Xreal Air2 is the largest in class of screen-reflecting smart glasses created for use with mobile phones, computers, portable game consoles and any display that would benefit from an incredibly large 330″ large display on the go. Using the Beam accessory, the huge virtual display can be docked anywhere in your environment, which is much preferable to the big screen docked in the center of your field of vision, moving like your head. The Air2 is $399 and the Beam is $119. For those of us who wear glasses , Xreal provides an insert that requires a custom lens.Unsurprisingly, the biggest and brightest are among the most expensive.
The new Air2 smart glasses by XReal.
The Air2 is lightweight at just 72 grams, making it the lightest of the screen-reflective AR glasses. It is comfortable enough to wear for hours. Its frame, although thicker than traditional glasses, looks quite natural, given that it has dual Sony Micro-LED displays and a sensor to detect the wearer’s wear. The arms of the glasses are also a bit bulky, with speakers, USB-C, a power button and a switch to control the brightness. So while the Air2s look kind of cool, no one will believe you’re wearing regular glasses. The Air2 has upgraded display technology, with dual Mini-OLED panels from Sony providing a resolution of 1920 x 1080 per eye, with pixel density improving from 3320 ppi to 4032 ppi resulting in a sharper and clearer picture. Honestly, you’d rather have that than more style.
We love the way the original Air worked once you connected it to your Android device. Now the Air2 now connects the iPhone 15 similarly, removing the adapters still needed for older iPhone models. For those we recommend the Beam, a $119 wireless accessory designed to optimize the XReal’s wireless connectivity. This compact battery-operated device serves as a bridge between the glasses and various input sources, including smartphones, tablets and computers. Importantly, it allows users to position screens around them, rather than having the display anchored in the middle of users’ field of view.
The Air2 big screen experience.
The Xreal’s closest competitor among smartphone screen extenders is the Rokid Max AR and its companion Rokid Station, which is a bit heavier at 75 grams, and the Virture, which was built specifically for use with the Steam Deck.
The XReal Air2 $499.
The Air 2 represents a solid step forward for the pioneering Chiese company. Improvements in design, screen quality and device compatibility mark it as a major upgrade over its predecessor. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in sound quality and the persistent need for adapters, the Air 2 is a compelling choice for those looking for an enhanced mobile viewing or gaming experience.
