Xreal (formerly Nreal) is bringing the second-generation Xreal Air 2 glasses to a wider audience with launch coming to Europe and the US (they’re already available in China and Japan). The new glasses are thinner, lighter and more comfortable, while having better displays and this time there is also a Pro model.
The Xreal Air 2 is 10% thinner and 10% lighter than the original Air (which we reviewed a few months ago). Comfort is further improved by new elastic temples and improved AirFit nose pads, so you can wear your glasses for longer.
Xreal asked its customers and 50-60% of them responded that they wear AR glasses between 1 and 3 hours a day. Most (68%) use them for productivity tasks for at least an hour, but entertainment is also a very common use case (57% watch movies and TV streaming for at least an hour, 47% % use glasses to play).
The second-generation glasses feature Sony’s new micro-OLED displays. They support 120Hz mode (the original Air got 120Hz mode as a software update) and are brighter at 500 nits (versus 400 nits). Color accuracy has also been improved and the displays are factory calibrated to reach 2.2 gamut. The glasses maintain resolution at 1080p per eye and pixel density at 49 pixels per degree (PPD) with 46° FoV.
New to this generation is Xreal Air 2 Pro with its electrochromic dimming. This solves a real problem for AR glasses: sometimes you want to shade the glasses, but you have to carry a shade accessory with you. The Pro model can change the transparency of the glasses with the touch of a finger.
There are three modes. Transparent mode lets all light through so you can see clearly as you move, this is the mode for AR use. Productivity mode blocks 35% of light, allowing you to focus on the virtual display while remaining aware of your surroundings. Finally, immersive mode blocks 100% of the light, perfect for watching a movie or playing games. By the way, the size of the virtual display can be configured and can go up to 330″.
Entertainment use cases also benefit from the improved audio system. You can use headphones if you want, however the glasses themselves have built-in speakers – they are open speakers, but they are aimed towards your ears so they don’t disturb people around you. And if you use them for work, there are EQ-calibrated beamforming microphones so you can use them for voice calls (or game chat).
Xreal Air 2 and Air 2 Pro are available in two colors: graphite gray and carmine red. But if you really want to attract attention, check out the Kaleido kit. It’s a collection of decal skins that help you customize the look of the Air 2. There are currently six colors: Navy Blue, Verdigris, Royal Blue, Dale Dogwood, Jonquil, and Dartmouth Green.
The Xreal Air 2 and Air 2 Pro are available for pre-orders starting today, check out xreal.com, Xreal glasses are also sold through Amazon. The new models will arrive in Germany, France and Italy in early November and in the UK and US in mid-to-late November (as mentioned above, they are already available in Japan and China). The Xreal Air 2 will cost $450/€460/£450, while the Xreal Air 2 Pro will cost €515.
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