Chinese augmented reality company XREAL has announced its latest AR glasses, the "XREAL 1S," making their global debut in Japan. Positioned as an entry-level model targeted at new users, the 1S delivers impressive specifications that rival higher-end devices. The glasses are priced at 67,980 Japanese Yen (including tax) and are scheduled to begin shipping in late January.
The XREAL 1S utilizes a "birdbath" optical system, a common and effective technology for consumer AR eyewear. At its core, it features a high-quality 0.68-inch organic EL (OLED) display manufactured by Sony Semiconductor. This display technology ensures vibrant colors and deep contrasts, essential for immersive visual experiences.
The technical specifications are notable for an entry-level device. The 1S offers a resolution of 1920 by 1200 pixels (1200p) with a 16:10 aspect ratio, providing increased vertical screen real estate compared to standard 16:9 displays. The field of view is 52 degrees, allowing the glasses to project a massive virtual screen equivalent to approximately 73 inches when viewed from 2 meters away, and scaling up to a theoretical 500-inch display at a distance of 10 meters (effectively around 385 inches maximum within the 52-degree field of view).
A significant highlight of the XREAL 1S is its brightness capability. It achieves a maximum brightness of 700 nits, which is on par with XREAL's high-end model, referred to in reports as the "One Pro." This high brightness level is crucial for maintaining clear visibility of AR content even in well-lit environments. Furthermore, the glasses support a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hertz for smooth motion rendering and weigh only 82 grams, ensuring comfortable wearability for extended periods.
This launch signals XREAL's aggressive push to make high-quality AR accessible to a broader consumer base by offering professional-grade display characteristics in an affordable, lightweight package.
