Xreal 1S AR Glasses: The Specs Upgrade That Actually Makes Sense (And Costs Less)

AR glasses have been the tech world's "almost there" category for years. Every year, companies promise they're getting closer to the sci-fi dream. Most of the time? They're either too expensive, too bulky, or solving a problem nobody actually has.

Xreal's doing something different. The company just announced the Xreal 1S at CES 2026, and here's the thing that caught my attention: it's cheaper than last year's model while adding meaningful upgrades. At $449, these aren't impulse buys, but they're positioned right where a real consumer product needs to be.

I spent time with the 1S at CES, and honestly? They feel like what AR glasses should be at this price point. Not perfect. Not mind-blowing. But actually useful if you know what you're buying them for.

Let's break down what's changed, what stays the same, and whether they're worth your money.

What Exactly Are Xreal Glasses? (The Basics)

If you haven't encountered Xreal glasses before, here's the reality: they're not like Meta Ray-Ban glasses or Apple Vision Pro. They don't have built-in AI assistants listening to everything you say. They don't replace your phone entirely.

Instead, think of them as a portable second monitor that you wear on your face.

You tether them to a laptop, phone, or tablet via USB-C. They project a large, private screen directly in front of your eyes. Nobody else sees what you're looking at. The glasses themselves are sunglasses-shaped, relatively lightweight, and designed for extended wear without the fatigue that comes with heavier headsets.

They're built for two main use cases: immersive content consumption and adding screen real estate when you're on the go. A designer can extend their workspace. A gamer can play with a massive virtual display. Someone watching movies gets privacy plus that theater-like immersion.

The architecture is simple: glasses plus a cable plus whatever device you're using as the source. No complex ecosystem, no proprietary app store gatekeeping. That simplicity is part of the appeal.

Xreal's been iterating on this for years. The original Xreal One launched a couple years back. Then came the Xreal One Pro for people who wanted extras like eye-tracking and hand gestures. Now there's the 1S, which is cheaper and better specced than the original One. It's a logical progression, even if the incremental nature might feel underwhelming on paper.

Xreal 1S offers a competitive price at $449, significantly lower than Apple's Vision Pro and typical enterprise solutions, making it more accessible to enthusiasts and professionals.

The Hardware Upgrades: Resolution, Brightness, and Field of View

Let's start with what changed physically and optically. This is where the "S" designation comes into play.

Resolution bump from 1080p to 1200p Full HD: This is the headliner upgrade. On the original One, text could get slightly pixelated if you looked closely. With the 1S, text clarity improves noticeably. Not revolutionary, but meaningful if you're reading docs or code all day. The jump from 1080p to 1200p is roughly a 10% increase in pixel count, which translates to sharper visuals across the board.

Brightness increase from 600 to 700 nits: This matters more than people think. The original One at 600 nits was usable indoors, but in bright natural light or well-lit offices, the virtual screen could wash out. The extra 100 nits helps push past that glare ceiling. You still can't use them comfortably in direct sunlight like you can with high-end smartphones, but the improvement is tangible.

Field of view: 50 to 52 degrees: Two degrees doesn't sound like much. But in the context of AR displays, small adjustments compound. The wider field of view means less tunnel vision, more peripheral awareness. Combined with the aspect ratio shift from 16:9 to 16:10, the screen feels less cramped.

Aspect ratio from 16:9 to 16:10: This might seem niche, but it matters for actual productivity. Developers love 16:10 because it gives you more vertical space on screen without stretching content. Content creators, writers, and researchers benefit from the extra height too.

Refresh rate stays at 120 Hz: No change here, which is fine. 120 Hz is sufficient for smooth motion without inducing motion sickness, and pushing higher would drain battery or require more processing power.

Reinforced USB-C port: The original One had USB-C durability issues reported in some cases. The reinforced port addresses that directly. Small detail, big deal for longevity.

I wore the 1S for a few hours during my CES hands-on, and the resolution improvement was the most obvious change. Text is noticeably sharper. If you're someone who reads on these glasses for extended periods, you'll appreciate it immediately.

The brightness bump is subtler in a convention hall (which has controlled lighting), but I'd imagine it matters way more in real-world use. Coming from the original One, early adopters will notice the difference.

The Real 3D Feature: Converting 2D Content on the Fly

Here's the feature that Xreal is really pushing: Real 3D. And here's the honest take: it's impressive technologically, hit-or-miss in practice.

What is Real 3D? It's an AI-powered feature that takes any 2D video and converts it to 3D in real-time using the device's X1 spatial computing chip. You're not watching pre-recorded stereoscopic content. The glasses are analyzing the 2D feed and computationally generating a 3D version on the fly.

This is baked into the hardware, so you don't need special apps, proprietary players, or software downloads. You just enable it in settings and everything you watch becomes 3D-ified. You Tube, Netflix, your Plex server, streaming apps—it all works.

I tested this on Mario Kart with Nintendo Switch 2. The track geometry had depth. There was a clear separation between foreground and background elements. It wasn't the immersion of native 3D gaming, but there was definitely added dimensionality.

On You Tube videos, the results were more mixed. A panoramic nature video looked genuinely impressive with the 3D effect. It added a sense of scale and space. Watching K-pop performances? The 3D upscaling created some uncanny artifacts in rapid choreography. The motion tracking would occasionally fail on quick movements, producing visual glitches.

Car videos worked well. Static or slow-panning content worked better than fast cuts or rapid motion.

The bigger picture: this feature is convenient and legitimately useful for certain content categories. But it's not magic. The algorithm can't generate information that wasn't in the original 2D feed, so upscaling has limits. Watching 2D Netflix shows with Real 3D enabled is a novelty, not a game-changer.

One thing I didn't experience: motion sickness. But I was watching in short bursts. Long 3D viewing sessions? That's a legitimate concern. If you get queasy with VR or 3D movies, extended use of Real 3D could be uncomfortable. Worth testing before committing to hours of content.

For gaming and panoramic content, it adds value. For regular streaming? It's a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have.

The Xreal 1S offers improved resolution, brightness, and field of view over the Xreal One, while also being more affordable by $50.

Pricing Strategy: Why $50 Less Actually Matters

Xreal dropped the price from the original One's

In isolation, that doesn't sound revolutionary. But in the context of AR glasses, it's significant. Here's why: you're getting more hardware at a lower price. That's the opposite of the usual tech trajectory.

The original One launched at $499. Most people thinking about buying AR glasses are already committed to the concept. They understand the use case. They're not casual buyers.

By dropping the 1S to

Compare to Apple Vision Pro (starting at

There's also psychological pricing at play.

The price-to-feature ratio here is actually solid. You're getting:

• Higher resolution than last year
• Brighter display
• Wider field of view
• Newer spatial computing (Real 3D support)
• Optional eye-tracking via the removable Eye camera
• Better durability (reinforced USB-C)

All for $50 less. That's good positioning.

The Removable Eye Camera: Optional, Not Essential

One detail that's easy to overlook: the 1S supports Xreal's modular Eye camera, and it's completely optional.

What does it do? Lets you take first-person photos and video. Records your POV perspective. Enables eye-tracking for certain apps and games.

But here's the thing: it's not baked into the default experience. You can buy the glasses without it and add it later. Or skip it entirely if you don't need eye-tracking or POV recording.

This modular approach is smart product design. It keeps the base price low while offering flexibility for people who want more features.

Eye-tracking on AR glasses is useful for gaming, accessibility features, and certain productivity apps. But it's not a necessity for basic display functionality.

If you're buying the 1S primarily as a portable screen for work or gaming, the Eye camera is optional. If you want full feature parity with the One Pro, you'll want to add it.

The Design Question: Do They Look Weird in Public?

Let's be honest: AR glasses look like AR glasses. They don't blend into normal eyewear.

Xreal's design language is more refined than some competitors. The 1S maintains the sunglasses aesthetic, which is better than a bulky headset. They're relatively lightweight and sit normally on your face.

But yes, they're noticeable. Someone watching you will know you're wearing tech glasses. You're not fooling anyone.

In a business setting, conference, or creative workspace, they look intentional. You're clearly using them for work. In a coffee shop? You'll get looks.

The reinforced design on the 1S means they're more durable for daily wear, but the visual presence doesn't change. You're making a statement by wearing them, intentionally or not.

If public perception matters for your use case, that's worth considering. If you're wearing them in an office or at home, nobody cares.

The 1S model shows a 10% resolution increase, 16.7% brightness boost, and a slight 4% field of view expansion over the original One, enhancing visual clarity and usability.

Performance in Real-World Scenarios

I tested the 1S across different contexts during my hands-on time. Here's what worked, what didn't, and what surprised me.

Gaming: The 1S shine here. The higher resolution makes UI text readable. Real 3D conversion added depth to Mario Kart, though native 3D would obviously be better. For turn-based games or slower-paced titles, the experience is excellent. For fast-action games requiring precise aim, the slightly lower resolution compared to PC monitors is noticeable, but not a dealbreaker.

Content consumption: Watching You Tube or Netflix is genuinely nice through the 1S. You get a private theater experience. Real 3D adds novelty for certain content, but isn't essential.

Productivity: This is where AR glasses get tricky. The 1S as a second monitor works, but you're limited by the resolution and field of view. Coding? Doable. Reading docs? Fine. Complex spreadsheets? You're squinting at small numbers. Laptop + external monitor is still better for all-day desk work.

Motion sickness: In my few hours of testing, I didn't experience motion sickness. But everyone's different. The Real 3D conversion is where this becomes a factor. If you're prone to VR sickness, this is worth testing before buying.

Comparison to Previous Models

Xreal currently offers three main options: the original One, the One Pro, and now the 1S.

Xreal One ($499, being phased out): Original model. 1080p, 600 nits, 50-degree FOV. It works fine, but the 1S improvements are noticeable.

Xreal One Pro ($699): Includes eye-tracking and hand gesture recognition built in. Higher-end positioning. If you want full eye-tracking without buying the Eye camera separately, this is it.

Xreal 1S ($449): New baseline. Better specs than the original One, but cheaper. Eye-tracking is optional via the removable Eye camera.

For most people evaluating a purchase in 2026, the 1S is the smart choice. You get the latest specs at the lowest price. The One Pro makes sense only if you specifically want integrated eye-tracking and are willing to pay the premium.

The Travel Case and Durability

Small details matter. The 1S comes with a new travel case, and it's genuinely better than the original One's case.

It's designed to protect the glasses during transit without adding bulk. The reinforced USB-C port reduces durability concerns that plagued earlier iterations.

If you're carrying these around regularly, durability matters. The improved port and case suggest Xreal learned from user feedback and addressed pain points.

Durability isn't flashy, but it's one of the reasons the 1S feels like a mature product iteration rather than just a spec bump.

The Xreal 1S offers the latest specs at the lowest price, making it the best choice for new buyers. The One Pro is ideal for those needing integrated eye-tracking.

Real 3D's Technical Limitations

Converting 2D to 3D on the fly is impressive, but it's not magic. Here's what the algorithm can and can't do.

What works: Static or slowly panning content, wide shots, depth-heavy scenes, panoramic video. The algorithm analyzes depth cues in the 2D image (shadows, perspective, overlap) and generates plausible 3D depth information.

What doesn't: Fast cuts, rapid motion, close-ups with ambiguous depth, layered text on video. When motion is fast, the algorithm struggles to track which objects are which between frames.

The technical reality is that 2D-to-3D conversion is fundamentally limited. You can't extract depth information that wasn't implied in the original. For content shot with 3D in mind, native stereoscopic recording is always superior.

But for convenience—just enabling 3D and watching anything—the Real 3D feature is legitimately useful for gamers and certain content types.

Battery Life and Thermal Considerations

The 1S draws power via USB-C from your source device. No onboard battery. This has trade-offs.

Upside: No charging cycles to manage. No battery degradation over years. The glasses themselves stay lightweight.

Downside: You're tethered via cable to whatever device powers you. On a phone, that drains the phone's battery while you're using the glasses. On a laptop, you lose one USB-C port.

For sustained use, this isn't ideal. You'll want to be near power or willing to charge your source device.

Thermal-wise, the X1 spatial computing chip running Real 3D conversion will generate some heat, but nothing excessive. Xreal's thermal design handles it reasonably well based on my testing.

Software Updates and Future-Proofing

One Pro owners are getting Real 3D via a software update. That's good product stewardship.

Xreal's ecosystem has been relatively stable. They're developing Project Aura with Google, which suggests long-term commitment to the platform. Software updates have been regular but not dramatic.

What does this mean for 1S owners? Your glasses will likely get meaningful feature updates over the next few years. You're not trapped in a dead-end ecosystem.

The Xreal 1S offers improved resolution and brightness over the Xreal One, making it a better choice for first-time AR glasses buyers. Estimated data.

Competitive Landscape in 2026

How do the 1S stack up against other AR glasses options?

Ray-Ban Meta glasses ($299): Cheaper, but they're AI glasses without a display. Different product category entirely. If you want a visible display for immersive content, the 1S are ahead.

Apple Vision Pro ($3,499): Overkill for most people, but superior spatial computing and integration with Apple ecosystem. Not really competitive at this price point.

Nreal Air (various iterations): Older technology, being phased out in favor of the 1S.

Generic Android AR glasses: Various options at different price points, but most lack the polish and software maturity of Xreal's offering.

In the space of "display-focused AR glasses at an accessible price," the 1S have minimal real competition. That's either a market opportunity or a market that doesn't exist yet. Based on sales trends, early adopters are finding value here.

Who Should Buy the Xreal 1S

Let me be direct: these aren't for everyone.

Good fit: Gamers who want immersive play on the go. Developers who'd benefit from a portable second monitor. Content creators wanting a private viewing setup. Anyone with specific use cases where a portable display adds value.

Bad fit: People thinking this will replace their monitor. Anyone sensitive to motion sickness or discomfort from displays. People who don't want visible tech on their face in public.

Conditional fit: Professionals considering them as a productivity tool. They work, but a laptop plus external monitor is still better for all-day desk work.

The 1S are niche but legitimately useful in their niche. Don't buy them expecting them to revolutionize how you work. Buy them if you have a specific problem they solve.

The $449 Question: Is It Worth It?

I'll be honest: I wouldn't upgrade from the original Xreal One to the 1S. The bumps in resolution and brightness are nice, but not transformative. The $50 savings is marketing, not a real incentive to replace working hardware.

But for someone considering AR glasses for the first time? The 1S are the right entry point. You're getting solid specs at a reasonable price. The Real 3D feature adds value even if it's imperfect. The design is proven. The software is mature enough to work without constant tinkering.

At $449, you're paying for a niche but functional product. You're not getting consumer-mainstream convenience. You're getting specialized hardware that solves specific problems well.

That's a fair trade.

Looking Forward: Project Aura and the Bigger Picture

Xreal is also developing Project Aura with Google, which suggests the company is thinking beyond the current iteration. That project aims to be lighter, more integrated, and more consumer-friendly than the current modular approach.

But that's future talk. Right now, the 1S exist in the present market. They're available. They work. They've been tested and refined through iterations.

Project Aura might be better. Project Aura might also launch in 2027 or 2028. The 1S are here now.

Hands-On Takeaways from CES 2026

Spending a few hours with the 1S left me with clear impressions:

What impressed me: Build quality feels solid. The resolution bump is noticeable. Real 3D is a clever feature, even if imperfect. The modular approach to optional hardware is smart. The price point is competitive.

What underwhelmed me: Not revolutionary compared to the One. Motion sickness potential exists for sensitive viewers. They're still visibly tech, not discrete eyewear. Productivity gains compared to traditional setups are limited.

Overall: This is a mature iteration of a niche product. Not groundbreaking, but competent and reasonably priced.

The Broader AR Glasses Market

The Xreal 1S don't exist in isolation. They're part of a larger market still figuring out what AR glasses should be.

The original promise of AR was ubiquitous, always-on computing on your face. That's still years away, if it's even achievable.

Meanwhile, products like the 1S occupy the middle ground: optional, useful in specific scenarios, not replacing anything fundamental about how we work or live.

That's okay. Markets start niche before scaling mainstream. The smartphone market didn't explode until it solved real problems for enough people. AR glasses are still in the "solving problems for early adopters" phase.

The 1S advance the category incrementally. They're not the revolution. But they're solid execution in the current market.

Accessories and Ecosystem Considerations

Xreal offers various accessories: different frames, prescription lenses, carrying cases. The ecosystem is more mature than some competitors.

Prescription lens support is huge for people who wear glasses. You can get the 1S with your actual prescription built in. That's thoughtful product design.

The modular Eye camera ecosystem is growing. More apps are supporting eye-tracking features. More developers are optimizing for the Xreal platform.

It's not a sprawling ecosystem like smartphone markets, but it's functional and growing.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Xreal 1S?

If you've been considering AR glasses and wondering what the current best option is at a reasonable price: the Xreal 1S are it.

They're $449. They're available starting today. They have better specs than previous iterations. They add a clever (if imperfect) 3D conversion feature. The design is proven through iterations.

They won't revolutionize how you work. They won't replace your monitor or laptop. They're not mainstream consumer tech.

But if you have a use case where portable, private immersive displays add value, they're genuinely useful.

That's the honest take. Not hype, not dismissal. Just realistic assessment of what these glasses actually are and what they're good for.

FAQ

What are Xreal 1S glasses and how are they different from regular AR glasses?

The Xreal 1S are entry-level AR glasses that project a large, private display in front of your eyes while connecting to your laptop, phone, or tablet via USB-C. Unlike traditional AR glasses with cameras and AI assistants, they're optimized for immersive content viewing and productivity. The 1S specifically improves resolution from 1080p to 1200p Full HD, increases brightness from 600 to 700 nits, expands the field of view from 50 to 52 degrees, and adds Real 3D conversion that transforms 2D videos to 3D on the fly using the device's X1 spatial computing chip.

How does the Real 3D conversion feature work on the Xreal 1S?

Real 3D uses AI-powered algorithms running on the device's onboard X1 spatial computing chip to analyze 2D video frames and generate depth information in real-time, creating a stereoscopic 3D viewing experience without requiring pre-recorded 3D content or special apps. The feature works best with panoramic views, slowly-panning content, and depth-heavy scenes, but can struggle with fast-cut sequences or rapid motion. It's available across You Tube, Netflix, streaming apps, and gaming platforms simply by enabling it in settings, though the quality of the 3D effect varies depending on the content type.

What are the main hardware improvements in the Xreal 1S compared to the Xreal One?

The Xreal 1S delivers several meaningful upgrades: the resolution increases from 1080p to 1200p Full HD for sharper text and visuals, brightness jumps from 600 to 700 nits for better visibility in bright environments, the field of view expands from 50 to 52 degrees reducing tunnel vision, the aspect ratio shifts from 16:9 to 16:10 providing more vertical screen space, and the USB-C port is reinforced for improved durability. Most importantly, the 1S costs

Is the optional Eye camera worth buying for the Xreal 1S?

The Eye camera is entirely optional and depends on your use case. It enables first-person POV recording, eye-tracking for compatible apps and games, and accessibility features. If you're buying the 1S primarily as a portable display for productivity or content consumption, you don't need it. If you want full eye-tracking support or plan to record first-person video, the $100 add-on is worthwhile. You can always add it later once you understand how you'll actually use the glasses.

Will the Xreal 1S cause motion sickness during extended use?

Motion sickness risk depends on individual sensitivity and content type. The Real 3D conversion feature, which creates synthetic 3D depth, is most likely to cause discomfort during long viewing sessions or with fast-moving content because the algorithm can create visual artifacts or depth inconsistencies that trigger vestibular responses. Short bursts of 3D content are generally safe, but if you're prone to motion sickness with VR or 3D movies, extended use of Real 3D could be uncomfortable. Testing with a friend's pair or during hands-on demos is strongly recommended before purchasing.

How do Xreal 1S glasses connect to devices and what's the battery situation?

The Xreal 1S connect via USB-C cable to laptops, phones, tablets, or other compatible devices. The glasses themselves have no onboard battery, drawing all power from the source device via the USB-C connection. This means your phone's battery will drain faster while wearing the glasses, and you'll lose one USB-C port on your laptop. The advantage is that you never need to charge the glasses themselves and they stay lightweight, but the disadvantage is you're tethered via cable and dependent on your source device's power.

Can the Xreal 1S work with prescription lenses or vision corrections?

Yes, Xreal offers prescription lens support for the 1S, allowing you to get your actual prescription built into the glasses rather than wearing contacts or layering glasses underneath. This is a significant feature for people who wear glasses, making the AR experience more comfortable for all-day use. You'll need to specify your prescription during purchase, and the option adds to the overall cost but ensures visual clarity without additional accessories.

What's the difference between Xreal 1S and Xreal One Pro?

The Xreal One Pro (

How does the Xreal 1S handle gaming and content consumption compared to traditional displays?

The Xreal 1S excel at immersive gaming and private content viewing, offering a theater-like experience with a large virtual display. The Real 3D conversion adds depth to games and panoramic video content, though it's not as refined as native 3D titles. However, for fast-action games requiring precise aim, the 1200p resolution is lower than desktop monitors, making detailed UI elements slightly harder to read at a distance. For content consumption like movies and shows, the privacy and immersive field of view are the main advantages over traditional displays, making them particularly appealing for portable use or shared living spaces.

Will Xreal continue supporting the 1S with software updates and new features?

Xreal has demonstrated commitment to software support by releasing Real 3D as an update to the older One Pro model, suggesting they actively maintain their product line. The company is also developing Project Aura with Google, indicating long-term vision for the AR glasses category. Based on their track record, the 1S can expect meaningful software updates over the next few years. However, like all niche tech products, support longevity depends on market success and the company's financial health, so it's wise to evaluate the manufacturer's historical commitment to software updates before buying.

What's the realistic price-to-value proposition of the Xreal 1S at $449?

At $449, the Xreal 1S offer genuine value for early adopters with specific use cases: developers wanting a portable second monitor, gamers seeking immersive play on the go, and content creators needing private viewing setups. The Real 3D feature, improved specs over previous models, and competitive pricing at the entry-level AR glasses segment justify the investment. However, they won't replace traditional monitors or laptops for productivity, aren't discrete enough for casual public use, and require a compatible source device. Value depends entirely on whether you have a problem they solve—if you do, they're worth the price; if not, they're luxury tech you don't need.

Conclusion: AR Glasses for the Early Adopter

The Xreal 1S aren't revolutionary. They're not going to make you forget about your laptop or phone. They're not going to look inconspicuous when you wear them in public.

But they're competent, thoughtfully designed, and priced appropriately for what they deliver.

In a market that's still figuring out what AR glasses should be, the 1S represent solid execution. Incremental improvements. A product that's learned from earlier iterations and applied those lessons.

At $449, they're accessible enough for enthusiasts who've been waiting for the right entry point. They're affordable enough to justify for people with specific use cases.

If you've been on the fence about AR glasses, wondering whether they're actually useful or just expensive novelty hardware, the 1S make a reasonable argument for the former. They work. They have clear use cases. They're available now.

That's the reality of consumer tech in 2026. Not every product needs to be revolutionary. Sometimes, competent execution at the right price point is enough.

The Xreal 1S are available starting today for $449. If that resonates with your needs, they're worth trying.

Key Takeaways

• Xreal 1S improves resolution from 1080p to 1200p Full HD while dropping price to $449, making it the current entry-level AR glasses leader
• Real 3D conversion using the X1 spatial computing chip transforms 2D video to 3D in real-time, with best results on panoramic and gaming content
• Hardware upgrades include brightness increase from 600 to 700 nits, wider 52-degree field of view, and reinforced USB-C port for better durability
• Modular Eye camera is entirely optional at $100, keeping base price accessible while preserving eye-tracking capability for those who want it
• AR glasses remain niche products best suited for specific use cases: gaming, immersive content, and portable second monitors, not everyday consumer tech

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