Can the world's first HDR10 smart glasses replace your $2,000 OLED TV - these specs say yes
Exclusive: The RayNeo Air 4 Pro have launched ahead of CES 2026, with a feature set that we've yet to see from XR glasses.
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ZDNET's key takeaways
- RayNeo unveiled the Air 4 Pro with upgraded display and audio.
- They are the world's first HDR10-enabled smart glasses.
- RayNeo is launching the X3 Pro Project eSIM at CES 2026.
If the number of smart glasses that I've worn and tested in the final months of 2025 was any indication of what was to come in 2026, then CES next week will unquestionably be the headlining showcase for face-worn technology.
However, one pair of glasses has already left a big impression on me: RayNeo's new Air 4 Pro, which the company touts as the world's first HDR10-enabled smart glasses, featuring dual-layer OLED screens and side speakers tuned by Bang and Olufsen. Together, you're looking at a convincing frontrunner for multimedia consumption on the go.
Also: I wore Google's upcoming Android XR smart glasses, and it's a future I'd actually want to live in
At the base level, the RayNeo Air 4 Pro are a pair of extended reality glasses, meaning they can be connected to a smartphone, PC, or even gaming console to mirror (or fully replace) the display. Like competing offerings from Xreal, Viture, and Rokid, the RayNeo glasses are well-optimized for multimedia viewing, thanks to a tinted visor that enhances the color and brightness of their projections.
It certainly helps that the RayNeo Air 4 Pro support swappable prescription lenses (including -8.00) and weigh the same as their predecessor, the RayNeo Air 3s Pro, at 76 grams. That's about par for the course for XR glasses, but at least they're not getting any heavier.
The RayNeo Air 4 Pro look similar to the Air 3s Pro (pictured) but with enhanced speakers and display support.
Matthew Miller/ZDNET
Where the RayNeo Air 4 Pro distances itself is with the HDR10-enabled projection and Bang and Olufsen-tuned speaker system. The former allows users to visualize a wider range of brightness and color than traditional displays, such as details that are often lost in overlit environments or dimmer scenes.
"While many wearable displays promise a large screen, they often fall short on contrast, color consistency, and stability," Li Hongwei, CEO of RayNeo Innovation, tells ZDNET. Supporting this universal standard of picture quality brings the RayNeo Air 4 Pro closer in line with traditional TVs, projectors, and other devices.
Also: The biggest tech surprises of the year: 5 products that truly impressed our editors
As intrigued as I am by the glasses' display quality, I'm just as invested in their new speakers. Co-branded "tuning" is a marketing stunt as old as time; we've seen such partnerships appear on smartphones, laptop speakers, cars, and more -- and the resulting audio performance is often hit or miss.
However, having recently tested the Xreal One Pro, which features Bose-tuned field speakers, I'm more of a believer when it comes to smart glasses. The enhanced bass and directional output should result in a more immersive listening experience overall.
One last thing
RayNeo has confirmed with ZDNET that it'll be launching the X3 Pro Project eSIM at CES 2026, which takes the recently launched pair of AR glasses and implements built-in 4G connectivity.
"Currently a concept device, the RayNeo X3 Pro Project eSIM showcases what we believe is the key difference for next-generation AR -- these are glasses that can connect to the internet and make calls on their own, without a smartphone," says Li.
Also: CES 2026: Everything we're expecting to see (and how to watch)
ZDNET tested the RayNeo X3 Pro late last year and found the smart glasses to be fairly capable, thanks to their built-in display and direct access to Gemini for voice assistance. However, the overall endurance and comfort made them less ideal for everyday usage. Here's to hoping that giving the glasses eSIM support makes those drawbacks a little more forgivable.
The ZDNET team will be on the CES floor throughout next week, so stay tuned for our coverage on the latest tech and innovation news, including what's next for face-worn tech.