 130-inch equivalent virtual display
- Semi-transparent view
- True blacks (OLED)
- Quality imagery
Tracking
- 3DoF tracking
- Rotational tracking only
- No positional tracking
- AR Space mode (Android)
Audio
- In-stem speakers
- Hidden in glasses arms
- Immersive audio
- Decent quality
- Open-ear design
Build
Ultra-lightweight design:
- 79g weight
- Sunglasses form factor
- Compact design
- 5.83 x 2.36 x 2.05 inches
- Portable
- Comfortable extended wear
Connectivity
Universal device support:
- USB-C connection
- Android phones
- iOS (iPhone 15+)
- PC/Mac
- Tablets
- Game consoles
- Steam Deck
- No onboard battery (device-powered)
Included Accessories
- Nreal Air glasses
- Three nose grips (one pre-installed)
- Light shield (VR-like blocking)
- Compact carrying case
- USB-C cable
Features
Nebula App (Mac)
- Multi-window workstation
- M1/M2 chip MacBook support
- Virtual displays
- Productivity workspace
AR Space (Android)
- 3DoF experiences
- AR app suite
- Compatible Android devices only
Media Consumption
- Virtual cinema experience
- Gaming display
- Video streaming
- Big-screen portable
Optional Accessories
- Xreal Beam ($119) - Enhanced functionality
- Prescription lens inserts
- Adapters for HDMI devices
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 1920x1080 Sony Micro-OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| FOV | 46° |
| Virtual Screen | 130" equivalent |
| Tracking | 3DoF |
| Audio | In-stem speakers |
| Connection | USB-C |
| Weight | 79g |
| Price | $379 |
Reception
Praise:
- 79g ultra-lightweight
- Sony Micro-OLED quality
- 130" virtual screen
- $379 accessible price
- Universal USB-C compatibility
- Steam Deck excellent pairing
- Mac multi-display useful
- Portable design
- Light shield included
- Media consumption excellent
Criticism:
- 46° FOV narrow
- 60Hz vs 120Hz competitors
- 3DoF only (no 6DoF)
- No positional tracking
- No onboard cameras
- Not true AR (display glasses)
- Limited AR functionality
- Beam accessory extra cost
- Phone dependent features
- Screen-door effect visible[2]
See Also
References
- ↑ "Nreal Air Review". Tom's Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nreal-air.
- ↑ "Nreal Air Review". Tech Advisor. https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723317/nreal-air-review.html.