Display glasses compatibility: which phones and laptops work with RayNeo, XREAL and VITURE

The one feature that decides everything

Display glasses such as the RayNeo Air series, XREAL One series and VITURE glasses are essentially wearable monitors. They do not run apps themselves, and XREAL notes that its One series glasses have no built-in battery at all. They need a device that sends a video signal down a USB-C cable, and that is where most buyer frustration starts. A phone can have a USB-C port that charges and transfers files perfectly well and still be unable to output video.

The feature you are looking for is called DisplayPort Alternate Mode, usually shortened to DP Alt Mode, or DisplayPort over USB-C. RayNeo's compatibility page puts it plainly: all of its AR glasses work with devices that support DP Alt Mode. XREAL's One series guide says the device's port must support DisplayPort video output and also supply 5V/1A power, because the glasses draw their power from the device. Thunderbolt ports on laptops include DisplayPort output, so a Thunderbolt 4 port is also a good sign.

Cameron owns a pair of RayNeo Air 4 Pro glasses, which have not been reviewed on the site yet, so this guide sticks to what the manufacturers and platform makers document rather than performance impressions.

iPhone: USB-C models only, with one notable exception

Apple's support article on the USB-C connector says iPhone uses the DisplayPort protocol for USB-C displays, and lists the iPhone 15 models, the iPhone 16 family except the iPhone 16e, the iPhone 17 family except the iPhone 17e, and the iPhone 18 Pro among the models that support connecting to external displays over USB-C. Models without this support can use AirPlay instead, which is no help with wired display glasses.

The glasses makers line up with this. RayNeo's compatibility page lists the iPhone 15 and 16 series and specifically excludes the iPhone 16e. XREAL's One series user guide says iPhone 15 and later with a USB-C port can connect directly, again excluding the 16e. If you own a budget iPhone, check your exact model against Apple's list before buying.

Expect mirroring rather than a desktop. Apple says a connected display mirrors the iPhone's screen, except in apps that offer a second-screen experience, such as video apps. XREAL's guide also notes that its UltraWide mode is not available on iPhone. Lightning iPhones cannot connect directly and need an HDMI-based route through the glasses maker's adapter, so check the official accessory listing for your model.

Android: check the exact model, not the brand

Android is where buyers get caught out, because support varies by model even within one brand. Flagship phones are more likely to output video, while many mid-range and budget models charge over USB-C but have no video output at all. RayNeo's list covers several brands, including Samsung, OnePlus, Sony and Xiaomi, but notes that it is not complete.

For Samsung, the clearest guide is Samsung's own DeX support page, since DeX over a cable relies on the same video output. It lists wired DeX support on Galaxy S8 through S26 series phones, Note8 through Note 20, most Z Fold models, the Z Flip7 and Z Flip8, and a long list of Galaxy Tab models. Among Galaxy A phones, only the A90 5G is listed, and Samsung says the Z Flip7 FE and older Flip models are not compatible. RayNeo also notes that Samsung phones have DeX and non-DeX modes, which affects how the glasses behave.

Google Pixel phones were a long-running sore point, because early Pixels did not offer video output over USB-C. RayNeo now lists the Pixel 8 and 9 series as compatible, though its page says its own app does not support Pixel phones. If you rely on a companion app for features like 3D mode or screen anchoring, check that it supports your phone, not just that the picture appears.

Laptops, tablets and Macs

Most recent laptops with USB-C or Thunderbolt ports work, but not every USB-C port on every laptop carries video. XREAL's documentation lists MacBook Pro and Windows laptops with USB-C among directly compatible devices, and its ROG XREAL R1 guide suggests using a dock when a laptop lacks USB-C video output. Look for a DisplayPort or Thunderbolt symbol beside the port, or check the laptop's spec sheet for DisplayPort over USB-C.

Tablets are a mixed bag. RayNeo lists recent iPad, MacBook, Mac mini and Galaxy Tab models, and XREAL lists the iPad Pro (4th gen). Samsung notes that the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S10 FE series do not support HDMI output, a hint that budget tablets deserve the same scrutiny as budget phones. A laptop or tablet can also unlock modes a phone cannot; XREAL lists its UltraWide mode as available on Windows, MacBook, iPad and Android tablets.

Handhelds and consoles

PC gaming handhelds are among the easiest matches. XREAL lists the Steam Deck, Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally as direct USB-C connections, and RayNeo lists the Steam Deck along with a range of Windows handhelds from ASUS, Lenovo, MSI, GPD and others.

The Nintendo Switch is different. XREAL's guide says the Switch cannot connect directly because of its USB-C voltage limits, and that you need the XREAL Hub plus a power supply or power bank. RayNeo sells its own JoyDock accessory for Switch players. PlayStation and Xbox consoles output HDMI rather than DisplayPort over USB-C, so both XREAL and RayNeo route them through an HDMI adapter. Budget for that accessory if gaming on a console is the main reason you want display glasses.

Battery, charging and streaming apps

Because the glasses draw power from your device, your phone battery drains faster. XREAL's user guide estimates roughly four to six hours of use from a fully charged phone and recommends its Hub if you want to charge and watch at the same time. RayNeo sells a USB-C charging adapter and VITURE sells docks such as the Mobile Dock Mini, aimed at the same problem. If you plan to watch movies on a long flight, a pass-through charging adapter is worth considering.

Streaming services are another common snag. RayNeo's support page says its Air glasses and official adapters support HDCP, the copy protection that apps such as Netflix and Prime Video require, so licensed content can play when you use official accessories. If you mix third-party adapters into the chain, protected video may refuse to play even when everything else works.

A quick checklist before you buy

First, search your exact phone or laptop model with the terms DisplayPort Alt Mode or video output over USB-C. Second, check the glasses maker's own compatibility list, remembering that these lists are guides rather than guarantees; RayNeo's own list is incomplete by its own description, and XREAL advises asking your device maker if you are unsure. VITURE's site highlights iPhone 15 and 16 support but, at the time of writing, did not publish a full device list, so contact its support if your device is unusual. Third, if you have the chance, plug a USB-C monitor or a USB-C to HDMI adapter into your device; if it shows a picture, display glasses should too.

Finally, buy from a retailer with a reasonable return window. Compatibility can change with software updates, and RayNeo itself notes that support may vary by region and software version. Our coverage of display glasses is still in progress, and we will add hands-on impressions when Cameron's RayNeo review is published.

From a tech standpoint

Display glasses are only as good as the port you plug them into. Confirm that your phone or laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C, check the glasses maker's list, and plan for adapters if you want to use a Switch, a console or a Lightning iPhone. Doing that homework first is what separates a great travel screen from an expensive pair of sunglasses.