If you thought smart glasses were dead following the failure of Google Glass, you’re not alone. However, thanks to the efforts from Snap and Meta, we’re seeing a resurgence in their popularity. This year at CES 2026, XREAL has announced its latest pair of smart glasses. They come in the form of the XREAL 1S, which not only boasts pretty decent hardware, but it is cheaper than its predecessor too.
Meaningful upgrades
The XREAL 1S packs some meaningful improvements over the original XREAL One glasses. The biggest upgrade is the display, which now features 1200p Full HD Micro-OLED panels instead of the previous 1080p resolution. The wearable can now project a virtual display that can reach up to 500-inches. The glasses are also relatively lightweight at just 84 grams. It is light enough to wear for extended periods.
The FOV (field of view) has also been increased from 50 degrees to 52 degrees, and brightness jumped from 600 nits to 700 nits. The XREAL 1S is also keeping the smooth 120Hz refresh rate with just 3ms of latency, so any lag should be imperceptible.
One of the coolest features is the 2D to 3D conversion powered by the X1 chip. You can turn any YouTube video, movie, or game into a 3D experience with just a toggle. This means you don’t have to download special apps or content. It works with whatever you’re watching, making your gaming sessions more immersive.
If you don’t plan to use the glasses with a separate headset or speakers, don’t worry, XREAL’s got you covered. The glasses also feature Sound by Bose audio, so you get spatial sound without needing separate earbuds.
A better pricing
The company’s latest pair of smart glasses retails for $449. This is $50 cheaper than the original XREAL One’s $499 price tag. That’s a great deal considering you’re getting better displays and improved features.
The optional XREAL Neo hub is available for $99 if you order before February 4, 2026. After that, the price increases to $119. The Neo hub offers expanded functionality. This includes a built-in 10,000mAh battery to keep your devices charged while using the glasses. Users can also directly connect their Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck consoles. Lastly, the hub can also upscale Switch games from 720p to 1080p at 120Hz, and Steam Deck games can hit 1200p at 120Hz.
The Neo hub is expected to ship in February 2026. So, if you’ve been curious about AR glasses but didn’t want to spend a fortune, the XREAL 1S could be a good way to dip your toes in the water.
