The choice is not purely about aesthetics this time.
When picking a pair of spectacles, you generally decide based on style or cost. Yet, smart eyewear like Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta HSTN (pronounced “how-stuhn”) include various additional elements to evaluate, such as camera performance, battery longevity, charging efficiency, and more.
Although Oakley Meta HSTN represents a significant improvement over what made Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses successful, a noticeable price disparity exists between the two options. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses have been frequently discounted lately, with prices dropping to approximately $240 for one pair. On the other hand, Oakley Meta HSTN is set to release on July 11 at $399, while some design options may set you back $499. That’s quite a price difference!
But do Oakley glasses justify their price? Designer labels often carry a higher cost simply due to branding, but Oakley Meta HSTN successfully delivers additional value at a higher expense. Here’s why.
Oakley Meta HSTN glasses vs. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Specifications
Category | Oakley Meta HSTN | Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses
— | — | —
Camera | 12MP Ultrawide | 12MP Ultrawide
Photo resolution | 3024 X 4032 pixels (Portrait default) | 3024 X 4032 pixels (Portrait default)
Video resolution | 3K (exact resolution unknown, check back for updates) | 1440 x 1920 pixels at 30 fps (Vertical default)
Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4
Speakers | Open ear | Open ear
Interface | Touchpad on side, Meta AI for voice and camera | Touchpad on side, Meta AI for voice and camera
Microphones | 5-mic Array | 5-mic Array
Storage | Unknown (check back for updates) | 32GB; approximately 100+ videos (30 sec) and 500+ photos (3 frame burst)
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.3
Compatibility | iOS; Android | iOS; Android
Battery | 8 hours per charge | 4 hours per charge: 30 minutes live streaming
Charging (glasses) case | Up to 48 hours | Up to 32 hours
Oakley Meta HSTN glasses vs. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Design and Aesthetics
Ray-Ban and Oakley target very distinct markets and demographics, though both brands fall under the parent company EssilorLuxottica. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses were an excellent pick for the initial two generations of Meta smart glasses offerings. They are available in three unique Ray-Ban styles: Wayfarer, Skyler, and Headliner.
Wayfarers come in seven different hues, Skylers are offered in eight colors, and Headliners are offered in an impressive ten shades, all with a variety of lens types and colors, including options like transitions, polarized lenses, and prescription lenses.
On the other hand, Oakley Meta HSTN consists of just one primary style — the HSTN, as suggested by its name. Oakley Meta HSTN is also only available in four primary colors: Black, Warm Grey, Clear, and Brown Smoke. For each of these frame shades, you can choose from six different lens hues: Warm Grey, Clear, Grey Transitions, Ruby, PRIZM Polar Deep Water, or PRISM Polar Black.
Based on this, it’s clear that Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses cater to individuals looking for a variety of styles and shades. However, as previously mentioned, the choice isn’t solely about style. Functionality plays a part as well.
While Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses provide more aesthetic and color choices, Oakley Meta HSTN is crafted to be a sportier, performance-centric option of smart glasses. Meta explicitly states this in the “How to choose” section of its AI Glasses product page.
Regardless of the model, style, or color you decide on, all Meta AI glasses come equipped with a single camera located on one side of the front frame and a privacy LED positioned on the opposite side. They also feature over-the-ear speakers integrated into the arms of the glasses, a battery that endures for several hours, and can be recharged using the included storage case.
This storage case functions similarly to an earbud case, meaning you’ll recharge the case’s battery by connecting a USB-C cable to its port. You can then place the glasses in the carrying case whenever they require a recharge, and the case’s battery will provide multiple full charges to your glasses before needing to be replenished itself.
In any case, purchasing a pair of Meta AI glasses means acquiring a set of frames.
