The XREAL a01 takes a simple approach to smart glasses: rather than packing in heavy software or augmented reality features, it functions primarily as a wearable external monitor. Released in May, the a01 arrives at an accessible price point of around EUR 258, positioning it as one of the more affordable entries in the smart glasses category for American buyers.
What the XREAL a01 Offers
Unlike more software-driven AR devices such as the Meta Orion or Snap’s Specs, the a01 has no battery or internal power source. Instead, a single USB-C cable connects the glasses to a device of your choosing, which then powers the headset. The product is optimized for gaming, allowing it to plug into a Steam Deck or similar handheld console, but XREAL also markets it as a way to watch movies and TV.
The hardware centers on dual mini OLED panels delivering 1080p resolution with up to 1,600 nits of brightness. In practice, the image quality holds up well, producing vibrant colors and a viewing experience that XREAL compares to watching content on a 147-inch screen. Aimed at a wall, the effect resembles a vivid home projector, and in a dark room it moves closer to a theater-like presentation.
Real-World Use and Limitations
Testing the a01 with a laptop and a streaming service raised practical questions. Watching a film through the glasses while the same content plays on a screen only 14 inches away creates a sense of redundancy, prompting doubts about the device’s core purpose in a stationary setting. XREAL argues the appeal lies in immersion, citing the large virtual screen size the projections provide.
The company has also described the a01 as a potential second monitor, or a wearable display. That use case is harder to justify in practice, since it is difficult to see anything beyond what the glasses project. Working on a laptop while wearing them proves challenging because the projected image obstructs the real-world view.
Connecting to a Phone
The a01 can also connect to a phone, which is where its portability advantage becomes clearer. Pairing the glasses with a smartphone frees users from an indoor setup tied to a laptop, opening the door to watching movies while traveling on a plane or train. Compatibility can be an obstacle, however. Older iPhone models with a Lightning port are not directly compatible with the a01’s USB-C cable, requiring an adapter to make the connection.
Walking outdoors while wearing the glasses is possible but inadvisable, given the limited visibility of surroundings. The XREAL a01 is available now for around EUR 258.
Source
Image: techcrunch.com
