Xreal is expanding its AR lineup with a new sub-brand, X by Xreal (also referred to as XBX). The company clearly positions the first product — the a01 — as a more accessible entry point into wearable display tech.
At $299, the a01 undercuts Xreal’s earlier 1S glasses while still delivering the core experience. It offers a lightweight pair of AR glasses that take video input from external devices like a smartphone or Steam Deck. These glasses then project it onto a virtual screen in front of the user, effectively creating a portable display that simulates a large-screen viewing experience without a physical panel.
The hardware has been noticeably slimmed down. Xreal says the a01 weighs around 62g, roughly 20g lighter than the 1S model, achieved through a nylon-based frame and thinner optics. On paper, that makes it more comfortable for longer sessions, and it’s easier to treat as an everyday carry device rather than a niche accessory.
Visually, the system still relies on a 1,600-nit HDR10 display with electrochromic dimming. This means it can adapt to different lighting conditions while maintaining visibility. However, there is a clear trade-off: the field of view has been reduced to 50 degrees, much narrower than Xreal’s higher-end models. That limits immersion slightly, but still translates into what Xreal describes as a virtual 147-inch screen experience.
One of the more interesting additions is modularity in the physical design. The front frames are interchangeable, allowing users to customise the look of the glasses. This is a small but notable shift towards making AR wearables feel less like specialist tech and more like personal accessories.
In use, the a01 remains dependent on external hardware for content, meaning it doesn’t operate as a standalone AR device. That keeps costs down but also reinforces its role as a companion display rather than a full mixed-reality system.
All in all, the a01 looks less like a technical breakthrough and more like a simplification of Xreal’s formula, trading some visual range and premium materials for a lighter build and a much lower entry price.
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