XReal One

I've always been passionate about technology and the latest gadgets, so I’ve decided to start sharing my own hands-on reviews of the tech I personally use and love. No sponsorships, no affiliations—just genuine insights and honest opinions from a fellow tech enthusiast.

To kick us off I will talk about the XReal One...

Augmented reality (AR) has long been on the horizon as the next major leap in personal computing, and with the release of the XREAL One glasses, we’re seeing the most significant push yet toward making AR truly accessible. As a long-time enthusiast of emerging tech and the fact I took over 25 flights last year, I recently purchased the XREAL One and wanted to share my thoughts on where these glasses shine, where they still have room for improvement, and what this means for the future of AR.

First Impressions: A Sleek, Lightweight Design

One of the first things that stood out about the XREAL One is how lightweight and comfortable they are. Unlike bulkier AR headsets that often feel like you’re strapping a mini-computer to your face, these glasses strike a balance between portability and performance. The design is sleek, with a form factor that feels much closer to traditional eyewear than a futuristic sci-fi headset.

They don’t scream "tech gadget" when you wear them in public, making them a viable option for everyday use—a crucial step toward mainstream adoption of AR.

Display & Visual Experience: Immersive but With Limits

The XREAL One delivers a high-resolution AR experience that is impressive for its size. The micro-OLED displays project a vivid and clear image with excellent brightness, making virtual elements pop in various lighting conditions.

A key strength here is spatial anchoring—virtual objects stay locked in place as you move your head, giving a convincing AR effect. Watching movies, extending your laptop screen, or viewing 3D content feels futuristic and immersive.

However, the field of view (FOV) remains a limiting factor. While XREAL has expanded it compared to previous models, you still get the "floating screen" effect rather than a fully immersive AR world that covers your peripheral vision. This is a trade-off for having such a compact and lightweight design.

Functionality & Connectivity: A Step Closer to Mainstream Adoption

Where the XREAL One shines is in its versatility. Unlike some AR headsets that require proprietary ecosystems, these glasses work seamlessly with smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and even cloud computing platforms.

The ability to connect via USB-C or wireless solutions makes them a strong contender for productivity applications, such as using them as an extended screen for your work setup. The spatial computing capabilities are also exciting, offering intuitive interactions that make you feel like you’re working in a futuristic workspace.

Use Cases: Who Are These Glasses For?

The XREAL One is not just a gadget for tech enthusiasts—it has practical applications that could drive real adoption.

? For Remote Work & Productivity:

The ability to have multiple virtual screens means these could replace a multi-monitor setup for digital nomads and professionals who need flexibility.

? For Gaming & Entertainment:

Pairing the XREAL One with a gaming console like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch offers a massive personal display experience—ideal for gaming on the go or as I use them, connected to my iPad Mini for movies on the go.

? For Developers & Creators:

With ARKit and WebXR support, developers can start building next-gen AR applications and interactive content, making this a promising tool for the creator economy.

? Not Quite for Full AR Workflows Yet:

For industries like architecture, engineering, and medical applications, the glasses still lack some of the depth-mapping and interaction tools needed for professional-grade AR workflows.

Final Verdict: A Significant Step Forward, But Not Quite AR 2.0

The XREAL One is one of the most refined consumer AR glasses available today. It excels in portability, display quality, and connectivity, making it an attractive option for tech enthusiasts, remote workers, and gamers.

However, the field of view limitations and software ecosystem still need refinement before AR truly replaces traditional screens. While the XREAL One is an exciting glimpse into the future of wearables, it’s still an early step rather than a full leap into mass adoption.

That said, with continuous software updates and potential for even more powerful integrations, XREAL is definitely leading the charge in bringing AR to everyday users.