Additionally, being able to make 3D videos and 3D photos is fun.
Plus, this means your phone is free to use like a phone while you use the Beam Pro.
Some apps are awkward when used with Beam Pro, but updates could fix that.
The XREAL Beam Pro looks and feels a lot like a smartphone.
Price, availability, and specsWhat I likeWhat I don’t likeCompetitionShould you buy it?
For instance, I love my Google Pixel 8, but it doesn’t support XREAL glasses.
During that time, I used various apps, played games, and took 3D videos of my pets.
Here’s what I think about XREAL’s spatial computer accessory.
This XREAL Beam Pro review unit was provided by XREAL.
The company wasn’t provided access to this review’s content prior to publishing.
Simply plug the XREAL glasses into the glasses port and you’re good to go.
Both can be purchased from theXREAL website.
When it comes to spatial computers, that’s an insanely low price.
Even in terms of a phone, the Beam Pro doesn’t cost that much for the configurations offered.
Beam Pro can charge up another device plugged into it via USB-C.
We’ve already seen the memory and storage options, but what about other Beam Pro specs?
XREAL’s accessory comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with an Adreno 710 mobile GPU.
One of the standout features on this phone-like equipment are the dual cameras on the back.
Beam Pro runs Android 14-based nebulaOS.
They allow the Beam Pro to capture 3D videos in 4K.
There are two ports on the bottom of the Beam Pro.
The company also has plans to ship to additional locations in the future.
When in spatial computer mode, the Beam Pro acts like a Wii remote.
Preorders began on July 15, and they should ship to consumers starting July 16.
That’s plenty of space and power to run well without running out of space too quickly.
Button controls are located on the machine’s left side.
When in spatial computer mode, the Beam Pro menu displays apps like this.(Image credit: Windows Central)
There is a red-orange button, a volume button, and a power button below that.
Port-wise, there are the two USB-C ports on the bottom that I previously mentioned.
It specifically runs nebulaOS, which is XREAL’s Android-14-based operating system.
On-screen mobile controls don’t show up on the screen when using Beam Pro in spatial mode.(Image credit: Windows Central)
This Android familiarity makes it very intuitive to use right from the start.
The circular widget with the two black circles opens the camera when tapped for fast video or photo shoots.
Overall, these controls are pretty easy to get the hang of right away.
When in more dimmly lit areas, the Beam Pro captures photos decently well, though not as clearly as some phone cameras.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
Swiping down puts this menu away again.
I’m even able to connect a wireless mouse using a USB-C dongle and can control things that way.
It all works very well without issues.
When in dimmly lit areas, video captures on Beam Pro aren’t as clear or as easy to see.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
What’s more, connecting wireless accessories is a snap, thanks to the Beam Pro’s Bluetooth.
This made it difficult to use when on the go.
Arguably, the most awkward part of using Beam Pro is text entry.
Each camera captures a slightly different angle so that when viewed in the glasses, it creates a 3D illusion.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
This is something that could get fixed over time with updates, if developers decide to work on that.
To test the dual 50MP True 3D cameras, I took several videos indoors and outdoors with my pets.
This dim-light clarity issue isn’t uncommon, at all, but it’s good to be aware of.
The Beam Pro can reach up to 4K video resolution.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
In some ways, that’s exactly what’s happening here.
I can vouch for this.
In the CPU test, the Beam Pro only scored a 960 single-core score and a 2,783 multicore score.
Geekbench 6 benchmarks show that the Beam Pro isn’t nearly as powerful as some other mobile devices, but it isn’t horrible either.
It’s pretty low when compared against the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 2,172 single-core score and 6,782 multicore score.
The Beam Pro easily lasted the whole day without getting dangerously low on juice.
However, it might not be a good fit for everyone.
There are two cameras on the backside of the Beam Pro, which allows for 3D videos that reach up to 2160p when played back.
However, the Beam Pro is really only suited to improving the mobile user experience.
For instance, I downloaded a few Netflix games like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge.
This game specifically offers on-screen mobile controls that you’re supposed to put your fingers on.
Plus, not all mobile games offer controller support.
The lack of these features makes this accessory cost significantly less than the Beam Pro.
At the time of writing, the XREAL Beam is selling for$119.00 at Amazon.
The XREAL Beam is the less expensive precursor to the Beam Pro.
XREAL Beam Pro: Should you buy it?
This accessory lets you access your AR and 3D apps without draining your phone battery.
Simply plug in your XREAL glasses and you’re good to go.
The XREAL Beam Pro is easy to tote around and use.
It runs Android and features 3D cameras allowing you to capture 3D videos.
