Xreal’s New $399 Air 2 Augmented Reality Glasses Add Micro-OLED Displays

Consumer augmented reality (AR) glasses are just starting to gain traction, but the new generation of the Xreal Air line has some impressive features to offer.

Xreal announced today that the Xreal Air and Xreal Air Pro 2 AR glasses are available for preorder and should start shipping in November. The updated AR glasses feature an improved audio and microphone system and the Pro version offers "one-touch immersion control using Xreal Electromagnetic Dimming." But the real news might be the new Micro-OLED displays.

According to Xreal, the Micro-OLED displays allow the glasses to be thinner and lighter than previous versions while still allowing you to view your games and movies on a virtual screen that's up to 330-inches. The feature a higher pixel density at 4.032 pixels per inch (PPI), better color reproduction, and improved brightness.

Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 per eye, a high contrast ratio, and 500 nits brightness round out the display offerings, and translate to sharp, clear detail for whatever you choose to view. For comparison, the Meta Quest 3 offers 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye and a speculated 100 nits of brightness in a more expensive and less portable package.

Even with a great display, weight is still something to consider. In response to those concerns, Peng Jin, XREAL Co-Founder, says, "Over the past four decades, the methods in which people have interacted with technology have evolved to allow us to put stereos, record players, telephones, high-powered computers, and small screen entertainment in our pockets. XREAL AR glasses first allowed the world to put big screen TVs, theater-quality projectors, and full HD monitors in their pockets, transforming what entertainment and productivity can look and feel like on the go and at home for extended sessions."

The company says the "XREAL Air 2 series AR glasses are approximately 10% thinner and 10% lighter than previous models."

The Xreal Air 2 and Xreal Air 2 Pro are available for preorder now for $399 and $449, respectively. Shipping and availability for purchase from Amazon is expected to start in mid- to late-November.