Summary of "BLACK - Oakley Meta Smartglasses Review: Are They Worth The Money? [Honest Hands-On Test]"

Product Reviewed

Oakley Meta HSTN Smartglasses (Black with Prism Polarized Lenses)

Main Features

Collaboration between Meta and Oakley (via SLRO Exotica, which also manufactures Ray-Ban).
Third generation of Meta smart glasses following two Ray-Ban Meta versions.
12MP ultrawide camera with 100° field of view capable of 3K video (2938x2203 at 30fps) and UHD photos (4032x3024).
32GB internal storage (~1,000 photos or 100+ 30-second videos).
Two discrete open-ear Bluetooth speakers with good clarity and bass (~71.6 dB).
Custom five-mic array for calls and voice commands.
Up to 8 hours battery life on a single charge; 48 hours total with included charging case.
Charging case is larger and heavier than Ray-Ban Meta’s but holds more battery; charges fully in 3.5 hours via USB-C.
Built-in AI assistant activated by “Hey Meta” for hands-free commands.
Hands-free communication: make calls, send/receive texts and voice messages.
Prism lenses with color tuning designed for sports, enhancing contrast and detail.
Designed for sports use, with snug fit to prevent slipping during activities.
Packaging includes a collapsible box, safety warranty, microfiber cleaning cloth, and quick start guide.

Pros

Improved battery life compared to Ray-Ban Metas (8 hours vs. 4 hours).
High-quality polarized prism lenses designed for sports environments.
Hands-free communication and AI integration work well.
Good audio quality with open-ear speakers allowing ambient awareness.
Well-made charging case with protective hard shell and soft interior.
Lightweight feel despite robust build.
Practical for sports enthusiasts due to secure fit.

Cons

Frames feel plasticky and cheap despite good lenses.
Design and style not appealing to all users; considered unattractive by reviewer.
Glasses are very tight on the head, potentially uncomfortable for extended daily wear.
Video and photo quality appear similar to Ray-Ban Metas despite higher resolution camera, offering little visible improvement.
Overheating issue: device shut down during use in hot weather (104°F), which did not happen with Ray-Ban Metas.
No noticeable improvement in microphone quality compared to Ray-Ban Metas.
Price is about $100 more than Ray-Ban Metas but with minimal functional upgrades aside from battery life.

User Experience

The reviewer tested the glasses over three days in various environments including rough terrain and driving.

Stabilization and video quality are adequate but not significantly better than Ray-Ban Metas.
Tight fit is good for sports but uncomfortable for casual or prolonged use.
Overheating and automatic shutdown in hot conditions is a concern.
Hands-free features and AI are useful and responsive.
Audio clarity and volume are strong, but not a major leap forward.

Comparisons

Compared extensively to Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses (Meta’s previous collaboration).
Oakley Metas have better battery life but similar camera and audio performance.
Oakley frames feel cheaper and less stylish than Ray-Ban’s.
Ray-Ban Metas do not overheat under similar conditions.
Oakley Metas targeted more towards sports users, Ray-Ban Metas more for everyday use.

Verdict / Overall Recommendation

The Oakley Meta HSTN smartglasses offer solid improvements in battery life and sport-specific lens technology, making them a potentially good choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize durability and secure fit. However, for average users or those seeking stylish, comfortable everyday smart glasses, the Oakley Metas fall short due to their tight fit, plasticky frame feel, and lack of significant camera or audio improvements over the Ray-Ban Metas. The overheating issue also raises reliability concerns. At $399, they are priced higher than comparable Meta smart glasses without delivering enough added value for most users.

Recommendation: Consider the Oakley Metas if you need rugged, sport-focused smart glasses with extended battery life. Otherwise, the Ray-Ban Metas or other options may provide a better balance of comfort, style, and performance.

Additional Notes from Different Speakers/Views

Meta’s strategic partnership with SLRO Exotica ensures ongoing collaboration and innovation.
Packaging and unboxing experience praised for quality and presentation.
Future videos planned comparing Oakley Metas directly with Ray-Ban Metas.
Reviewer is an enthusiast who covers a wide range of smart glasses including upcoming models from Google and Rokit AI.