Lenskart Phonic Smart Glasses – India’s Budget Audio Eyewear (Source: Lenskart.com)
Introduction
The audio smart glasses market reached $0.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $3.0 billion by 2030 in the United States alone [1]. Lenskart entered this competitive space in January 2025 with the Phonic—a budget-friendly audio eyewear priced at just ₹4,000 ($48 USD). But can these affordable smart glasses compete with established players like Ray-Ban Meta ($299) and Amazon Echo Frames ($269)?
This comprehensive review examines the Phonic smart glasses through real-world testing, comparing specifications, audio quality, design, and value proposition against premium competitors. Whether you’re considering your first audio glasses purchase or seeking budget alternatives to Meta’s offerings, this guide provides the data-driven insights you need.
What Are Phonic Smart Glasses?
Product Overview
Lenskart Phonic smart glasses are audio-enabled eyewear that integrate Bluetooth speakers and microphones into prescription-ready frames. Launched in January 2025, they represent India’s first mass-market attempt at affordable smart eyewear [2].
Key Features:
- Built-in directional speakers in both temples
- Bluetooth 5.0+ connectivity (version unspecified by Lenskart)
- Voice assistant support (Android & iOS compatible)
- Prescription lens compatibility
- Physical smart button controls
- 7-hour battery life (claimed)
Target Market
Phonic targets budget-conscious consumers seeking hands-free audio capabilities without the $299+ premium of Ray-Ban Meta or Echo Frames. The glasses particularly appeal to:
- Indian market consumers (primary distribution)
- First-time smart glasses buyers
- Users prioritizing audio over advanced features
- Budget-conscious professionals
Phonic Smart Glasses Specifications
Phonic Frame Styles – Navigator and Hustlr (Source: Lenskart.com)
Technical Specifications Table
| Specification | Phonic Smart Glasses |
|---|---|
| Price | ₹4,000 (~$48 USD) |
| Weight | 39 grams |
| Frame Styles | Bold Navigator, Edgy Hustlr |
| Colors | Shiny Blue, Matte Black |
| Frame Width | 139mm |
| Height | 43mm |
| Battery Life | 7 hours (claimed), 5-6 hours (real-world) |
| Charging | Proprietary USB cable (not USB-C) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth (version not specified) |
| Speakers | Directional speakers (dual) |
| Microphone | Single mic (right temple) |
| Controls | Physical smart button (right side) |
| Water Resistance | None (no IP rating) |
| Lens Options | Anti-glare, Blue light filter, Shatterproof |
| Voice Assistants | Google Assistant, Siri |
| App Support | None |
Comparison With Competitors
| Feature | Phonic | Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 | Amazon Echo Frames Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $48 | $299 | $269 |
| Weight | 39g | 49g | 38g |
| Battery Life | 5-6 hours | 4 hours | 14 hours |
| Camera | ❌ None | ✅ 12MP | ❌ None |
| Water Resistance | ❌ None | ✅ IPX4 | ❌ None |
| App Support | ❌ None | ✅ Meta View | ✅ Alexa App |
| USB-C Charging | ❌ Proprietary | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Auto-Pause | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Audio Glasses Market Comparison (Source: Tech We Want)
Design & Build Quality
Frame Construction
The Phonic smart glasses utilize lightweight plastic construction, keeping the total weight at 39 grams. However, multiple reviewers note quality concerns [3]:
Positives:
- ✅ Lightweight feel (39g vs Ray-Ban Meta’s 49g)
- ✅ Retro-inspired wayfarer aesthetic
- ✅ Two frame styles (Navigator, Hustlr)
- ✅ Prescription lens compatibility
Negatives:
- ❌ Uneven weight distribution (temple-heavy design)
- ❌ Plastic frame produces creaking sounds when opening/closing
- ❌ No water resistance or IP rating
- ❌ Temple thickness creates “bulky” appearance
Phonic Wearing Experience (Source: AndroBranch)
Comfort & Fit
According to extended testing by Business World, the glasses become uncomfortable after 20-30 minutes of continuous wear due to temple-heavy weight distribution [3]. The 139mm frame width may feel oversized for users with smaller or round faces.
Comfort Issues:
- Excessive pressure on ears from temple weight
- No auto-pause when removed (music continues playing)
- Bulky temple arms compared to Ray-Ban Meta’s refined design
- Not suitable for extended all-day wear
Audio Performance
Phonic Temple Speakers & Charging Port (Source: Smartprix)
Speaker Quality
The Phonic employs directional speakers positioned near the ears within each temple arm. However, audio quality receives poor ratings across multiple reviews [2][3]:
Audio Characteristics:
- Volume: Excessively loud even at low settings
- Sound Leakage: Significant privacy concerns—conversations audible to nearby people
- Tone: Thin, tinny sound lacking depth and bass
- Clarity: Poor compared to Bose Frames or Ray-Ban Meta
According to Smartprix’s testing, “The speakers in these glasses are loud, and the audio inevitably leaks. Hence, the moment you pick up your calls, privacy goes out the window” [3].
Comparison: Phonic vs Premium Audio Glasses
| Audio Aspect | Phonic | Bose Frames | Ray-Ban Meta | Echo Frames Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bass Response | Poor | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Sound Leakage | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Max Volume | Very Loud | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced |
| Clarity | Below Average | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Privacy | Poor | Fair | Good | Fair |
Smart Features & Connectivity
Phonic Technical Features Overview (Source: Gadgets 360)
What’s Included
The Phonic offers basic audio functionality:
- ✅ Bluetooth calling
- ✅ Music playback
- ✅ Voice assistant access (Google/Siri)
- ✅ Basic touch controls
What’s Missing
Compared to 2025 smart glasses comparison standards, Phonic lacks:
- ❌ No camera (vs Ray-Ban Meta’s 12MP)
- ❌ No app support or companion software
- ❌ No auto-pause detection
- ❌ No real-time translation
- ❌ No smart memory features
- ❌ No photo/video sharing
- ❌ No fitness tracking
Battery Life & Charging
Real-World Battery Performance
| Usage Scenario | Lenskart Claim | Actual Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous Music | 7 hours | 5-6 hours |
| Mixed Use (calls + music) | 7 hours | 4-5 hours |
| Standby Time | Not specified | ~24 hours |
| Charging Time | Not specified | 1-2 hours |
Lens Options & Prescription Compatibility
Phonic Blue Frame with Prescription Lens Options (Source: Lenskart.com)
Available Lens Types
Lenskart offers extensive lens customization:
- Anti-Glare Premium: Reduces reflections for computer use
- BLU Screen Lenses: Blue light filtering for digital eye strain
- Owndays Shatterproof: Impact-resistant polycarbonate
- Prescription Options: -8D to +6D (near/far sightedness)
- Bifocal/Progressive: Available for presbyopia
Pricing Structure
| Lens Type | Additional Cost |
|---|---|
| Base Frame | ₹4,000 ($48) |
| Anti-Glare | +₹500-1,000 |
| Blue Light Filter | +₹800-1,200 |
| Shatterproof | +₹1,000-1,500 |
| Prescription (Single Vision) | +₹1,000-2,000 |
| Bifocal/Progressive | +₹2,500-4,000 |
Final Price of Smart Glasses: ₹5,000-₹8,000 ($60-$96 USD) depending on lens options.
Pros and Cons
✅ Advantages
- Affordability: At ₹4,000 ($48), the lowest entry point for audio smart glasses
- Prescription-Ready: Compatible with powered lenses (rare for budget options)
- Blue Light Filtering: Reduces digital eye strain for screen users
- Lightweight: 39g vs Ray-Ban Meta’s 49g
- Decent Battery: 5-6 hours real-world performance adequate for daily use
- Voice Assistant: Works with both Android and iOS ecosystems
❌ Disadvantages
- Poor Audio Quality: Thin, tinny sound with excessive leakage
- Privacy Concerns: Calls audible to nearby people
- Build Quality: Plastic construction with creaking sounds
- No App Support: Zero software features or updates
- Outdated Charging: Proprietary cable, separate temple charging
- No Water Resistance: Cannot use in rain or outdoor conditions
- Connectivity Issues: Frequent disconnections reported
- Missing Smart Features: No camera, translation, or advanced AI
Phonic vs Competitors: Should You Buy?
Premium Smart Glasses Alternatives (Source: Trusted Reviews)
When to Choose Phonic
✅ Buy Phonic If:
- Budget is strict (<$100 USD)
- You need prescription lens compatibility
- Primary use is solo home listening
- You’re testing audio glasses for the first time
- You live in India (easy support/returns)
When to Choose Budget Alternatives
Consider These Cheap Smart Glasses Instead:
- Lucyd Lyte ($99): Better audio, 6.5-hour battery, UV400 lenses
- Razer Anzu ($199): Replaceable lenses, better build quality
- Soundcore Frames ($79): Similar price, better sound
FAQ
Q1: Are Phonic smart glasses worth buying in 2025?
Not for most users. At $48, they’re affordable, but poor audio quality, privacy concerns, and lack of smart features make them hard to recommend. Consider saving for Ray-Ban Meta ($299) or exploring alternatives like Lucyd Lyte ($99) that offer better audio quality and more features at a modest price increase.
Q2: Can Phonic smart glasses make phone calls privately?
No. Multiple reviews confirm significant audio leakage, making private calls impossible in public spaces. Smartprix noted: “The moment you pick up your calls, privacy goes out the window” [3]. Use only in private settings.
Q3: How long does Phonic battery last in real-world use?
5-6 hours for mixed use (calls + music), despite Lenskart’s 7-hour claim. Heavy call usage reduces this to 4-5 hours. Charging requires 1-2 hours using proprietary cable.
Q4: Do Phonic glasses work with prescription lenses?
Yes, one of Phonic’s strengths. Supports powers from -8D to +6D, with options for bifocal and progressive lenses. Lens costs range from ₹1,000-₹4,000 ($12-$48) additional.
Q5: What’s the main difference between Phonic and Ray-Ban Meta?
Ray-Ban Meta ($299) offers 12MP camera, Meta AI features, better audio quality, IPX4 water resistance, and premium build. Phonic ($48) provides only basic Bluetooth audio with no camera or smart features. The $251 price difference reflects vastly different capabilities.
Q6: Does Phonic have an app for controls?
No. Unlike Ray-Ban Meta (Meta View app) or Echo Frames (Alexa app), Phonic has zero app support. All controls are via physical buttons, with no firmware updates or additional features possible.
Verdict: Should You Buy Phonic Smart Glasses?
Phonic Package Contents (Source: The Hindu)
Final Rating: 4/10
Smartprix Rating: 3.8/10
Business World Rating: 6/10
Banna-Tech Rating: 4/10
Bottom Line
Lenskart Phonic smart glasses represent an ambitious but ultimately flawed attempt to democratize audio eyewear. The ₹4,000 ($48) price point is attractive, but severe compromises in audio quality, build durability, and feature set make them difficult to recommend—even for budget-conscious buyers.
The Core Problem: Phonic aren’t truly “smart” glasses. They’re conventional eyeglasses with speakers added—lacking the camera, AI features, app integration, and polish that define modern smart eyewear. Audio leakage makes private calls impossible, frequent disconnections frustrate daily use, and the absence of USB-C charging feels outdated even at this price.
Better Alternatives Exist: For just $51 more, Lucyd Lyte ($99) delivers superior audio, longer battery life, and better build quality. For users who can stretch to $299, Ray-Ban Meta offers 12MP camera, Meta AI, and a complete smart glasses experience that justifies the premium.
Final Recommendation
Wait for Lenskart’s Qualcomm-powered XR glasses (expected late 2025) for genuine smart capabilities. If you need audio glasses now, invest in Ray-Ban Meta, Echo Frames Gen 3, or budget alternatives like Lucyd Lyte that deliver on core audio quality promises.
The smart glasses market grew 110% YoY in H1 2025 [5], with Meta capturing 73% market share. This growth stems from products that successfully blend form, function, and features—qualities the current Phonic iteration lacks. Until Lenskart’s next generation arrives, better options exist at every price point.
References
- LinkedIn Pulse. (2025). United States Smart Audio Glass Market Size And Key Highlights 2025. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/united-states-smart-audio-glass-market-size-key-highlights-t6lpe/
- Gadgets 360. (2025). Lenskart Phonic Smart Glasses With Bluetooth Audio, Voice Assistant Support Launched in India. https://www.gadgets360.com/wearables/news/lenskart-phonic-smart-glasses-price-in-india-sale-features-specifications-7622764
- Business World. (2025). Lenskart Phonic Smartglasses Review: Still Searching For The Smart Bit. https://www.businessworld.in/article/lenskart-phonic-smartglasses-review-still-searching-for-the-smart-bit-565135
- Smartprix. (2025). Lenskart Phonic Glasses Review: A Facade in the name of Smartglasses? https://www.smartprix.com/bytes/lenskart-phonic-glasses-review-smart-glasses-pros-and-cons/
- Counterpoint Research. (2025). Global Smart Glasses Shipments Soared 110% YoY in H1 2025. https://counterpointresearch.com/en/insights/post-insight-research-briefs-blogs-global-smart-glasses-shipments-soared-110-yoy-in-h1-2025-with-meta-capturing-over-70-share
- The Verge. (2023). The Bose Frames will soon be no more. https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/12/23998261/bose-frames-smart-glasses-discontinued-wearables
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About the Author
Banna-Tech Editorial Team
Our team of smart glasses experts tests and reviews the latest wearable technology to help you make informed purchase decisions. With hands-on testing of 50+ smart glasses models and deep industry connections, we provide unbiased, data-driven reviews you can trust.
Expertise: Smart Glasses, Audio Eyewear, AR/VR Technology, Consumer Electronics
Last Updated: November 11, 2025