There is growing demand for the energy storage devices with superior energy density than that of conventional lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-air batteries (LABs) are promising candidates for next-generation rechargeable batteries due to their extremely high theoretical energy density. In recent several years, there are many research progress for LABs mainly in the field of academia. However, in most of the studies, the performance evaluation of LABs is performed under inappropriate technological parameters from the viewpoint of the high energy density cell design. As results, the cell-level energy density of LABs is lower than conventional lithium-ion batteries. For realizing the cell-level high energy density LABs, such as 500 Wh/kg class LABs, the cell should be operated under lean electrolyte and high areal capacity condition and the suitable electrode materials and electrolyte should be developed. This article over-views the recent research progress of LABs, from the viewpoint of practical cell design and material development. In addition, the perspective for future research direction for realizing LABs with practically high energy density and long cycle life is also described.