Meta Ray-Ban Gen 3 vs Meta Ray-Ban Gen 2: should you upgrade?

Meta unveiled its latest generation of Ray-Ban smart glasses, the Meta Ray-Ban Gen 3, alongside the previous Gen 2 models at its Connect event. Here's a breakdown of the key specs and how they compare to the Gen 2 models.

Pricing and design: The Gen 3 smart glasses launch at a price of $449 / £409 / AU$679, which is a modest increase over the previous models. Compared to the Gen 2, which launched at $379 / £379 / AU$599, the Gen 3 models do come with a price hike. The Gen 3 offers a slimmer and more comfortable design than the Gen 2, though the weight difference is minimal, especially for the Wayfarer style which remains unchanged.

There are three different styles to choose from: the Wayfarer, Aviator, and the new Zena model, described as a bold cat-eye frame. Various lens and color combinations are available for both generations, with a total of 27 options for the Gen 3.

Battery life and specs: The Gen 2 glasses could last up to 8 hours on a single charge, with an extra 48 hours available using the charging case. The Gen 3 models promise up to 9 hours of battery life on a single charge, with an additional 50 hours in the case. Charging time has also improved, with the Gen 3 models going from zero to 50% in just two minutes, matching the specifications of the previous Gen 2 models.

Both generations share the same 12MP ultrawide camera capable of shooting up to 3K resolution video. The Gen 3 also features a 6-mic array for improved voice input, compared to the Gen 2's 5-mic array, but the 76.1 dB(C) loudness and bass remains the same. Both generations also share 32GB of internal storage.

Features and AI: Apart from the new action button on the Gen 3 models, the Gen 3 offers the same features as the Gen 2. This includes access to Meta AI on your glasses and through the companion app on your phone. Users can make audio and video calls, live assistance through the AI about anything they're looking at, and audio playback for music, podcasts, and audiobooks.

While the upgrades in key features are not as dramatic as the transition from Gen 1 to Gen 2, the Gen 3 models are an attractive option for those looking to upgrade from the Gen 2, or for those who are new to smart glasses.