XREAL announced its lower-cost xbx sub-brand earlier this year, and its first product is now available in the U.S. The xbx a01+ costs $299 through XREAL’s online store, putting it below the company’s more expensive AR glasses.
The a01+ is mainly built for watching videos, playing games, or using a laptop on a large virtual screen. It connects to compatible phones, handheld consoles, and computers over USB-C, so it works more like a wearable display than a standalone headset.
What does the a01+ actually offer?
The glasses use dual-layer Micro-OLED displays running at up to 120Hz, along with HDR10 support and peak brightness of 1,600 nits. XREAL says the 50-degree field of view produces an image comparable to a 147-inch screen viewed from four metres away.
They weigh 62 grams, partly because there is no built-in camera or battery. Rather, it borrows power from a companion device you choose to hook it to, like an iPhone. XREAL has also included software-based image stabilisation to keep the picture steadier during flights, train journeys, and other movement. The interchangeable front frames add some visual customisation, and users can also create their own accessories through 3D printing. Audio comes through built-in speakers with separate modes for movies, spatial sound, lower leakage, and general listening.
Who are these glasses for?
The a01+ makes the most sense for commuters, frequent flyers, handheld gamers, and anyone who wants a private display without carrying a monitor. It does not include native 3DoF tracking, so the virtual screen cannot be positioned as freely as it can on some higher-end models
For $299, those compromises are expected. The a01+ is now available from XREAL’s U.S. store, which lists free shipping on orders over $100, a 30-day return window, and a one-year warranty.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
