Is the best way to watch a movie on a pair of sunglasses?

image via TechCrunch

August 28, 2026, 10:42 PM

• •The XREAL a01 is a roughly $300 pair of smart glasses that functions mainly as an external display via USB-C.
• •The reviewer praised the glasses’ 1080p dual mini OLED panels, color vibrancy, and brightness of up to 1,600 nits.
• •A central criticism is that the device mirrors video from a laptop or phone, making its purpose feel redundant for movie watching.
• •The glasses can heat up noticeably on the bridge of the nose and around the eyes during use.
• •XREAL also offers the $200 Beam Pro as a separate streaming hub, while its upcoming Project Aura aims to add Android XR, hand tracking, and more mobility.

TechCrunch tested XREAL’s a01 smart glasses as a personal movie-viewing device and found that the image quality is strong, with bright dual OLED panels and an immersive feel in dark rooms. The reviewer argues that the glasses’ main drawback is redundancy, because they mirror content from a nearby laptop or phone rather than serving as a fully independent display. Other limitations include heat buildup on the face, compatibility issues with older iPhones, and the added cost of the optional Beam Pro accessory for more mobile use. The piece concludes that while the a01 is an interesting step in XR hardware, traditional TVs still offer a more comfortable and satisfying way to watch films at home.

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