Xreal’s budget AR glasses upgraded with enhanced specs and 3D conversion features

At CES 2026, Xreal unveiled the Xreal 1S, an upgraded and slightly more budget-friendly version of its entry-level AR glasses, priced at $449. This new model allows users to convert 2D videos into 3D without needing any additional apps, software, or special players.

At first glance, the Xreal 1S appears quite similar to the Xreal One and One Pro, as well as the upcoming Project Aura glasses in development with Google. The primary hardware enhancements are typical of an “S”-year refresh. The resolution has been bumped up from 1080p to 1200p Full HD, brightness has increased from 600 to 700 nits, and the field of view has expanded from 50 to 52 degrees. The aspect ratio has also shifted from 16:9 to 16:10, while the maximum refresh rate remains at 120Hz. Additionally, there’s a sturdier USB-C port and a new travel case. While these updates aren’t groundbreaking, the most appealing aspect might be the $50 reduction in price compared to last year’s model.

Xreal is well-known for its AR glasses, which resemble sunglasses and connect to your laptop or phone to project a larger, private screen. Unlike other AI glasses that prioritize cameras and built-in assistants, the Xreal 1S maintains a focus on display functionality. It also supports Xreal’s detachable Eye camera for those interested in capturing POV photos or videos. These glasses cater to users seeking immersive content or a secondary monitor without the bulk of a traditional headset.

One notable addition is the Real 3D feature, which utilizes the X1 spatial computing chip to transform any 2D video into 3D. This feature will also be available for One Pro users through a software update.

I had the opportunity to test this feature while playing Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch 2 and watching various YouTube videos. The 3D effect was subtle in Mario Kart, but I could definitely perceive some added depth. The results varied with YouTube content; panoramic views and car videos benefited from the effect, while K-pop performances sometimes exhibited a slight awkwardness in the upscaled 3D choreography.

For those who enjoy immersive video experiences, the main advantage is the simplicity of enabling the 3D effect in the settings. You can easily access YouTube, Netflix, or your Plex server, and any video you select will be converted to 3D. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of 3D due to occasional motion sickness, but I didn’t experience any discomfort during my testing, as I focused on shorter videos. However, it’s something to consider if you plan on lengthy 3D viewing sessions or watching fast-paced content.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend upgrading from the Xreal One to the 1S. The resolution improvements are nice but may not be significant enough for casual users. The 2D-to-3D conversion is convenient, though its effectiveness can vary depending on the content. Still, for those seeking portable immersive screens, the 1S strikes a solid balance between price, features, and functionality.

The Xreal 1S is now available for purchase at $449.