AR (Augmented Reality) is pegged as the next big thing in the consumer tech space. Although we have been hearing this for a long while, the tech has still not caught up to the level of its hype.
Microsoft was the first major company to introduce an AR headset (HoloLens). However, it is primarily sold to enterprises rather than end consumers.
AR in the consumer space is anticipated to get a boost with the release of Apple Vision Pro in the coming months. Though the product seems impressive, it is out of reach for most people and has some serious issues.
This is where companies like Xreal (formerly Nreal) and Rokid come into play. They have been selling affordable AR glasses for quite a while now.
These products are not as grandeur as Apple’s Vision Pro and Microsoft’s HoloLens 2. But they allow people to experience augmented reality at a much affordable price.
Both these Chinese brands launched their newest offerings this year — Rokid Max and Xreal Air 2 series.
Our Chinese team reviewed the Rokid Max when it was announced initially. These glasses have now reached the Indian shores through Aytexcel Pvt Ltd.
Having used the Rokid Max for the last few days in India, here’s what I think about it.
My experience with Rokid Max in India
1. Build Quality
The body of the Rokid Max AR glasses is entirely made of good-quality plastic. It feels sturdy and can withstand drops.
It comes in a dark blue color which the company officially calls ‘Space Blue.’ Thanks to its lightness (75g), it is pleasant to wear for longer sessions.
The temples are quite flexible, and therefore the glasses can be worn by people with varying sizes of heads. However, the hinges could have been tighter.
It is easy to keep the glasses’ body free of smudges due to its matte finish. The volume and brightness buttons are tactile and the USB Type-C port is cleverly placed at the end of a temple tip.
The diopter adjustment knobs are placed above each lens. Whereas, the directional speakers are placed below the temples on either side. Lastly, the glasses use rubber nose pads that are comfortable.
2. Viewing Experience
The Rokid Max features micro OLED displays for each eye. These screens offer a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (FHD), a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 600 nits peak brightness level.
Together the two panels output a 215-inch screen. The displays are complemented by two directional speakers on either temple of the glasses.
Just like it sounds, the Rokid Max is a personal giant screen that fits in your pocket. You can use it anywhere if you don’t mind looking goofy with giant glasses on.
The display output is sharp and gets plenty bright. You can get a full theatre experience by using the glasses in a dark environment or with the blackout cover.
The built-in speakers are surprisingly good. But I would recommend a good pair of earphones for an immersive experience.
I mostly used the product to watch movies and YouTube in my bed before going to sleep. I even tried it inside a car on a road trip. It was fine during the early hours when the sun was about to come out. But after that, I had to rely on the blackout cover.
The glasses offer support for 360 and 3D videos. However, the implementation is poor as the field of view is limited to 50°. The content is pixelated and misaligned.
3. Accessories
The Rokid Max ships with a USB C to C cable, an extra pair of nose pads, and a very good-quality carrying case.
Apart from the in-box content, buyers can opt for an optional accessory called ‘Rokid Station’, which is a portable Android TV streaming device.
This device is also sold as a bundle alongside the glasses as ‘Rokid AR Joy’, and unfortunately that’s the only option available in India. You cannot buy the AR glasses separately.
Also, none of the other Rokid accessories are sold officially in India. These include the Rokid Hub, HDMI to USB-C adapter, anti-slip strap, lens inserts, and USB Type-C cable.
Thus, you will have to either import them or rely on alternatives that may or may not be compatible, especially adapters and cables, as per user reviews on Reddit.
4. Accessibility
The best thing about Rokid Max is the inclusion of diopter adjustment dials (0.00D to -6.00D). Therefore, myopic users like me can enjoy the product without any issues.
Further, the volume and brightness keys are conveniently placed below the right temple. Similarly, the USB Type-C port at the end of the left temple allows the cable to run behind the ear.
You get two different-sized nose pads so that the glasses can sit on the faces of more people. The temples are also quite flexible to accommodate different-sized heads.
However, in India, compatibility is an issue. Most smartphones sold in the country cannot be used with the glasses as they lack the USB 3 port for video out.
Generally, the glasses are only compatible with Samsung Galaxy S, Galaxy Z, and Galaxy Tab S series phones/tablets in India, in addition to select devices from other brands. They can be also used with the iPhone 15 lineup, thanks to the inclusion of a USB Type-C port.
But the Rokid AR app is only available on Android. Hence, I used the glasses mostly with a Xiaomi Pad 6 apart from an iPhone 15. I didn’t feel like working with them so did not use them much with a Windows laptop (Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon).
I would have used it with my Xbox Series S for gaming if I had access to a compatible adapter.
5. Pricing
The Rokid Max is an affordable way to experience AR (Augmented Reality). Unfortunately, this statement does not apply to the product in India.
Globally, the glasses alone cost only $399 (~₹33,175) without offers, while the bundle with the streaming device retails at $499 (~₹41,490).
However, in India, the glasses are not sold separately. It only comes in the aforementioned bundle called Rokid AR Joy Pack priced at a whopping ₹89,999 (~$1,080).
The product is really good at its original price. But at more than double the price in India, it’s hard to recommend here in the country and you don’t get access to official accessories.
Sadly, there are no other alternatives either as it is the only such product in India. On a positive note, at least people who can afford can get a pair of AR glasses in India.
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