Why the Original Ray-Ban Meta Smartglasses Still Hold Their Ground, Especially at $263

A pair of sunglasses lies on the edge of a desk, their matte black frame catching the last rays of afternoon light that shine through a window. Those frames are the first-generation Ray-Ban Meta smartglasses, and some will argue that the second generation is more visually appealing, but when you put these on and step out the door, the appeal is more than just superficial, especially when priced at only $263 (down from $329).

Ray-Ban has long been recognized for designing frames that feel like an extension of yourself, and their collaboration with Meta is no exception. The matte black Wayfarer shape is a timeless classic, featuring comfortable curves and a lightweight frame that feels like a typical pair of sunglasses. People claim they are comfortable to wear all day on a long walk, in the car, or just running errands since the frames fit snugly yet do not pinch, and the nose pads distribute the weight equally so nothing digs in.

Taking pictures with these glasses is as simple as tapping the frame, and the results are far superior than what you might expect, even from those who are accustomed to smartphone quality. The built-in 12MP camera takes extremely wide photographs that are really better than phones from a few years ago, with rich and vivid colors and details that hold up even in bright light, making them ideal for capturing a quick shot of a market or a child on their first bike ride. Videos record in 1080p for up to 3 minutes and are steady enough to capture POV views that feel immersive when viewed later.

The sound system consists of open-ear speakers in the arms that drive sound directly into your ears while allowing background noise in. Playlists are streamed from your phone over Bluetooth, and the sound has a surprising kick and is clear enough to drown out road noise, even during phone calls. Conversations go off without a hitch, and the mics pick up your speech even in a bit of wind, making these a trustworthy small headset for when you’re on a walk or going to work.

Meta AI provides a layer of intelligence that seems more like having a helpful companion than just some gimmicky technology. Simply inquire about a landmark in view, and it will provide information about it based on what the camera sees – all without requiring you to pull out your phone. Live translation works for talks in French, Italian, Spanish, English, German, and Portuguese, converting phrases into real-time translations for anyone exploring foreign marketplaces, menus, or simply trying to figure out what’s going on while traveling. Of course, software upgrades continue to arrive, making the glasses even better with each new release, adding greater object detection and all of the other enhancements that see first-generation pairs evolve alongside newer ones.

When it comes to value, the glasses shine out when compared to the other electronics they replace. Normally, you’d need a good Bluetooth headset, a pocket camera, and a voice assistant, all of which cost money, but everything is merged into one little device that easily fits into your daily routine. At the current pricing, it appears to be a better deal than all of the more expensive choices, particularly for those who prioritize design and simplicity above having the most cutting-edge technology available. Even if the competition introduces flashy displays or longer batteries, the original Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 demonstrates that if the basics are done correctly, consumers will continue to buy the same old thing.