Can the debut HDR10 smart glasses substitute your $2,000 OLED TV? These specifications indicate a resounding yes

Highlights from ZDNET

As 2025 concluded with a flurry of face-mounted gadgets being reviewed, the upcoming week is poised to spotlight cutting-edge eyewear technology.

Yet, amidst the swarm, one particular pair stood out: RayNeo’s Air 4 Pro. Marketed as the inaugural HDR10 smart eyewear, these glasses showcase state-of-the-art dual-layer OLED displays and acoustics refined by Bang & Olufsen, setting a new standard for portable media consumption.

Fundamentally, the RayNeo Air 4 Pro function as extended reality eyewear, offering compatibility with a range of devices such as smartphones, PCs, and gaming consoles to either mirror or altogether substitute their displays. Mirroring products from brands like Xreal, Viture, and Rokid, the RayNeo model excels in media rendering, attributed to a tinted visor that enriches color fidelity and luminance.

Additionally, they accommodate customizable prescription lenses (including corrections of up to -8.00) and maintain a lightweight design at 76 grams, identical to the former RayNeo Air 3s Pro model, ensuring they are neither burdensome nor hefty.

Sporting a design parallel to the Air 3s Pro (as illustrated), the Air 4 Pro ups the ante with superior sound and visual support.

These glasses stand out with their HDR10 projection capabilities and collaboration with Bang & Olufsen for audio excellence. The HDR10 feature offers a more dynamic spectrum of brightness and chromatic depth compared to conventional screens, enhancing visibility in both overly lit and shadowed conditions.

Li Hongwei, RayNeo Innovation's CEO, mentioned to ZDNET, "Many wearable displays promise large screen experiences but fall short on aspects such as contrast and color fidelity." Embracing this universal standard propels the RayNeo Air 4 Pro closer to matching conventional televisions, projectors, and similar devices.

While I am thoroughly excited about their display capabilities, their audio system is also intriguing. Despite the skepticism surrounding co-branded audio tuning—a common marketing strategy—the RayNeo's partnership with Bang & Olufsen promises an immersive auditory experience with enhanced bass and precision.

Final thoughts

Anticipated to be unveiled at CES 2026 is RayNeo's X3 Pro Project with eSIM, which embodies a novel approach by integrating 4G connectivity directly into AR glasses. Li states, "As a concept device, the RayNeo X3 Pro Project eSIM exemplifies our vision for next-gen AR—glasses capable of independent internet connectivity and telephony."

In tests conducted last year by ZDNET, these glasses were notable for their display and Gemini voice assistant feature. However, their durability and comfort levels were seen as limiting factors for everyday wear. There's optimism that incorporating eSIM functionality might enhance overall user satisfaction and utility.

Stay connected with ZDNET, as our team brings you comprehensive coverage from the upcoming CES, capturing the future of face-wearable technology.