Xreal Air 2
| 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 |