The mixed reality glasses offer display upgrades ahead of the Project Aura launch
Xreal has officially launched the 1S mixed reality display glasses, delivering a more capable version at a lower price point than previous models.
Like the Xreal 1 and 1 Pro before it, the 1S is designed to be the ultimate virtual monitor. It connects to smartphones, laptops, and gaming handhelds to project a massive virtual screen in front of the user’s eyes.
While the form factor is virtually unchanged from those of other first-gen glasses, the internal specs have received a significant bump.
The resolution has increased to 1200p (up from 1080p), and the peak brightness now hits 700 nits, addressing one of the biggest complaints about previous models: usability in bright rooms. The field of view has also been widened to 52 degrees, with a new 16:10 aspect ratio that feels much more natural for productivity tasks.
Crucially, Xreal has improved the specs while lowering the price. The 1S launches at $449, undercutting the original model’s launch price. The company also introduced the Xreal Neo ($99), a 10,000 mAh power bank with a built-in DisplayPort hub for use alongside, which should help solve solving the connectivity issues that have plagued Nintendo Switch owners.
The Wareable view
The backdrop to Xreal’s mid-cycle update here is that the brand’s Android XR collaboration with Google—Project Aura—is also set to arrive in 2026. With those glasses likely steal the headlines, though, Xreal is smart to release the 1S now and top up its core audience.
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While full Android XR glasses and headsets will undoubtedly offer greater mass-market appeal, early versions are also likely to be expensive and more battery-intensive. In the meantime, devices like the 1S can serve as an affordable way to get a giant screen on a plane or in a hotel room.
By lowering prices and fixing brightness issues, Xreal is cementing its dominance with this latest iteration. Where it goes next, however, remains to be seen.
