Here’s a detailed side-by-side comparison of Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1, Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2, and Oakley Meta (HSTN / Vanguard performance line) smart glasses.

Feature	Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1	Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2	Oakley Meta (HSTN/Vanguard)
Launch / Positioning	The first of the “Meta” smart glasses line (after Ray-Ban Stories / earlier generation)	Successor model, improving upon Gen 1	A performance-oriented branch of the Meta smart glasses lineup, focused on active / sports usage
Core Platform / Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1	Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1	Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1
Camera / Photo	12 MP ultra-wide camera for still images, 3024 × 4032 px resolution	12 MP ultra-wide camera for still images, 3024 × 4032 px resolution	12 MP ultra-wide camera for still images, 3024 × 4032 px resolution
Video / Capture Modes	Up to 1080p	Up to 3K Ultra HD at 30 fps, plus more options (e.g. 1080p at higher frame rates)	Oakley Meta HSTN supports 3K video (portrait format) around 30 fps
Battery Life (Glasses alone)	~4 hours (typical use)	~8 hours (typical use)	~8 hours (typical use)
Charging Case / Extended Battery	Case gives up to ~32 additional hours of charge	Case gives up to ~48 additional hours	Case gives up to ~48 additional hours
Water / Dust / Durability	IPX4 splash-resistance (splash protection, not sealed for submersion)	IPX4 splash-resistance (splash protection, not sealed for submersion)	HSTN also uses IPX4 for splash resistance; Vanguard has IP67 rating for dust and water resistance
Audio / Microphone / Speakers	Two open-ear speakers, 5-microphone array	Two open-ear speakers, 5-microphone array	Two open-ear speakers, 5-microphone array
Design, Comfort & Options	Several frame styles (Wayfarer etc.), prescription lens options, classic looks	Several frame styles (Wayfarer etc.), prescription lens options, classic looks	Oakley Meta HSTN is currently offered in a single frame style (sporty, Oakley aesthetic) and Vanguard available in the popular shield style sports glass. Neither currently support prescription lenses.
Software / AI Features / Functionalities	Meta AI (voice, context queries), live translation, camera control, notifications, etc.	Meta AI (voice, context queries), live translation, camera control, notifications, etc. plus enhancements (improved video capture and new AI capabilities)	Meta AI (voice, context queries), live translation, camera control, notifications, etc. plus enhancements (improved video capture and new AI capabilities) and performance enhancements (connects to Strava and Garmin devices for activity updates)
Pros / Advantages	Strong first offering, stylish, good platform for updates. Lower price point	Substantially improved battery life, better video capture, same style & features, more refined	Superior for sports / outdoors: better optics (polarized / PRIZM lenses), larger video capability; AI features; enhanced features for active users
Cons / Limitations	More limited battery life, lower video capability, earlier generation	Higher price point	No prescription lens support (currently) and limited frame styles reduce appeal for everyday wearers

✅ Summary / Interpretation

• Gen 2 vs Gen 1 (Ray-Ban Meta)
  The upgrade from Gen 1 to Gen 2 is meaningful. The most dramatic improvements are in battery life (roughly doubling) and video recording capabilities (adding support for 3K video). Gen 2 gives a better overall “all-day” experience.
• Oakley Meta relative to Ray-Ban Meta
  Oakley’s version takes the Meta smart glasses foundation and tilts it toward performance / outdoor use. It matches or exceeds many Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 specs (battery, video, optics) and includes some enhancements in lens quality and usability in bright / active settings.

Perfect — here’s a use-case breakdown so you can see which smart glasses (Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1, Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2, Oakley Meta) fit best depending on lifestyle and needs.

👓 Which Smart Glasses Should You Choose?
1. Everyday Wear / Style-First Users

• Best Choice: Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2
• Looks almost identical to classic Ray-Bans (Wayfarer, Headliner, Skyler).
• Works as a daily pair of glasses or sunglasses with smart features built in.
• Longer battery than Gen 1 means you can use them throughout the day without worrying.
• Prescription lens options make them practical for vision correction.
• Why Not Oakley Meta? Only sporty frame options and no prescription support.

2. Travelers & Content Creators

• Best Choice: Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2
• 3K video capture gives much better results for vlogging, travel clips, or casual content creation.
• AI assistant can handle translation and voice commands, making them useful on trips.
• Charging case extends use to multiple days.
• Gen 1 is also an option for photos and quick clips but noticeably behind in video quality.
• Oakley Meta could work too, but Ray-Ban Gen 2’s style and prescription support make them more versatile for everyday travel.

3. Sports, Outdoor, and Performance Users

• Best Choice: Oakley Meta (HSTN / Vanguard performance line)
• Built with Oakley’s PRIZM lens tech, optimized for clarity, glare reduction, and contrast in bright light.
• Frames are designed for secure fit during activity.
• Matches Gen 2’s battery life and video capture, but with lenses and durability geared toward athletes.
• Why Not Ray-Ban Meta? While stylish, Ray-Bans aren’t built for sweat, motion, or heavy outdoor use.

4. Tech Enthusiasts & Early Adopters

• Best Choice: Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 (or Oakley Meta if sportier aesthetics appeal)
• Gen 2 refines the experience — stronger battery, better video, and continued software updates from Meta.
• Oakley Meta appeals if you want the most “different” look and care less about wearing them everywhere.
• Gen 1 is still available but if you’re into cutting-edge, skip straight to Gen 2 or Oakley.

5. Budget-Conscious Users

• Best Choice: Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 (if still available at discount)
• Still delivers camera, audio, Meta AI, and prescription support.
• A good entry point if you don’t need long battery life or high-quality video.

✅ Quick Recommendation

• Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 → Only worth it if you find it significantly cheaper.
• Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 → Best all-rounder for daily use, travel, and casual video capture.
• Oakley Meta → Best for sports, outdoor, and performance-oriented users who value Oakley’s lens tech and active design over everyday wear.

Got it — here’s a closing section you could use to really sell the concept of combining eyewear with smart technology, highlighting the everyday merits that tempt people to purchase.

👓 Why Smart Glasses Are Worth It
The biggest appeal of the Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta lines isn’t just that they’re stylish sunglasses — it’s that they seamlessly merge fashion with function. Instead of carrying another gadget, your glasses become a hands-free assistant, camera, and audio device, all while looking like a normal pair of frames.

• Always ready camera: Capture moments instantly without fumbling for your phone. A simple voice command or tap records what you see, the way you see it.
• Hands-free AI assistant: Ask questions, get reminders, or translate speech while keeping your phone in your pocket.
• Music and calls without earbuds: Open-ear speakers let you enjoy audio discreetly while staying aware of your surroundings.
• All-day practicality: You already wear glasses or sunglasses — now that same accessory works harder for you, cutting clutter and streamlining your day.
• Style-first design: Unlike older “techy” wearables, these look and feel like premium eyewear brands people already want to wear.

Put simply, these smart glasses don’t feel like extra tech — they feel like an upgrade to something you already use every day.

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For information relating to other smart eyewear options like Ray-Ban Meta please see here.

For information relating to other smart eyewear options like Even Realities G1 please see here.

If you would like any more information or wish to book in for a demonstration of either of these products with one of our opticians please complete the form below.

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Article written by Andrew Connell, IP Optometrist | Shareholder

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