ZDNET’s comprehensive analysis highlights that the Xreal 1S, priced at an accessible $449, and its complementary accessory, the Xreal Neo, retailing for $99, together form a highly capable and cost-effective bundle in the expanding field of augmented and extended reality devices. Viewing authentic 3D content through these glasses is not only straightforward but genuinely enjoyable; the onboard control system is sophisticated and responsive, and long sessions are made effortless by the glasses’ ergonomic and featherlight design. The Neo, meanwhile, is more than a supplementary device—it’s an indispensable 10,000 mAh portable battery and DisplayPort hub that significantly extends usability in mobile or travel scenarios. Still, it’s worth noting that the audio output could stand to be louder for commuters or travelers in noisy environments and that users requiring corrective vision will likely need prescription lens inserts, as the glasses lack diopter adjustment capabilities.
ZDNET encourages readers to follow its updates across Google and other platforms for the latest technology coverage. The newly released Xreal 1S introduces several notable enhancements while debuting at a price $50 lower than the Xreal One, which originally launched in December 2024. Compared to its predecessor, the Xreal 1S offers subtle yet meaningful refinements: a wider field of view that expands from 50 to 52 degrees, an upgraded resolution shifting from 1080p to 1200p for sharper, more detailed visuals, a new aspect ratio of 16:10 (up from 16:9) that improves workspace real estate, and brightness that increases substantially from 500 nits to 700 nits—resulting in richer, more vivid imagery even under bright lighting.
Alongside the headset launch, Xreal introduced the Neo, a remarkably compact 10,000 mAh power bank that doubles as a DisplayPort-enabled video hub. This dual-purpose accessory is crucial for gamers, particularly those using Nintendo Switch models 1 or 2, since Nintendo’s hardware design lacks native DisplayPort support via the USB-C port. The Neo therefore bridges this gap, enabling users to connect their consoles seamlessly to the XR glasses.
Over several weeks of daily testing, ZDNET’s reviewer used the Xreal 1S during commutes, with both Microsoft Surface and MacBook Pro systems, and while relaxing at home with a Nintendo Switch. Functionally, the Xreal 1S feels reminiscent of the Xreal One Pro but offers similar experiences at a $200 lower cost, thanks to the integrated X1 spatial computing chip that powers all visual processing. With this savings, only those seeking marginally wider viewing angles or higher-tier performance are likely to miss the more expensive model’s advanced features. For gamers, especially those not limited to exclusive titles for the Switch 2, investing in the Xreal 1S delivers a substantially better portable gaming setup.
Crucially, the X1 chip allows the Xreal 1S to become the first Xreal model to support Real 3D, a capability that fundamentally enhances immersion. Competing products—like those from Viture—demand that users install and operate separate software such as the SpaceWalker app to view limited 3D content, but Xreal takes a hardware-based approach. The 1S can perform real-time 2D-to-3D conversion on virtually any visual material with no need for supplementary software or external accessories. This conversion process can be conveniently toggled using a customizable quick button, allowing users to switch between planar 2D and deeply dimensional 3D views instantly—even turning something as simple as a phone’s home screen into a perceptibly spatial interface. Films, recorded home videos, or basic visual interfaces gain remarkable depth at the press of a button, making the entire experience both accessible and highly entertaining.
Designwise, the Xreal 1S comes in a sleek, dark navy finish, distinguished by a red accent on the main control button at the lower right, serving as a visual cue for primary functionality. The frame incorporates three degrees of hinge adjustment, letting users choose the viewing angle that best aligns with their posture and activity. A selection of interchangeable nose pads ensures that the 82-gram glasses remain stable and comfortable even during prolonged wear sessions—a crucial factor for travelers, remote workers, or media professionals.
For productivity tasks, the ability to activate an ultra-wide screen mode is indispensable, effectively transforming ordinary laptops into multi-display workstations without external monitors. The built-in three degrees of freedom (3DoF) tracking adds another layer of realism—users can turn their heads while maintaining spatial awareness, glancing beyond the digital screen to observe their surroundings through the semi-transparent lenses. For those who demand even richer interaction, the glasses also support the optional Eye camera module accessory, which enables six degrees of freedom (6DoF) tracking, spatial anchoring, and virtual environmental overlays. Audio output, produced through dual downward-facing frame speakers, is clear and balanced under most circumstances, though commuters may prefer to pair external earbuds for greater volume or isolation.
The Neo accessory further enhances the practicality of the Xreal 1S ecosystem. When connecting a smartphone, Steam Deck, or gaming console, continuous video output tends to drain battery life rapidly. The Neo eliminates this concern through its integrated 10,000 mAh capacity—small enough to fit in a pocket yet powerful enough to sustain long gaming or work sessions. It includes two USB-C ports: one dedicated to charging the Neo itself and another to maintaining a consistent power and video connection with the Xreal glasses. Compact yet solid, the Neo measures 121.3 x 73 x 21.7 mm and weighs only 244 grams, making it highly travel-friendly. An embedded metal kickstand on the rear allows it to stand upright or be neatly stored when not in active use.
A strong magnetic mount on the Neo’s front face enables secure attachment to smartphones or similar metallic-backed devices, ensuring stability when in motion. The included kit also provides two circular magnetic stickers—one specifically designed for the Switch 2, supporting its extended back kickstand for optimal grip and positioning. Performance-wise, the Neo charges at a speed of 30W and can output up to 20W of continuous power. When used with a high-capacity wall charger, total output can reach an impressive 45W. In practice, this accessory not only prolongs device life but enhances display performance: for instance, it upgrades the Nintendo Switch’s 720p native output to a vibrant 1200p video mode when connected through the glasses. Steam Deck users gain the additional benefit of higher refresh rates, yielding smoother and more responsive gameplay.
In its buying guidance, ZDNET concludes that Xreal has once again raised the bar for mid-tier augmented reality devices. Priced below $500, the Xreal 1S delivers a combination of visual fidelity, immersive screen size, and functional comfort that was previously unattainable at this cost. It appeals to mobile gamers, remote professionals, and digital media enthusiasts alike—people who frequently travel with laptops and value multi-screen flexibility. The onboard software-driven 2D-to-3D conversion stands out as an intuitive and technically impressive capability, producing outstanding results that enhance work efficiency and multimedia enjoyment in equal measure. In essence, for users seeking an affordable yet sophisticated entry into the world of augmented and extended reality, the Xreal 1S and Neo accessory together form a balanced ecosystem that redefines what portable, immersive technology can achieve.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/xreal-1s-glasses-review/
