Meta Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) vs Samsung Galaxy Glasses
3 questions both answer, side by side. Every answer is backed by the dated sources at the bottom.
Side by side
Can smart glasses take photos and video hands-free?
Records 3K video and 12MP photos, with up to eight hours of battery per Meta.
Good to know: Engadget got a bit over 5.5 hours of continuous music. Point-of-view framing takes practice.
Samsung's Android XR glasses reportedly have cameras, speakers, microphones and Gemini, and work with Galaxy phones.
Good to know: Launch reported for November 2026; no confirmed price or specs.
Can smart glasses translate a conversation live?
The display-free Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) speaks the translation in your ear; Engadget used it to follow a walking tour abroad.
Good to know: Meant for back-and-forth conversation, not long monologues, and drains the battery fast. From $379.
Samsung lists live translation among the features of its Gemini glasses, started by voice or a gesture.
Good to know: Announced July 22, 2026; no display, so no text in the lens. No price or release date; no hands-on translation test yet.
Can you get smart glasses with prescription lenses?
Ray-Ban Meta glasses take prescription lenses from -12.00 to +6.00, ordered on Ray-Ban.com or at certified opticians.
Good to know: Needs a valid prescription. The Aviator Gen 3 has a narrower range (-6.00 to +4.00).
Samsung's Gemini glasses come in Gentle Monster and Warby Parker frames, with prescription lens options offered at purchase.
Good to know: Samsung's release says only "lens options"; the prescription detail is SamMobile's report. No lens range, price or date yet.
Only checked for one of them
Do smart glasses work with an iPhone?
Meta's compatibility list for Ray-Ban Meta glasses includes iPhones from the iPhone XR and SE (2022) onward.
Good to know: Check your exact model on Meta's list; Google Pixel and Samsung phones are listed too.
How we know (7 sources)
Review of the Ray-Ban Meta (2nd gen), from $379: noticeably better battery (a bit over 5.5 hours of continuous music in testing; Meta says up to eight hours typical), 3K video. Live translation helped the reviewer follow a walking tour in Argentina, though it's meant for back-and-forth conversation and drains the battery fast.
Read the sourceReview of the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2): a modest upgrade but still the top pick. 3K video (up from 1080p), 12MP photos, up to eight hours of battery, double the original. Starts at $379; Transitions lenses $459; first-gen still sold from $299. No display.
Read the sourceMeta's current list of phones compatible with Ray-Ban Meta glasses (read Oct 22, 2026): Apple iPhones from the iPhone XR and iPhone SE (2022) onward, plus Google Pixel and Samsung models.
Read the sourceHelp article on ordering prescription lenses for AI glasses (updated about three weeks before Oct 22, 2026): Ray-Ban Meta glasses take prescription lenses, ordered on Ray-Ban.com or at participating certified opticians, with a valid prescription. Range for Ray-Ban Meta glasses: -12.00 to +6.00; the Ray-Ban Meta Aviator Gen 3: -6.00 to +4.00.
Read the sourceSamsung's announcement of its intelligent eyewear at Galaxy Unpacked in London, made with Google, Gentle Monster and Warby Parker on Android XR with Gemini. Samsung lists a built-in camera, live translation, a range of frame styles and lens options, and up to nine hours per charge plus seven more charges from the case. Gestures need a Galaxy Watch9; some features need a compatible Galaxy device. No price or release date.
Read the sourceUnpacked report on Samsung's Gemini glasses: each eyewear partner designed its own frames, prescription lens options are offered at purchase, live translation works by voice or gesture, and a camera sees what you see. Samsung named no launch date or price; SamMobile expects them on sale before the end of 2026.
Read the sourceSamsung's Android XR Galaxy Glasses are reportedly launching in November 2026 (per The Korea Herald). They work with Galaxy phones and reportedly have cameras, speakers, microphones and Gemini. Frames with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. No confirmed price; Samsung targets a "reasonable premium" range.
Read the source