CES 2026 Hands-On: Xreal’s First-Ever 240 Hz AR Smart Glasses Amazed Me


Xreal, the augmented reality brand recognized for its innovative smart glasses, is encountering heightened competition at CES 2026. Smart glasses have become a significant draw among participants on the bustling convention floor, and I’ve sampled 12 different models since landing in Las Vegas. Earlier, I was quite taken with the TCL RayNeo Air 4 Pro, notably its affordability.

How is Xreal addressing a more competitive landscape? By revealing remarkable new products.

Xreal launched two new AR glasses at CES 2026: the Xreal 1S and the ROG Xreal R1 AR gaming glasses. The Xreal 1S boasts considerable enhancements over the previous model and is priced lower at $449. The company asserts that the forthcoming ROG Xreal R1 AR gaming glasses are the first micro-LED smart glasses in the world featuring a 240 Hz refresh rate, outpacing even the Apple Vision Pro. The Xreal 1S is currently available, while the ROG glasses will debut later this year, probably at a higher cost.

Moreover, Xreal revealed a new feature at CES — instant 3D conversion. Known as Real 3D, this capability is accessible on both the 1S and existing Xreal One Pro glasses as a complimentary over-the-air upgrade. It swiftly converts displays, photos, videos, games, and entertainment from 2D to 3D.

I’ve had my doubts about smart glasses, particularly those equipped with cameras. Yet, Xreal smart glasses were the first to truly impress me. They project a substantial screen into your surroundings, replicating your smartphone, tablet, or laptop display, complete with integrated Bose speakers for sound.

I tried the ROG Xreal R1 AR gaming glasses at CES, linked to the new ROG Xbox Ally X gaming handheld, while playing Elden Ring on a gaming PC. The experience was outstanding, delivering a futuristic vibe and a “holy shit” moment.

The R1 display is remarkable, boasting a refresh rate that exceeds the Apple Vision Pro’s 120 Hz. The visuals were sharp and vibrant, and the glasses were comfortable to wear.

In contrast to other Xreal models, the R1 connects to a dock on your desk, enabling links to several devices. This feature makes the R1 less portable, but the dock is compact, and a direct link to a gaming handheld is achievable.

Gamers will appreciate the R1’s specifications: 240Hz 1080p micro-OLED displays, 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 171-inch screen from 4 meters away, a 57-degree field of view, 91 grams weight, Bose audio, electrochromic lenses, ROG Control Dock, and compatibility with PCs, consoles, handhelds, Android, and iOS through USB-C.

The Real 3D conversion feature operates instantaneously, unlike Apple’s Vision Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy XR, which require several seconds. With Real 3D, your virtual display shifts from 2D to 3D without delay. The effect is impressive and rapid, powered by the X1 spatial computing chip.

This feature is available at no cost to current Xreal glasses as an over-the-air update. I’m looking forward to further exploration at home.

Post-CES, I’m eager to compare the new Xreal 1S glasses with rivals like TCL. Xreal may not provide the most affordable options, but they are committed to quality. Based on their CES showcase, they appear to be leading the pack.

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