RayNeo Air 2s Review: Budget-Friendly AR Glasses for Your iPhone

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RayNeo Air 2s Review: Budget-Friendly AR Glasses for Your iPhone

Recent discussions have centered around augmented reality technology, particularly with the launch of products like Snapchat Spectacles and Meta Orion. Although these devices are quite pricey and not easily accessible to consumers, there is a rising trend of affordable glasses that offer some advantages of AR technology without breaking the bank. One such option is the RayNeo Air 2, and I have some insights to share.

Feel and Fit

Initially, these glasses are priced at $399 (currently available for $319), and they do give off a less premium feel. They feature a flat plastic front that doesn’t resemble traditional glasses aside from their outline. The frames are quite flexible, making it easy to bend them in various directions.

This flexibility offers a one-size-fits-all solution, which is convenient when purchasing. However, it also means that if they don’t conform well to your face, it might be uncomfortable. For me, securing the right fit took some effort, requiring frequent adjustments. Although changing the nose bridge (which comes with several options in the package) helped somewhat, overall, I found the fit wasn’t ideal. But individual experiences may vary.

Despite the somewhat cheap feel of the glasses, the unboxing experience was impressive. RayNeo (a sub-brand of TCL) has certainly excelled in their packaging. Additionally, the glasses come with a quality carrying case, making them easy to transport without concern.

User Experience

Given the price range, these glasses lack an onboard battery or computing capabilities, necessitating a wired connection via USB-C. This design is fine for stationary use but can make them cumbersome for movement. It can be challenging to see through the displays while in motion, although it is possible.

The display performance is commendable, boasting up to 5000 nits of brightness with a refresh rate of 120Hz, thanks to Sony’s microOLED technology. Each display offers a resolution of 1920×1080, which may not be groundbreaking, but is adequate for reading smaller text. RayNeo claims these glasses simulate a 201″ display at a 6-meter distance, akin to a cinema experience.

Personally, I find myself using these primarily while lying in bed to watch YouTube videos or shows. It’s a fun experience, providing a more enjoyable visual quality compared to direct phone usage. However, if you have a decent TV, the experience may not quite match up.

One aspect that is missing from these glasses is a display cover, which other AR glasses like the Xreal Airs include. A display cover is incredibly beneficial for an immersive experience, as it blocks out ambient light. It could easily be a simple piece of plastic that snaps on the front of the glasses. Although the glasses aren’t overly bright, having a cover could enhance the overall experience.