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Xreal Air 2

From VR & AR Wiki
Xreal Air 2
Basic Info
VR/AR Augmented Reality
Type AR Glasses
Subtype Consumer AR
Platform Nebula
Creator Xreal
Developer Xreal
Manufacturer Xreal
Announcement Date September 2023
Release Date November 2023
Price $399
Website https://www.xreal.com/
Versions Xreal Air 2, Xreal Air 2 Pro
Requires Compatible device with USB-C DisplayPort
Predecessor Xreal Air
Successor Xreal Air 2 Ultra
System
Operating System Works with Android, Windows, macOS, iOS (with adapter)
Chipset N/A (display glasses)
CPU N/A (display-only)
GPU N/A (display-only)
Storage
Storage N/A
Memory N/A
SD Card Slot No
Display
Display Dual Sony micro-OLED (0.55")
Subpixel Layout RGB stripe
Peak Brightness 500 nits (perceived)
Resolution 1920 × 1080 per eye (1080p)
Pixel Density 49 PPD
Refresh Rate 120Hz
Persistence Low persistence
Image
Field of View 46° diagonal
Horizontal FoV ~46°
Vertical FoV ~26°
Average Pixel Density 49 PPD
Peak Pixel Density 49 PPD
Foveated Rendering No
Optics
Optics Birdbath
Ocularity Binocular
IPD Range Fixed (~65mm)
Adjustable Diopter No (prescription inserts available)
Passthrough Native see-through (tinted)
Tracking
Tracking 3DoF (IMU only)
Tracking Frequency N/A
Base Stations None
Eye Tracking No
Face Tracking No
Hand Tracking No
Body Tracking No
Rotational Tracking Yes
Positional Tracking No
Update Rate 120Hz
Tracking Volume N/A
Play Space N/A (display glasses)
Latency <40ms
Audio
Audio Dual directional speakers (open-ear)
Microphone Yes (dual)
3.5mm Audio Jack No
Camera No
Connectivity
Connectivity USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode)
Ports USB-C
Wired Video Yes (USB-C DP)
Wireless Video No
WiFi No
Bluetooth No
Power USB-C powered (from host)
Battery Capacity N/A
Battery Life N/A (powered by host)
Charge Time N/A
Device
Dimensions 148 × 51.4 × 161mm (unfolded)
Weight 72g
Material Plastic, metal hinges
Headstrap None (glasses temples)
Haptics No
Color Black
Sensors IMU (accelerometer, gyroscope)
Input Host device controls
Compliance FCC, CE

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The Xreal Air 2 is a lightweight consumer augmented reality display glasses device developed by Xreal (formerly Nreal), announced in September 2023 and released in November 2023 at a price of $399. Representing the second generation of Xreal's Air line, the Air 2 features upgraded dual Sony micro-OLED displays at 1920 × 1080 per eye with a dramatically improved 120Hz refresh rate—double the original Air's 60Hz—in an even lighter 72-gram form factor. The displays are 21% smaller than the original (0.55" vs 0.68") while maintaining the same resolution, delivering an impressive 49 pixels per degree and an equivalent viewing experience of a 130-inch screen at 4 meters. While the Air 2 lacks the 6DoF spatial tracking of the earlier Nreal Light, focusing purely on display functionality, it appeals to users seeking a portable large-screen experience for entertainment, gaming, and productivity.

History and Development

Xreal Rebrand

Company evolution:

  • Nreal → Xreal (2023)
  • Global expansion
  • Consumer focus
  • Simplified product line

Original Xreal Air

First generation:

  • 2022 release
  • 60Hz displays
  • 79g weight
  • Strong market reception

Air 2 Announcement

September 2023 reveal:

  • 120Hz upgrade
  • Lighter weight
  • Improved displays
  • Same price point

November 2023 Launch

Commercial release:

  • $399 retail
  • Global availability
  • Positive reviews
  • Strong sales

Design Philosophy

Display-First

Pure viewing focus:

  • No spatial tracking
  • Maximum visual quality
  • Simple functionality
  • Universal compatibility

Ultra-Lightweight

Comfort priority:

  • 72 grams
  • Lighter than original
  • Extended wear comfort
  • Glasses-like feel

Universal Compatibility

Wide device support:

  • Android phones
  • iPhones (with adapter)
  • Steam Deck
  • Gaming handhelds
  • Laptops/PCs

Display Technology

Sony Micro-OLED

Premium panels:

  • Resolution: 1920 × 1080 per eye
  • Panel Size: 0.55" (21% smaller than Air 1)
  • Brightness: 500 nits perceived
  • PPI: 4,032 pixels per inch

120Hz Refresh Rate

Major upgrade:

  • Double original Air (60Hz)
  • Smoother motion
  • Better gaming
  • Reduced blur

Virtual Screen Size

Immersive viewing:

  • 130" equivalent at 4 meters
  • Theater-like experience
  • Adjustable sizing (Nebula)
  • Curved display option

Color Quality

Vibrant reproduction:

  • 108% sRGB coverage
  • 8-bit color depth
  • OLED contrast
  • True blacks

Field of View

46° Diagonal

Display window:

  • Adequate for content
  • Sharp imagery
  • Not peripheral vision
  • Entertainment focused

Pixel Density

High clarity:

  • 49 PPD (pixels per degree)
  • Excellent text legibility
  • Detail retention
  • Better than most VR

Optical System

Birdbath Optics

Reflective design:

  • Semi-transparent
  • Good image quality
  • Some light loss
  • Compact form

Tinted Lenses

See-through characteristics:

  • Environment visible
  • Light blocking available
  • Adjustable shields
  • Indoor/outdoor use

No Physical IPD

Fixed optics:

  • ~65mm IPD center
  • Works for most users
  • Software adjustments
  • May limit some users

Audio System

Open-Ear Speakers

Built-in audio:

  • Dual directional speakers
  • Improved from Air 1
  • Environmental awareness
  • Private listening area

Audio Quality

Entertainment adequate:

  • Better than predecessor
  • Spatial audio support
  • Video calling capable
  • Music playback

Dual Microphones

Communication features:

  • Video calls
  • Voice control
  • Clear capture
  • Noise awareness

Tracking Capabilities

3DoF Only

Basic tracking:

  • IMU-based (accelerometer, gyroscope)
  • Head rotation tracking
  • Screen stabilization
  • No positional tracking

No Spatial Mapping

Display focus:

  • No room tracking
  • No object anchoring
  • No AR experiences
  • Pure display device

Screen Lock Mode

Viewing options:

  • Head-locked display
  • Fixed in space (3DoF stabilization)
  • User preference
  • Application dependent

Physical Design

Ultra-Light Construction

Minimal weight:

  • 72g (without cable)
  • Cable adds ~31g
  • Comfortable extended wear
  • Lighter than Air 1 (79g)

Sunglasses Style

Wearable aesthetic:

  • Foldable design
  • Portable case included
  • Premium appearance
  • Social acceptability

Dimensions

Compact form:

  • 148 × 51.4 × 161mm (unfolded)
  • 148 × 51.4 × 56.4mm (folded)
  • Pocket portable
  • Travel friendly

Nose Pads

Fit options:

  • Multiple sizes included
  • Soft silicone
  • Adjustable fit
  • Comfort customization

Connectivity

USB-C DisplayPort

Connection requirements:

  • USB-C with DP Alt Mode
  • Single cable
  • Power from host
  • Video transmission

Device Compatibility

Wide support:

  • Android phones (many models)
  • iPhone 15+ (native)
  • Older iPhones (adapter)
  • Steam Deck
  • ROG Ally
  • Legion Go
  • MacBooks
  • Windows laptops

Beam Accessory

Optional enhancer:

  • Wireless streaming
  • Android TV interface
  • Independent power
  • Enhanced features

Software

Nebula App

Android experience:

  • Multiple virtual screens
  • AR Space mode
  • App launcher
  • Settings control

Display Modes

Viewing options:

  • Standard (130" at 4m)
  • Resizable screens
  • Curved display option
  • Multi-window (Nebula)

Platform Support

Operating systems:

  • Android (full Nebula)
  • Windows (display only)
  • macOS (display only)
  • iOS (display only)

Use Cases

Entertainment

Media viewing:

  • Streaming services
  • Movies and shows
  • YouTube/Twitch
  • Personal cinema

Gaming

Portable gaming display:

  • Steam Deck
  • ROG Ally
  • PS Remote Play
  • Cloud gaming

Productivity

Work applications:

  • Large display workspace
  • Video conferencing
  • Document review
  • Travel office

Travel

Portable entertainment:

  • Airplane viewing
  • Train commute
  • Hotel entertainment
  • Compact carrying

Xreal Air 2 Pro

Enhanced Version

Pro differences:

  • Same display specs
  • Electrochromic dimming
  • Three tint levels
  • $449 price

Electrochromic Feature

Adaptive tinting:

  • Button-controlled
  • Light → Medium → Dark
  • Environment adaptation
  • Unique technology

Comparison with Competitors

Feature Xreal Air 2 Rokid Max TCL Nxtwear S
Price $399 $439 $339
Resolution/eye 1920×1080 1920×1080 1920×1080
Refresh Rate 120Hz 120Hz 60Hz
FOV 46° 50° 47°
Weight 72g 75g 79g
Display Sony micro-OLED micro-OLED micro-OLED

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

  • Ultra-lightweight (72g)
  • 120Hz smooth display
  • High pixel density (49 PPD)
  • Wide device compatibility
  • Excellent portability
  • Premium Sony displays

Limitations

  • No 6DoF tracking
  • Fixed IPD
  • Tethered only (without Beam)
  • Limited FOV
  • Host device dependent
  • No native AR features

Technical Specifications Summary

Specification Details
Display Dual Sony micro-OLED, 1920 × 1080 per eye
Refresh Rate 120Hz
FOV 46° diagonal
PPD 49 pixels per degree
Virtual Screen 130" at 4m
Tracking 3DoF (IMU only)
Audio Dual directional speakers
Connection USB-C DisplayPort
Weight 72g
Price $399

See Also

References