XREAL 1S: Enjoy a 500-Inch Cinema Experience in Your Pocket

The launch of the XREAL 1S promises to revolutionize portable entertainment by delivering a cinematic display of up to 500 inches in a pair of lightweight glasses. Priced at $449, the XREAL 1S is the successor to the XREAL One, which debuted in December 2024. This innovative device not only enhances the features of its predecessor but also reduces the cost, making advanced augmented reality (AR) technology more accessible.

The XREAL 1S weighs just 82 grams, slightly lighter than the previous model’s 84 grams, and significantly lighter than competitors like the Meta RayBan Gen 2. This reduction in weight contributes to its comfortable design, allowing users to wear the glasses for extended periods without discomfort.

Features and Performance

The XREAL 1S offers several notable upgrades, including an improved 16:10 aspect ratio and an enhanced 1200p resolution. While some might wish for a 4K option, the current specifications balance performance with battery conservation, ensuring that the device remains cool and functional during use. The glasses feature a maximum brightness of 700 nits, which is adequate for most viewing environments.

Setup is refreshingly straightforward, requiring no dedicated app. Users simply plug the glasses into their device using USB-C, making it compatible with a wide array of smartphones, laptops, and televisions. However, potential buyers should note that the Nintendo Switch 2 does not support video output over USB-C, necessitating an additional purchase of the XREAL Neo accessory for $99 to enable compatibility.

In terms of audio, the XREAL 1S features speakers tuned by Bose, providing a rich sound experience. The sound quality is impressive, although the speakers are not private, meaning that others nearby can hear the audio. Users seeking custom sound profiles may find the lack of fine-tuning options a drawback.

Comfort and Usability

Designed for long-term wear, the XREAL 1S is surprisingly comfortable. After testing the glasses for over two hours during a basketball game, the user reported no discomfort, a significant improvement over other smart glasses on the market. The weight is distributed evenly across the frame, which contributes to this comfort.

Although the glasses maintain a unique appearance, they do not resemble traditional eyewear, which may deter some users. However, the blue color option has received positive feedback for its aesthetics.

The inclusion of REAL 3D technology is another standout feature, converting standard content into a three-dimensional experience. While this feature does reduce the frame rate from 60fps to 30fps and may introduce some jitter, it offers an engaging perspective for video and gaming content.

For those needing prescription lenses, XREAL has partnered with HONSVR, a company specializing in prescription lenses for AR and VR products. Users can order lenses from XREAL’s website, generally receiving them within a week, with prices around $65 including taxes.

Purchasing the XREAL 1S is recommended for anyone looking to enhance their mobile entertainment experience. However, gamers may want to consider waiting for the upcoming XREAL R1, designed in collaboration with ASUS, which is expected to feature more advanced specifications, including a 240Hz refresh rate.

Overall, the XREAL 1S stands out as an innovative product in the realm of augmented reality, providing a blend of impressive features and user-friendly design at a competitive price.