Xreal's new AR glasses, the A01 Plus, are a game-changer in the world of augmented reality. At a price point of just $299, they offer a stripped-down version of the more expensive 1S model, providing a lightweight and comfortable experience with bright, high-contrast screens. However, the A01 Plus comes with its own set of trade-offs and limitations, which are worth considering before making a purchase.
Personally, I think Xreal has done a great job of making AR glasses more accessible. The A01 Plus is significantly lighter than the 1S, at just 62 grams, making it a comfortable companion for extended use. However, I must admit that the frame feels flimsy, and the temple arms require a gentle touch to avoid damaging the delicate micro OLED panels and birdbath optics. This is a trade-off I'm willing to make for the price, but it's something to keep in mind for those who are more cautious.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the A01 Plus is its customization options. Xreal includes a tinted lens cover, and the glasses can be swapped with other covers, even 3D-printed ones in the future. This is a great feature for those who want to personalize their AR experience, but it does require a bit of practice to remove and replace the covers without damaging the frame.
In terms of performance, the A01 Plus has some impressive features. The 1080p resolution, brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, and contrast looked good, but the screens appeared very blurry out of the box. However, Xreal provided a set of prescription lenses that drastically improved clarity. The glasses have an IPD range of 54.5mm to 74.5mm, but I can't guarantee that you'll have a better experience than I did out of the box unless you buy some lens inserts, which will likely cost around $50.
One of the biggest feature omissions in the A01 Plus is three degrees of freedom, which is a feature that gives you the option to lock your virtual screen in position. Xreal aims to bridge the gap between zero and three degrees of freedom with a toggleable stabilization feature, but it does introduce jitter that's easy to spot with text. Additionally, the audio quality is decent, but it doesn't get nearly as loud as the 1S, and it's comparatively lacking in the lows and mids.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that Xreal has managed to cut these features while still maintaining a lower price point. However, other omissions don't make as much sense. For example, the A01 Plus has nearly the same button layout as other Xreal models, but there's currently no way to adjust the volume from the glasses. You have to go to the audio source instead. Also, the screen can only display content at one size, and you can't make it bigger or smaller like other glasses allow.
In my opinion, the A01 Plus is a great option for first-time buyers who don't want to spend more than $300. However, it's important to factor in the potential cost of prescription lenses, which could add an additional $50 to the overall price. Despite its shortcomings, the A01 Plus is exactly what some people will be after: a relatively affordable set of USB-C AR glasses for mirroring their games, movies, or whole computer screens on.
One thing that immediately stands out is the fact that Xreal has managed to create a lightweight and comfortable AR glasses at a price point that's accessible to a wider audience. However, it's important to consider the trade-offs and limitations of the A01 Plus before making a purchase. From my perspective, the A01 Plus is a great option for those who want to try out AR glasses without breaking the bank, but it may not be the best choice for those who are looking for a more feature-rich experience.
What many people don't realize is that the A01 Plus is a significant step forward in the world of AR glasses, but it's not without its flaws. The omission of certain features and the flimsy frame are things to keep in mind, but the overall experience is still impressive for the price. If you take a step back and think about it, the A01 Plus is a great option for those who want to try out AR glasses without spending too much money, but it may not be the best choice for those who are looking for a more premium experience.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the fact that Xreal has managed to create a lightweight and comfortable AR glasses at a price point that's accessible to a wider audience. This raises a deeper question: what does the future hold for AR glasses, and how will companies like Xreal continue to innovate and improve the experience for users?
