A lot of tech stuff was released during November – the new iPhones, Google Pixels, and more. But the coolest of them all was the Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Or should I say smart glasses?
Well, they are actually smart. I have been using them for the last week.
However, 10 months ago, they created a prototype that was chunky, ugly, and couldn’t hold up its battery. It wasn’t ready to hit the stores. Around 10 months later, they improved that prototype so much that people (including me) actually loved it.
They had better battery life, cameras that could record good-quality videos, play music, and do more of the stuff that people would actually need them for. They came with a price tag of 800 bucks for the maxed-out variant (there are cheaper versions available as well).
But the genuine question remains: are they still worth the price? Can they replace smartphones?
Let me answer them for you.
The Spec Sheet
Have a look at the specifications of the 2nd Generation of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, and then I will walk you through how it actually feels in real life.
| Category | Specification |
| Camera | 12 MP Ultra-Wide |
| Photo Resolution | 3024 x 4032 pixels |
| Video Resolution | Up to 3K (2880 x 2160) at 30fps, also 1440×1920 at 60fps |
| Audio | 2 custom-built open-ear speakers, custom 5-mic array with spatial audio |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 |
| Storage | 32GB Flash storage (approx. 1,000 photos or 100 30-second videos) |
| Battery Life (Glasses) | Up to 8 hours of moderate usage on a single charge |
| Battery Life (Case) | Provides approximately 48 additional hours of charge |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 rating (sweat and splash resistant) |
| Compatibility | iOS 15.2 or Android 10 and above |
| Weight | Approximately 52g on average |
The Use Cases
Now that you know the specifications, let’s talk about whether they are actually good when used in the real world.
Meta AI
One of the most useful features of these glasses is Meta AI. How does it work? Let me explain.
These smart glasses come with an integrated microphone. So, it can listen to you and other voices around you. With that microphone, you can call an assistant who will help you.
For example, one day I was looking to reach out to Xfinity servicio al cliente, which is the bilingual customer support team of my reliable internet service provider. I didn’t even have to pull my phone out, and I was able to talk to the agent with just the Ray-Ban Meta glasses. And the glasses gave me a true hands-free experience.
It is not limited to just calling, since it has the cameras, you can ask about directions, explore the place you and the camera are looking at, summarize the text, and so much more.
I know, I know. Meta AI isn’t as great as Gemini or ChatGPT, but you can have those other AI assistants on the smart glasses. However, by default, you will have Meta AI.
How do you switch to the other AI assistants? Someone on Reddit has written a comprehensive guide on how to change the default assistant. So, do read it if you don’t want Meta AI on your smart glasses. This will surely unlock more powerful use cases of the smart glasses because Meta AI is limited.
Taking Pictures and Videos
As I mentioned earlier, these smart glasses come with a camera, so they can capture pictures and videos for you. It doesn’t sound impressive, but in real-world usage, it is.
Let me explain why.
First of all, some moments go by very quickly while your hand is just inside your pocket, trying to pull out your phone. This problem is solved by the click and record feature of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. There is a sensor on top that, upon tapping, starts recording a video or captures a photo instantly.
I have found this very helpful, especially when playing with children and pets. They don’t pose for you, so you have to be quick when they pose for themselves, and that is exactly where these Ray Ban Meta glasses shine.
But keep in mind that the video quality isn’t revolutionary. It just gets the job done. Nothing more than that.
I expect them to improve the camera quality in the 3rd Gen, but for now, you have to live with that.
Live Stream Broadcast and Music
If you love to go live on Instagram, you are going to adore these smart glasses. The cameras can be used to publish your live stream on your Facebook or Instagram, making it a great experience for your viewers because they can see exactly what you see. On top of that, the wide-angle camera helps.
I forgot to mention that these smart glasses come with built-in speakers, which can work like a pair of normal earphones. The sound quality might not be great, especially in a noisy environment, but they get the job done.
So, it is nice to have that feature, but I am sure they can improve it.
Are They Worth It in 2026 and Can They Replace Smartphones?
Well, you and I both know the answer. If you think that you need the smart glasses for the above-mentioned use cases, they are worth it. Otherwise, your life won’t be affected if you don’t have them.
However, I don’t think they can replace smartphones yet. They can only complement your existing smartphones for now.