Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 vs Gen 2 - Which One Should You Buy?

The Evolution of Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

Ray-Ban Meta became the first product to make smart glasses mainstream, selling over two million units since their debut in 2023. The original model proved that consumers were ready for stylish ai glasses that didn't compromise on design. Building on this success, Meta has introduced improvements that address the most common complaints while maintaining the iconic Ray-Ban aesthetic.

Camera and Video Capabilities

Video Recording - The Game Changer

This is where the Gen 2 truly shines. It features a 12 MP ultra-wide camera with a 100° field of view, supporting up to 3K Ultra HD at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps, delivering sharper, smoother, and more vivid videos with ultrawide HDR.

By comparison, Gen 1 supports 1080p recording at 30fps or 60fps, which is great for casual use but falls short for high-quality content creation.

The higher resolution and frame rate options make Gen 2 particularly appealing for action shots, sports recording, and any scenario involving movement. Later this fall, hands-free filming is getting upgraded across all Meta AI glasses with two new capture settings: hyperlapse and slow motion.

Photography

Both generations sport the same 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera with a resolution of 3024 x 4032 pixels for photos. The image quality remains consistent between models, delivering crisp, wide-angle shots perfect for capturing moments hands-free.

Storage

Both models include 32GB of storage, which is sufficient for approximately 500 photos and 100 30-second videos before you need to transfer content to your phone.

Design and Build Quality

Physical Appearance and Styles

Both generations maintain virtually identical designs, which is excellent news for fashion-conscious buyers. You can choose between Wayfarer, Skyler, or Headliner styles depending on which you prefer, but these frames will look virtually identical across the Gen 1 and Gen 2 models. Each style features a camera on one side and an LED privacy indicator on the opposite side.

The frames are available in multiple colors, with options for polarized, transitions, and prescription lenses. Both generations support prescriptions between -6.00 and +4.00, making them accessible to a wide range of users.

Weight and Comfort

Here's where we see a subtle but meaningful improvement. Meta managed to shave a few grams of weight off the frames. The new pair of smart glasses weighs ~50–53 grams, up from ~48–50 grams on the Gen 1 model.

Both models feature an IPX4 water-resistance rating, meaning they can handle splashes and light rain but shouldn't be submerged.

Battery Life - Most Significant Upgrade

Perhaps the most significant improvement between generations is battery performance. The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 has a 160 mAh battery and is capable of up to 4 hours of use on a single charge. With the charging case you can get up to 32 hours, contributing to the improved video quality . Meta claims the newer specs can achieve up to eight hours, plus the case gets an additional 16 hours of charge too, bringing the total to 48 hours.

This doubling of battery life addresses one of the most common complaints about the Gen 1. You can now:

• Record more videos without worrying about power

• Listen to music throughout your workday

• Use Meta AI features more liberally

• Charge less frequently

Both models charge to 50% in just 20 minutes, which is convenient for quick top-ups.

Audio and Communication Features

Both generations deliver immersive sound and clear communication, but Gen 2 offers slightly better endurance:

Gen 1:

• 2 custom-built open-ear speakers for music, calls, and notifications

• Custom 5-microphone array for high-quality audio recording

• Up to 3.5 hours of continuous audio playback

• Up to 4 hours of continuous phone calls

Gen 2:

• 2 custom-built open-ear speakers with improved audio tuning

• Custom 5-microphone array for immersive audio recording

• Up to 5 hours of continuous audio playback

• Up to 5.5 hours of continuous phone calls

The open-ear design ensures you can enjoy content while staying aware of your surroundings. Additionally, Conversation Focus, coming soon via software update, will amplify the voice of the person you’re speaking with while reducing background noise—ideal for busy environments like cafes or parks.

Meta AI Integration and Software Features

Shared AI Capabilities

Both generations benefit from Meta's continuous software improvements. There are huge new features coming via a Meta AI software update to both pairs of smart glasses, including:

• Live Translation: Expanding the ability to translate conversations in real-time with new languages, including German and Portuguese

• Conversation Focus: Amplifies the voice of the person you're speaking with while reducing background noise

• Upgraded Meta AI: General improvements to the assistant, including better conversational flow and the ability to ask questions about what you're seeing

Meta AI Performance

Both generations are built on the Qualcomm Snapdragon® AR1 Gen 1 platform, ensuring powerful performance and smooth AI-driven experiences. This advanced chipset enables features like real-time translation, enhanced conversational flow, and intelligent scene recognition.

In practical terms, both Gen 1 and Gen 2 will receive the same AI capabilities through software updates, so users can expect consistent improvements over time.

Connectivity

Both generations support:

• Wi-Fi 6

• Bluetooth 5.3

• Compatibility with iOS and Android devices

You'll need to pair the glasses with the Meta View app, which requires linking to a Meta account (Facebook, Instagram, or Meta/Oculus account).

Pricing and Value Proposition

Current Pricing

• Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1: Starting at Rs. 29,900

• Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2: Gen-2 has launched in India around ₹39,900

Additional costs:

• Polarized lenses:

• Transitions lenses:

• Prescription lenses:

Availability

The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 smart glasses are sticking around at Rs. 29,900. Skyler and Wayfarer styles are available until stock lasts.

The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 smart glasses are available at Rs. 39,900 in all three styles (Wayfarer, Skyler and Headliner) with full customization options.

Who Should Buy the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1?

Budget-Conscious Buyers

At Rs. 29,900, the Gen 1 represents excellent value. At this price, you're still getting a good pair of smart glasses with well-thought-out intelligence that is only getting smarter over time. If you can live with shorter battery life and lower video quality, you'll save money that could go toward prescription lenses or accessories.

Casual Users

If you plan to use your smart glasses primarily for:

• Occasional photos and short videos

• Music listening during commutes

• Voice calls and messaging

• Experimenting with Meta AI

The Gen 1 will serve you perfectly well. The four-hour battery life is sufficient for typical daily use if you're not recording extensively.

Limited Availability Consideration

However, with limited stock on some styles, you may not have access to your preferred frame. If your desired style is out of stock in Gen 1, the decision is made for you.

Who Should Buy the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2?

Content Creators and Active Users

If you're going to use your smart glasses for video, there's only one generation you need, which is Gen 2.The 3K video recording, 60fps capability, and improved stabilization make the Gen 2 essential for:

• Sports recording and outdoor activities

• Regular content creation for social media

• Capturing family events and memories in high quality

• Professional or semi-professional video work

All-Day Users

Meta claims that Gen 2 has double the battery over Gen 1, which, no matter which way you spin it, is a major win for anyone who plans to wear their smart glasses for long periods. If you want to use your glasses from morning to evening without charging anxiety, the Gen 2's are the right choice with up to eight hours of battery life.

First-Time Buyers

For the uplift in stamina and the versatility of the camera, it feels like Meta has really ironed out the key frustrations that came with Gen 1, making it a big upgrade . New buyers should opt for the Gen 2 to avoid the limitations that frustrated Gen 1 owners.

Future-Proofing

The more powerful hardware in the Gen 2 may enable future AI features that the Gen 1 cannot support. While both models will receive updates, the Gen 2's hardware gives it more longevity.

Should Gen 1 Owners Upgrade?

This is a nuanced question. Double the battery life and a better camera are definitely strong selling points.

Reasons to Upgrade:

• You frequently run out of battery

• You're frustrated by video quality

• You create content regularly

• The lighter weight would improve comfort

Reasons to Keep Gen 1:

• You're satisfied with current performance

• The extra cost isn't justified for your use case

• You primarily use the glasses for audio and occasional photos

• You can wait for a potential Gen 3

The Verdict

For most new buyers, the Gen 2 is the clear choice. The higher premium delivers meaningful improvements in the areas that matter most: battery life and video quality. Absent any real competition, Meta Ray-Ban glasses remain our top pick for wearable tech, and the Gen 2 represents the best version of an already excellent product.

However, the Gen 1 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize style and basic functionality over advanced features. Just act quickly, as availability at R. Kumar Opticians is limited, and there is a 25% discount on the Gen 1 glasses.

Current Gen 1 owners should evaluate their specific pain points. If battery life and video quality are causing frustration, upgrading makes sense. Otherwise, enjoy your existing glasses and wait to see what Meta announces next.

Whichever generation you choose, you're getting a product that has fundamentally changed how we think about wearable technology stylish, functional, and continually improving through software updates.