Xreal has introduced a more economical version of its popular augmented reality eyewear, the A01 Plus, priced at $299. This model, while offering fewer functionalities than the more expensive 1S, retains many of its predecessor's core strengths. Designed for comfort and portability, these glasses boast remarkably bright and contrast-rich displays for their price point, making them an attractive option for tech enthusiasts.
Xreal A01 Plus: A Detailed Review
Unveiled on July 10, 2026, the Xreal A01 Plus AR glasses represent a deliberate move by the company to make augmented reality more accessible. Weighing a mere 62 grams, they are significantly lighter than the 1S model (over 20 grams less), contributing to a more comfortable wearing experience. However, this weight reduction comes at the cost of a somewhat less sturdy frame, requiring users to handle them with care, especially when adjusting the temple arms to align the micro OLED panels and birdbath optics.
A notable aspect of the A01 Plus is its customization. The glasses come with a modular shell that features tinted lenses, which can be interchanged with other covers, including future 3D-printed designs. Although detaching these shells requires a delicate touch, the added light-blocking covers are particularly effective, surpassing even the more expensive 1S in preventing external light from interfering with the viewing experience. This feature makes the A01 Plus surprisingly effective for outdoor use, a common challenge for AR devices.
While the A01 Plus maintains a 1080p resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, initial experiences with clarity can be mixed. Users, including the reviewer, found that adding prescription lenses (approximately $50) significantly improved visual sharpness. The glasses support an interpupillary distance (IPD) range of 54.5mm to 74.5mm, but individual needs for corrective lenses might vary.
Some trade-offs were made to achieve the lower price point. The A01 Plus lacks three degrees of freedom, a feature that anchors the virtual screen in place. Instead, it offers a stabilization function akin to a gimbal, which helps reduce unwanted screen movement but can introduce a slight jitter with text. Furthermore, the audio quality, while adequate, doesn't match the volume or richness of the 1S, particularly in the low and mid-ranges. Peculiarly, the A01 Plus also omits on-glasses volume controls and limits the display size to a fixed 147-inch equivalent (with a 50-degree field of view), unlike other models that allow for adjustable screen dimensions. These omissions, especially the lack of screen size adjustment, seem counterintuitive given the overall user experience.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the A01 Plus glasses stand out as an excellent choice for individuals looking for an entry-level AR experience without a hefty investment. Their ability to seamlessly mirror content from gaming devices like the Steam Deck, as well as movies and computer screens, coupled with bright displays and a lightweight design, makes them a compelling option for first-time buyers. The comprehensive package offered for under $300, even factoring in potential costs for prescription inserts, represents significant value in the evolving AR market.
The Xreal A01 Plus augmented reality glasses are a testament to how accessible AR technology is becoming. While they may not boast every premium feature of their higher-priced counterparts, their solid performance in essential areas—such as display quality, comfort, and effective light blocking—makes them an excellent value proposition. This product lowers the barrier to entry for many, allowing a broader audience to experience the benefits of augmented reality for entertainment and productivity. It's a smart move that could pave the way for wider adoption of AR in daily life.
