Xreal's new AR glasses, the A01 Plus, are an intriguing addition to the market, offering a more affordable alternative to their pricier 1S model. While the A01 Plus may not have all the bells and whistles of its more expensive counterpart, it certainly packs a punch in terms of value and functionality. In my opinion, Xreal has managed to strike a balance between affordability and performance, making AR glasses accessible to a wider audience.
One of the standout features of the A01 Plus is its lightweight design. At just 62 grams, it's significantly lighter than the 1S, which is a welcome change for those who find heavier AR glasses uncomfortable. However, I do wish the frame was slightly more durable, as it feels flimsy in comparison. The customization options are also a plus, allowing users to swap out covers and even 3D-print their own, which is a unique selling point.
The A01 Plus lacks electrochromic lens technology, which is a common feature across most models. While I initially thought this was a downside, I was pleasantly surprised by the reflective films covering the back of the optics, which effectively block out light and prevent disruptions to the experience. The included covers are also impressive, with one being better at blocking light than the pricier 1S.
When it comes to gaming, the A01 Plus delivers decent performance. The 1080p resolution, brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, and contrast looked good, but I did notice some blurriness. However, Xreal's prescription lenses drastically improved clarity, making them a must-have for those with visual impairments. The IPD range of 54.5mm to 74.5mm is also impressive, although I can't guarantee a better experience out of the box without purchasing additional lens inserts.
Some of my complaints about the A01 Plus come from being spoiled by the 1S. The biggest feature omission is three degrees of freedom, which is a bummer for those who want to lock their virtual screen in position. The toggleable stabilization feature does a decent job of reducing unwanted screen movements, but it introduces jitter that's easy to spot with text. Audio quality is also decent, but it doesn't get as loud as the 1S, and it's lacking in the lows and mids.
I understand that cutting features to reach a lower price point is necessary, but other omissions don't make as much sense. The A01 Plus has the same button layout as other Xreal models, but there's currently no way to adjust the volume from the glasses. You have to go to the audio source instead. The screen can only display content at one size, and you can't make it bigger or smaller like other glasses allow. These are apparently considered too premium to include in the A01 Plus.
Despite its shortcomings, the A01 Plus is exactly what some people will be after: a relatively affordable set of USB-C AR glasses for mirroring games, movies, or whole computer screens. It's lighter on features, but it nails the basics, with bright screens, serviceable audio quality, and a comfy, lightweight build. I'm actually impressed with all that's included for the price.
In my opinion, the A01 Plus is a great option for first-time buyers who don't want to spend more than $300. Just make sure to factor in the $50 you may need to spend on prescription lenses. Overall, Xreal has delivered a solid product that challenges the notion that AR glasses have to be expensive and feature-rich.
