Xreal's AR Glasses Revolution: A Spec Boost and 3D Magic!
The world of augmented reality just got a little more exciting! At CES 2026, Xreal unveiled an enhanced and more budget-friendly version of their entry-level AR glasses, the Xreal 1S, priced at $449. But here's the real game-changer: it can convert 2D videos to 3D without any additional software or apps!
Visually, the Xreal 1S might remind you of its predecessors, the Xreal One and One Pro, or even the upcoming Project Aura glasses, a collaboration with Google. However, the 1S boasts some impressive hardware upgrades. The resolution jumps to 1200p Full HD, brightness increases to 700 nits, and the field of view expands to 52 degrees. The aspect ratio now stands at 16:10, and the maximum refresh rate remains an impressive 120Hz. Plus, a reinforced USB-C port and a new travel case sweeten the deal.
Xreal has carved a niche for itself in the AR market with its unique approach. Unlike AI glasses that prioritize cameras and assistants, Xreal's glasses are all about providing an immersive screen experience. Imagine having a private, portable cinema or an extra monitor, all in the form of stylish sunglasses. And with the 1S, you can even attach the Eye camera for POV photos and videos.
But the star of the show is the Real 3D feature. It transforms any 2D video into 3D using the X1 spatial computing chip. I had the chance to test this while playing Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch 2 and watching YouTube videos. The 3D effect added depth to the gaming experience, and for certain types of videos, it was a fun surprise. However, it's not always a perfect conversion, as I discovered with some K-pop performances.
The beauty of this feature is its simplicity. You don't need any extra tools; just enable the 3D effect in settings and enjoy 3D content on YouTube, Netflix, or your Plex server. Motion sickness sufferers, take note: while I didn't experience any issues during my short testing sessions, longer viewing periods might be a different story.
Should you upgrade from the Xreal One? Well, the improved resolution is a plus, but it might not be a significant enough upgrade for casual users. And the 2D-to-3D conversion, while convenient, has its limitations. Nevertheless, the Xreal 1S strikes a great balance between price, features, and functionality in the portable immersive screen market.
The Xreal 1S is available now, ready to transport you to a new dimension of entertainment!
