Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Review

Smart Glasses just took a new turn.

The Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, born from the collaboration between Meta and EssilorLuxottica, present the second-gen smart glasses iteration. These camera-fitted glasses offer upgrades, boasting an improved 12MP camera, amplified audio output, new smart features, and notably, a much more comfortable design that Ray-ban fans are familiar with.

While not the futuristic AR glasses of tomorrow, the £299 Ray-Ban Meta Glasses offer a lot for the fashion-forward content creator or anyone craving a touch of James Bond’s spy tech flair.

Unboxing

Design

Sporting Ray-Ban’s signature design, the Meta Glasses feature the iconic big-lens Wayfarer style. Additionally, the new Headliner style offers a rounded shape and high-hinge design, adding a fresh element to Ray-Ban’s repertoire.

The glasses exhibit the trademark Ray-Ban design elements, including the brand logo on the frame arms and lenses. The pair we reviewed were black frames with black lenses but the new Meta glasses also come in some cool new colourways, notably, a semi-transparent finish, available in Caramel and Jeans, reveals the tech components within. This, coupled with diverse lens options via the Ray-Ban Remix online storefront, offers over 150 potential style combinations.

The comfort of these glasses stands out significantly compared to their predecessors. The new design, especially the Wayfarer Large finish, ensures a more adaptable and less rigid frame, accommodating diverse head sizes comfortably.

On the front of frames, you’ll be able to see both where the camera and the halo ring LED are placed. Discreet enough for the quick eye not to know they’re overbearingly smart.

Durability is emphasized with an IPX4 splash resistance rating, allowing usage even during light rain showers, although complete submersion should be avoided.

Features

Enhanced virtual assistant capabilities with expanded integration across Meta-owned apps, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and Threads, offer seamless interaction.

The Meta view app was pretty simple and straightforward to set up and use and we loved the capcut type “creation” app to pull all your daily videos and shots into one quick small project ready to post straight out of the gate.

At times it did get pretty fiddly trying sync and import content as glasses need to be connected via a local wifi connection, however, we found that the Import while charging feature a great addition to counter this.

The glasses’ five built-in microphones enable hands-free calling with decent background noise reduction, although challenging environments might affect call quality.

Integrating tightly with Meta services, these glasses also allow seamless live streaming on Instagram and Facebook, ideal for creators seeking POV-style content creation.

However, limitations arise with the virtual assistant’s support restricted to Meta apps, overlooking third-party apps like TikTok and Snapchat.

Cameras

Upgraded to a 12MP ultrawide camera, the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses capture stunning photos with vibrant colors and impressive detail, especially in well-lit environments. However, low-light scenarios exhibit more noise and softness, a common challenge with small camera sensors.

Improved electronic image stabilization ensures smoother video recording, although extreme movements might cause occasional shudders, especially in low light. The incorporation of five microphones enhances audio capture for a 3D-like effect, enriching the video recording experience.

Privacy concerns are addressed with a more prominent and brighter LED indicator, signaling when the glasses are recording or taking photos. A hidden depth sensor prevents recording or photography if the LED is covered, easing potential discomfort among others nearby.

Audio

The Ray-Ban Meta Glasses offer louder audio output, catering well to casual music listening and navigation without disturbing the surroundings, however don’t expect any deep bass to come through. The call quality however is absolutely superb and crystal clear and sound leakage is notably reduced compared to previous iterations, minimizing audio spillage to the environment.

Automatic play/pause technology and gesture controls on the glasses’ arms add convenience to volume and playback control making it truly a thing of the future.

Image Examples

Verdict

Ray-Ban Meta Glasses may not represent the future of AR glasses, but they offer a unique perspective for capturing moments hands-free. Enhanced audio, remarkable camera capabilities, and refined design make them a standout among smart glasses, especially for style-conscious users seeking premium functionalities.

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