Smart glasses: what they can really do
Smart glasses got a display in 2025, and the questions changed from "can it take photos" to "can it translate, guide me and replace glancing at my phone". Here's what reviewers found.
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Every product at a glance
| Product | Where it stands | In one line |
|---|---|---|
| Meta Ray-Ban DisplayMeta | Smart glasses with a display in the right lens for messages, directions and live translation. $799. | |
| Meta Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2)Meta | Camera glasses without a display: 3K video, Meta AI, audio translation. From $379. | |
| Samsung Galaxy GlassesSamsung | Samsung's Android XR glasses with Gemini, reportedly due November 2026. |
Labels: In stores, Coming soon. How we label
What people ask
Can smart glasses translate a conversation?
The Meta Ray-Ban Display shows a live text translation in the lens. Engadget found it smoother than audio translation on display-free glasses; both Engadget and Tom's Guide found it missed some words.
Sources: [1] Engadget, [2] Tom's Guide
How long does the battery last?
Meta quotes about six hours. Both reviewers saw it drain faster with heavy display use, such as translation or video calls; a charging case adds extra charges.
Sources: [1] Engadget, [2] Tom's Guide
Are they comfortable to wear all day?
Engadget found the 69 g frames thick and noticeably heavier than Meta's other glasses, with pressure after six or seven hours and a tendency to slide down the nose.
Sources: [1] Engadget
Can other people tell I'm recording?
An LED lights up when the camera is in use, Engadget reports. It also notes the wristband makes taking photos less obvious, and that Meta's privacy policies are the same across its glasses.
Sources: [1] Engadget
Do I need the version with a display?
Not for photos, music, calls and spoken answers: the display-free Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) starts at $379 and records 3K video. The $799 Ray-Ban Display adds a screen in the lens for messages, directions and text translations.
Sources: [3] Tom's Guide, [1] Engadget
Are there alternatives to Meta?
Samsung's Android XR Galaxy Glasses, with Gemini and frames by Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, are reportedly launching in November 2026. There's no confirmed price yet.
Sources: [4] Android Central
Guides
What can they do?
- Question · Smart glasses
Can smart glasses translate a conversation live?
Yes, roughly. The Meta Ray-Ban Display shows a live text translation in the lens; reviewers found it useful but it misses words, especially fast speech.
3 sourcesChecked - Question · Smart glasses
Can smart glasses show messages and directions in your view?
Yes. The Meta Ray-Ban Display has a small display in the right lens for messages, walking directions and Meta AI, controlled with a wristband.
2 sourcesChecked - Question · Smart glasses
Can smart glasses take photos and video hands-free?
Yes. The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) records 3K video and 12MP photos from your point of view, from $379. Samsung's Galaxy Glasses are reportedly due in November 2026.
3 sourcesChecked
The products, most ready first
- Meta
Meta Ray-Ban Display
Smart glasses with a display in the right lens for messages, directions and live translation. $799.
2 sourcesChecked - Meta
Meta Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2)
Camera glasses without a display: 3K video, Meta AI, audio translation. From $379.
2 sourcesChecked - Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Glasses
Samsung's Android XR glasses with Gemini, reportedly due November 2026.
1 sourceChecked
Start with your problem
How we know (4 sources)
Ten days with the $800 Meta Ray-Ban Display: a bright display in the right lens for messages, Meta AI, walking directions, camera preview and live captions and translation. Translation in a real conversation was smoother than on display-free glasses but missed some words. Frames are thick and 69 g; battery runs about six hours and drains much faster with translation or video calls. Few apps so far.
Read the sourceReview (updated Jan 31, 2026): the most complete smart glasses the reviewer has tested, but expensive, with limited third-party apps and half-baked maps. Live captions appear within a second or two; live translation (English, Spanish, French, Italian at the time) was adequate but missed fast dialogue. Battery drained faster than Meta's six-hour figure.
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 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