Exploring the Latest AR Glasses: Xreal vs. Viture
I’ve spent months in the lab testing the latest AR glasses from Xreal and Viture. By “lab,” I mean cozied up on my couch each night, playing my Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch 2 on a huge, virtual screen that only I can see through these glasses.
Using AR glasses as a portable display for your handhelds (and other USB-C devices, like phones, tablets, and laptops) is nothing new. However, the latest versions have one must-have feature in common: three degrees of freedom, or 3DoF, which lets you anchor the screen anywhere you’d like, as opposed to having it nauseatingly wiggle with every head movement. This won’t make AR glasses worth their $400-plus costs for most gamers, but it does enhance their usability for frequent travelers or those seeking a more ergonomic handheld setup.
Comfort, Sound Quality, and Ease of Use of Xreal’s Glasses
All of these AR glasses are heavier and thicker than regular glasses, but Xreal’s 1S glasses are the lightest model of the bunch. On my kitchen scale, they weigh 85 grams (for comparison, the One Pro glasses weigh 91 grams, while the Viture Beast glasses are 96 grams). A small aspect that greatly affects comfort is their excellent weight distribution and thinner temple arms compared to Viture’s Beast model, which helps reduce strain on the ears. It’s impressive that Xreal’s most affordable AR glasses match the comfort of their pricier pair.
Each pair comes with adjustable nose pads to fit various nose shapes, which can be a game changer for long gaming sessions.
Viture’s Beast glasses display thicker temple arms than Xreal’s, which can add extra pressure on the ears.
Xreal’s glasses deliver superior audio quality compared to Viture’s Harman-tuned glasses. The 1S and One Pro models yield better sound from their temple arms than the Beast, with Xreal’s audio tuned by Bose. Their balanced frequencies and impressive low-end performance significantly enhance the listening experience for music, movies, and games.
In terms of usability, Xreal’s glasses feature fewer buttons than Viture’s. With just four buttons located on the right temple arm, they present a less daunting learning curve for new users. In contrast, Viture’s Beast features a total of six buttons spread across both arms, which can feel unnecessary, especially given the button rocker dedicated solely to adjusting opacity.
Contrast and Clarity of Viture’s Beast Glasses
The three tested AR glasses utilize similar Sony micro-OLED screens, but Viture’s glasses stand out with impressive contrast, offering inky blacks and bright highlights akin to those of a high-end OLED TV. The optical design minimizes reflections, enabling great performance even in bright environments.
While the Xreal One Pro also excels in screen quality, it typically costs $100 more than the Beast, though it may sometimes be found just $50 above during promotions.
However, the Xreal 1S does suffer from issues with reflections in bright rooms, making the OLEDs appear less vibrant. Although they perform well in low-light situations, the clarity may fall short when compared to other models.
Fit and Finish of Xreal’s Glasses
Xreal sets a high standard for build quality. Both the 1S and the pricier One Pro feature robust metal hinges that prevent accidental openings—something Viture’s glasses struggle with. Aesthetically, Xreal models resemble stylish sunglasses, while Viture’s Beast leans towards a more gaming-centric design that may not appeal to everyone.
From a user experience standpoint, Xreal’s glasses outperform the competition when connecting to devices like the Steam Deck and phones, taking just a few seconds to establish a connection. Their 3DoF technology is more effectively implemented, ensuring the screen remains stable when anchored in place, unlike Viture’s Beast, where the display can slide out of view.
Xreal’s Real3D Feature
Xreal glasses equipped with the X1 chip, released in the past two years, offer a Real 3D feature that enhances 2D content. The 3D effect is subtle but can add an enjoyable dimension to gaming experiences that don’t require rapid movement.
Compatibility with the Switch 2
Currently, no AR glasses seamlessly connect to the Switch 2 with a single USB-C cable—this limitation is primarily due to Nintendo’s design. For Xreal glasses users, the anticipated Neo charging dock was canceled over reliability issues, forcing them to seek alternative means to connect with their console.
On the other hand, Viture offers a $130 Pro Mobile Dock that ensures compatibility with the Switch 2, also doubling as a 13,000mAh battery for on-the-go charging. This dock features a full HDMI port to connect to various consoles, although video passthrough can be hit or miss for Xreal glasses users.
Conclusion
In summary, while both Xreal and Viture offer standout AR glasses for gaming, each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Xreal excels in audio quality, comfort, and build, while Viture leads with superior contrast and connectivity options. For those looking to enhance their gaming experience unplugged, these AR glasses provide a glimpse of the future of portable gaming.
For further insights, check the full comparison Here.
Image Credit: www.theverge.com
