Released in May this year, the XREAL a01 smart glasses are designed to offer a new angle on portable media consumption, leveraging wearable display technology. These glasses are marketed toward both movie enthusiasts and gamers, aiming to deliver immersive screen experiences, but their execution leaves some shortcomings for serious movie fans.
Lightweight Design Delivers On-the-Go Viewing
Distinguishing themselves from feature-heavy AR options such as Meta Orion and Snap’s Specs, the a01 opts for simplicity. They act purely as an external display through a USB-C connection, taking power directly from devices like smartphones, laptops, or gaming consoles, and notably feature no internal battery. This absence of a battery cuts down on both weight and price, resulting in a retail point of approximately $300 for a more accessible consumer offering. (Product details here)
With initial optimization for gaming platforms such as the Steam Deck, the XREAL a01 also promotes its suitability for streaming movies and TV series. Visual output is provided by dual mini OLED panels, each offering 1080p resolution and peaking at 1,600 nits of brightness. This makes the viewing experience vibrant and sharp, especially in dark environments where the effect can feel similar to a home projector or drive-in. The company claims the screen appears equivalent to a 147-inch display.
Yet, using the a01 often introduces redundancy—since your device’s display must remain powered and visible, content plays simultaneously on both screens. The glasses can function as a wearable “second monitor” (example here), but this setup fully occupies your field of vision, limiting the ability to multitask or use your device for anything else during playback. Additionally, older iPhone users face compatibility hurdles because the a01’s USB-C connector requires a special adapter, adding steps and extra costs for some customers.
Portability and Required Accessories
Plugging the glasses into a phone supports mobile use—ideal for travel or commuting, such as on flights and trains, though walking while using them isn’t advised for safety. However, some challenges emerge here: since the a01 simply mirrors the phone’s display, your phone has to stay on and nearby, and placing your device in a pocket or bag could disrupt the connection or halt playback.
To overcome this, XREAL developed the Beam Pro, a small tablet that acts as a portable streaming station with the capability to preload content. While it enhances convenience, this extra accessory comes at an additional $200, which consumers must add to the base price of the a01.
Comfort-wise, the a01 is less hefty and bulky compared to products such as Snap Specs (as reported from CES 2026), but it still isn’t perfect; heat buildup is possible if worn for long periods, reflecting a persistent challenge for XR hardware (additional coverage here).
Project Aura: The Next Generation
XREAL is actively working to address these issues. Project Aura, the company’s forthcoming device, showcased at Google I/O 2026 (coverage here), promises significant enhancements. Running on the Google and Samsung-developed Android XR operating system, Aura will offer features like complete Google Play Store access, native hand tracking, and a specialized “puck” device for charging and on-board processing. These improvements are designed to boost user mobility and independence from a secondary device, solving several of the a01’s core flaws.
Immersion Versus Tradition for Film Lovers
Ultimately, the a01 is best suited for users seeking a novel way to watch media, rather than those who demand a true cinema-like environment. Film enthusiasts, familiar with home theaters or large projector setups, may still find the a01’s experience lacking compared to traditional viewing. While these smart glasses point toward what’s possible in future AR/VR entertainment, conventional TVs and theaters continue to define excellence for movie lovers at home.
XREAL’s roadmap reflects the wider trend of rapid change in consumer hardware, as tech companies experiment to find a combination that balances convenience, immersion, and practicality. Future releases are highly anticipated, as the quest for mainstream, truly immersive viewing continues.