Xreal A01 Plus: A Light and Affordable Entry into AR Glasses
I love it when a company challenges itself to make a cheaper version of a beloved product. Xreal’s $299 A01 Plus is a stripped-down version of its $449 1S that’s light on features but retains just enough of the 1S’ best qualities. These AR glasses are comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and surprisingly bright and contrast-rich for the price.
The new glasses weigh only 62 grams—over 20 grams lighter than the 1S. This lightweight design is exactly what many consumers desire; however, the frame does feel flimsier in comparison. Questions about durability arise when adjusting the A01 Plus’ temple arms to center the screens. They require delicacy to avoid damaging the micro OLED panels and birdbath optics or detaching the modular eyeglasses shell.
Xreal included an extra modular glasses shell that blocks light on all sides, making the A01 Plus better suited for outdoor use compared to the 1S.
The A01 Plus shares a similar aesthetic with the 1S, featuring a thinner profile and significant weight reduction. Customization is also a notable selling point. The included shell adds tinted lenses to the other side of the screens, which can be swapped with various covers, including future possibilities for 3D-printed options. Removing them is a delicate process that may feel risky until you get accustomed to it. An alternative cover designed to enhance the A01 Plus’ bright screens and minimize reflections is also provided.
The A01 Plus lacks the electrochromic lens technology with adjustable opacity commonly found in most other models, which some users might miss. However, they feature reflective films covering the back of their optics, which are effective in cutting down light interference. One of the removable covers that came with my review unit performed surprisingly well at blocking light compared to the pricier 1S model; I barely noticed the flashlight from my phone while wearing them.
My experience with gameplay from my Steam Deck on the A01 Plus was initially mixed. The 1080p resolution, brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, and contrast were impressive, but the screens were quite blurry. However, after using a set of HonsVR prescription lenses provided by Xreal, clarity improved significantly. Although the glasses feature an interpupillary distance (IPD) range of 54.5mm to 74.5mm, it’s worth investing in prescription lenses (approximately $50) for an optimal experience.
These glasses come equipped with a hard case that snaps shut, similar to Xreal’s more expensive AR glasses. While using the A01 Plus, I noticed some features absent compared to the pricier 1S. The most significant omission is the lack of three degrees of freedom, which locks the virtual screen in place. Xreal attempts to bridge this gap with a toggleable stabilization feature that functions like a gimbal. Its effectiveness at minimizing unwanted screen movements is commendable but does introduce notable jitter, particularly with text.
Audio quality is decent on the A01 Plus, although they don’t reach the same volume levels or audio fidelity as the 1S. It’s understandable that some features were cut to achieve a lower price point; however, other omissions are puzzling. The A01 Plus retains the button layout from other Xreal models, yet lacks a volume adjustment option directly from the glasses, requiring users to adjust settings on the audio source itself. Additionally, the A01 Plus can only display content at a single size—comparable to a 147-inch screen with a 50-degree field of view—without options for resizing, which is a feature present in more premium models.
While the A01 Plus features stylish design touches like neon accents inside the right temple arm and on the USB-C cable, these glasses may not suit everyone’s aesthetic preferences.
Nonetheless, despite the shortcomings, the A01 Plus glasses provide a compelling proposition. They offer an affordable option for users wanting USB-C AR glasses for mirroring games, movies, or entire computer screens. They excel in the basics, with bright screens, adequate audio quality, and a lightweight build. Overall, I am genuinely surprised at what is included for the price.
For those willing to pay $150 more for enhanced features found in the 1S, that may justify the investment. However, generally speaking, the A01 Plus represent a solid option for first-time buyers who want to limit their budget to around $300—keep in mind that you might need an additional $50 for prescription lenses.
For more detailed information, check out the complete review Here.
Image Credit: www.theverge.com
