Xreal Aura – Xreal’s Android XR-powered Aura smartglasses are now available for pre-order starting at $1,279, featuring tethered computing and integrated AI capabilities.
The weight of the future rests at less than 95 grams, but that lightness comes with a significant financial commitment. Xreal has officially opened pre-orders for its Android XR-powered Aura smartglasses, setting a starting price of $1,279 for those who previously secured a reservation.
This isn’t a standalone unit. The hardware relies on a tethered puck that houses the Android XR operating system. Google Play access. and Gemini AI integration. Within this compact puck, which includes a fingerprint sensor and built-in trackpad for navigation, lies the Snapdragon Reality Elite chip. It is designed to be clipped to clothing or worn on a lanyard. acting as the engine for the high-resolution experience.
The glasses themselves offer a 70-degree field of view through see-through lenses, allowing digital projections to overlay the physical world. During earlier testing at Google’s developer conference. the visuals remained sharp and bright even under direct sunlight. while audio is handled by Bose-engineered technology. Beyond the standalone XR experience, users can plug the glasses into a computer to use them as an external monitor.
Configuration dictates the final cost. The entry-level model pairs 12GB of RAM with 256GB of storage for $1,279, while those needing more power can opt for 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for $1,499. The device comes in two specific sizes: a medium fit for 60-66mm and a large fit for 66-72mm.
The division between the headset and the compute puck reflects a deliberate trade-off: offloading the processing weight to keep the glasses unobtrusive during extended wear. By separating the primary compute unit from the optics. the manufacturer seeks to solve the comfort issues that have historically plagued augmented reality devices. though it mandates a tethered connection to maintain that form factor.
Shipping begins soon for the United States, Canada, Japan, and South Korea, with general public orders opening in the coming weeks. A wider global expansion is slated for 2027.
Xreal Aura smartglasses Android XR Snapdragon Reality Elite wearable technology AR glasses tech news