The world of augmented reality (AR) wearables is often dominated by high-profile, high-cost headsets from tech giants. Yet, for many consumers, the promise of AR lies in more accessible, glasses-like form factors that blend digital content with the real world without the bulk. At CES 2026, Xreal has made a compelling move to capture this segment, announcing the Xreal 1S. This successor to the popular Xreal One model doesn't just iterate; it offers meaningful improvements in display quality and field of view while simultaneously dropping the price, challenging the notion that better tech always costs more. Alongside it, a new accessory aims to solve one of the biggest practical hurdles for mobile gamers. This announcement signals a focused effort to make tethered AR glasses a more viable and attractive proposition for everyday media consumption and portable gaming.
Unveiling the Xreal 1S: A Step Forward in Display Clarity
The core of any AR glasses is its display, and the Xreal 1S brings a notable upgrade in this department. The company has moved from 1080p to 1200p Full HD Micro-OLED panels, a bump in pixel density that should translate to sharper text and more detailed imagery in the virtual screens it projects. Accompanying this resolution increase is a boost in peak brightness, from 600 to 700 nits. This enhancement is crucial for maintaining image legibility and vibrancy in brighter environments, moving the experience closer to that of a physical monitor. Furthermore, the field of view (FOV) has been slightly widened from 50 to 52 degrees. While a two-degree increase may seem modest, in the context of immersive media and gaming, every bit of expanded peripheral vision helps to sell the illusion of a massive, floating display, which Xreal claims can simulate a screen up to 500 inches in size.
Xreal 1S vs. Xreal One Key Specifications
| Feature | Xreal 1S (2026) | Xreal One (Previous Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Display Resolution | 1200p Micro-OLED | 1080p |
| Peak Brightness | 700 nits | 600 nits |
| Field of View (FOV) | 52 degrees | 50 degrees |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Virtual Screen Size | Up to 500 inches | Up to 500 inches |
| Launch Price | USD 449 | USD 499 |
| Key Feature | X1 chip for 2D→3D conversion | 2D→3D conversion |
Performance and the X1 Chip's 3D Magic
Beyond raw specs, the Xreal 1S retains the high-performance features that made its predecessor stand out for media use. The 120Hz refresh rate with a low 3ms latency remains, ensuring smooth motion in fast-paced videos and games without perceptible lag or ghosting. The most intriguing feature, carried over and likely refined, is the real-time 2D to 3D conversion powered by Xreal's proprietary X1 chip. This functionality allows users to instantly transform any standard video content—be it a YouTube clip, a streaming movie, or a game—into a stereoscopic 3D experience with a simple toggle. It effectively creates a library of 3D content on-demand without requiring specially filmed material, adding a unique layer of immersion that is a key differentiator for the product in a crowded market.
Introducing the Xreal Neo Hub: Power and Connectivity for Gamers
Recognizing that a significant use case for these glasses is portable gaming, Xreal also announced the Xreal Neo, an optional hub accessory. This device addresses two common pain points for using AR glasses with consoles like the Nintendo Switch or handhelds like the Steam Deck. First, it houses a substantial 10,000mAh battery, acting as a power bank to keep both the glasses and the connected device charged during extended play sessions, mitigating battery anxiety. Second, it simplifies connectivity. For the Nintendo Switch, it eliminates the need to route the connection through the official dock, allowing for a direct, portable setup. The Neo hub also promises some image processing, upscaling Switch output from 720p to 1080p and supporting a 120Hz refresh rate for compatible content, while the Steam Deck can output at the glasses' native 1200p/120Hz.
Xreal Neo Hub Details
- Price: USD 99 (early bird until Feb 4, 2026), then USD 119.
- Battery Capacity: 10,000mAh.
- Primary Function: DisplayPort hub and external charger for Xreal glasses.
- Gaming Features:
- Enables direct connection to Nintendo Switch (no dock required) and Steam Deck.
- Upscales Nintendo Switch output to 1080p at 120Hz.
- Supports Steam Deck output at 1200p/120Hz.
- Availability: Expected to ship in February 2026.
Market Positioning and Pricing Strategy
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the Xreal 1S announcement is its price. Launching at USD 449, it is USD 50 cheaper than the original Xreal One's launch price of USD 499. In a tech landscape where newer models typically command a premium, this reverse strategy makes the 1S an immediately more attractive entry point. It presents a clear value proposition: improved hardware for less money. The optional Xreal Neo hub is priced at USD 99 for early orders (before February 4, 2026), after which it will rise to USD 119. This tiered pricing for the accessory encourages early adoption. The combined package, while an investment, is positioned as a complete portable theater and gaming station, competing on value against premium standalone VR/AR headsets and high-end portable monitors.
The Verdict on Xreal's AR Proposition
The Xreal 1S and Neo hub represent a pragmatic evolution of the tethered smart glasses concept. They double down on the strengths of the previous generation—serving as a high-quality, private virtual display—while refining the specs and aggressively adjusting the price. The product doesn't try to solve the broader, more complex challenges of full AR interaction; instead, it excels at the specific task of being a wearable monitor. The question of "when to use them" persists, with scenarios like air travel, commuting, or private viewing in a shared living space being the most logical. However, by improving display quality, adding a gaming-focused hub, and lowering the cost, Xreal is systematically removing barriers to adoption. For tech enthusiasts and mobile gamers curious about AR, the Xreal 1S makes a stronger, more affordable case than ever before.