XREAL 1S Review: The Sharpest AR Glasses With One Big Problem

What the XREAL 1S is

The XREAL 1S is a tethered AR display rather than a self-contained VR headset or computer. There are no batteries inside the glasses, and they rely on a cable connection to a compatible USB-C device. The glasses then project a large virtual screen in front of the wearer.

The display can be used with phones, laptops, handheld gaming devices and, with the appropriate adapter, a Nintendo Switch. This makes the XREAL 1S more like a wearable monitor than a complete spatial computing system, although it includes features that make it more capable than a basic screen.

Display quality and field of view

Display clarity is the strongest part of the XREAL 1S. The 1200p OLED image makes text readable, while films and games look crisp. The OLED panel also provides a rich, punchy appearance. The glasses support refresh rates of up to 120Hz and have a stated peak brightness of 700 nits.

The main drawback is the 52-degree field of view. Although the image itself is sharp, it does not fill the wearer’s vision like an IMAX screen. Instead, it appears as a clear floating display viewed through a relatively narrow window. The review notes that the XREAL 1 Pro may make more sense for people who want a wider field of view and more screen real estate.

Spatial screen locking and 3D

The X1 chip handles spatial tracking on the glasses. This allows the virtual screen to remain fixed in a position when the wearer turns their head, rather than simply following the head like a conventional wearable display. Gentle head movements work well, although quick movements can briefly reduce the image’s sharpness.

This feature is useful for watching content or gaming while seated. It is less suited to situations where the wearer is moving around continuously. The glasses also include a 3D feature that can make ordinary content appear more dimensional. The effect worked better than expected in the review, although it was not always perfect and caused some additional eye strain.

Comfort, dimming and audio

The glasses were comfortable to wear during testing, without causing sickness or headaches. Because they are not fully enclosed VR goggles, the wearer remains connected to the surrounding environment. However, the frame can become warm around the forehead during longer use.

Electrochromatic dimming helps make the virtual screen easier to see in brighter surroundings. The lenses are already somewhat dark for viewing the real world through the glasses, so the pass-through effect is usable but not completely transparent.

The built-in Bose-tuned open-ear audio is clear and fuller than expected. It is suitable for films, YouTube and casual gaming at home. In public places such as planes, buses and trains, the sound is not private, so earbuds or headphones may still be preferable.

Everyday use and limitations

The USB-C connection makes the XREAL 1S flexible, and the simple setup is one of its strengths: connect the cable, put on the glasses and use the virtual display. However, the adjustment controls for screen position, size, distance, brightness and display modes were not always intuitive during the review. There is no companion app, and some settings did not produce an obvious difference.

The broader limitation is use case. The glasses may suit people who travel frequently and want a private, large virtual screen for media or seated gaming. For people without that need, the reviewer suggests the glasses could become an unused purchase after the initial novelty fades.