It's always exciting when a brand decides to create an economical alternative to a popular item. The Xreal A01 Plus, priced at $299, represents a simplified take on the $449 1S model. It includes fewer capabilities yet retains many of the standout attributes from the higher-end version. These augmented reality glasses provide comfort, an appealing design, and screens that deliver impressive brightness and contrast given their cost.

The latest pair weighs just 62 grams, making them over 20 grams lighter than the 1S. This lightness matches what many desire in every model, though the frame feels less robust in comparison. Durability raised concerns when adjusting the temple arms to align the displays properly. They demand careful handling to avoid straining the structure that contains the sensitive micro OLED panels and birdbath optics, or dislodging the modular eyeglasses shell.

Xreal supplies an additional modular glasses shell that blocks light from all directions, enhancing the A01 Plus for outdoor scenarios beyond what the 1S offers.

The A01 Plus share many visual traits with the 1S, though they appear slimmer and much lighter overall.

Customization stands out as a key advantage with the A01 Plus. Xreal provides a shell featuring tinted lenses positioned behind the screens, and it can interchange with other covers, including future 3D-printed options. Detaching them involves careful pulling at the edges near the temple arms, which can seem delicate until familiar. The review unit came with an alternate cover that highlights the bright screens while minimizing reflections.

These new AR glasses omit electrochromic lens technology with variable opacity, common in most models, but the absence does not detract much here. Reflective films on the back of the optics work adequately to limit light interference. One included removable cover outperforms the pricier 1S at blocking external light. Testing with a phone flashlight held directly to the lens while wearing them showed minimal visibility.

Casual wear of the A01 Plus without a snap-on shell feels appealing due to their compact size.

Following patterns with other tested AR glasses, extensive gaming sessions occurred using a Steam Deck on the A01 Plus. Initial reactions proved mixed. The 1080p resolution, brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, and contrast appeared solid, yet the displays looked quite blurry at first. However, HonsVR prescription lenses supplied by Xreal greatly enhanced sharpness. The glasses support an IPD range of 54.5mm to 74.5mm, though improved results without adjustments may require lens inserts costing around $50.

Displays seemed unclear initially until prescription lenses from Xreal were added, typically priced near $50.

The A01 Plus come with a hard case that closes securely, matching the design of Xreal's higher-priced AR glasses.

Some issues with the A01 Plus stem from familiarity with the $449 1S. The main missing element is three degrees of freedom, which allows locking a virtual screen in place. Xreal attempts to address the difference between zero and three degrees with a stabilization toggle that functions similarly to a gimbal. It reduces excessive screen motion effectively but adds noticeable jitter, especially with text. Audio performs adequately on the A01 Plus yet lacks the volume of the 1S and falls short in bass and midrange tones.

Omitting three degrees of freedom and audio performance makes sense for the lower price, but other exclusions seem less justified. The A01 Plus uses a similar button arrangement to other Xreal models, yet volume adjustment from the glasses is unavailable currently, requiring changes at the source device. The screen also supports only one fixed size, equivalent to 147 inches at a 50-degree field of view where borders remain out of sight, without options to resize as other models permit. These features appear oddly excluded from the A01 Plus.

Xreal's $449 1S (left) compared to the A01 Plus (right). The 1S provide stronger construction and temple hinges that avoid the flimsy feel of the budget version.

The A01 Plus feature subtle neon accents inside the right temple arm and on the USB-C cable, creating a noticeable but not overwhelming style.

Even with its limitations, the A01 Plus glasses suit users seeking an accessible USB-C AR option for projecting games, films, or desktop displays. They trade some advanced features for strong fundamentals, including vivid screens, reliable audio, and a comfortable, lightweight frame. The value at this price point stands out clearly.

The extras available for an additional $150 with the 1S may appeal to certain buyers, but the A01 Plus generally suit newcomers avoiding costs above $300, provided the potential $50 for prescription lenses is considered.

Photography /The Verge

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Cameron Faulkner