Razer, known for its high-performance gaming peripherals, took a leap into the smart glasses market with the Razer Anzu.
These glasses aim to bridge the gap between stylish sunglasses and functional audio for everyday use. But do they hit the mark, or is this a case of style over substance? Let’s delve into the Razer Anzu’s design, audio quality, and features and see if they’re a worthy addition to your tech arsenal.
Razer Anzu Look and feel
The Razer Anzu boasts a classic Wayfarer-inspired design that leans towards a universal look. Available in two colours (black and blue), they avoid the overly technical aesthetic that plagues some smart glasses. The frames are made of lightweight yet sturdy plastic, making them comfortable for extended wear. The sunglasses come with interchangeable blue-light filtering lenses, perfect for everyday use or long computer sessions.
Nevertheless, some users might find the earpieces a bit chunky due to the built-in speakers and microphones.
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Sound quality
As a brand known for gaming audio, Razer puts emphasis on sound with the Anzu. The open-ear design provides a comfortable listening experience, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings while listening to music or podcasts. The sound quality is decent, with clear mids and highs.
However, bass is noticeably lacking, which might be a dealbreaker for bass-heavy music lovers. The Anzu gets loud enough for most situations, but leakage can occur at higher volumes if you’re in quiet environments.
Overall, the audio quality is suitable for casual listening but might not satisfy audiophiles.
Features and Functionality
The Razer Anzu offers a handful of features that enhance functionality. Double-tapping the touch controls on the earpiece allows you to play/pause music, answer/reject calls, and activate the gaming mode (which reduces latency for games and videos). The built-in microphone delivers clear call quality during phone conversations. The glasses also integrate seamlessly with most smartphones via Bluetooth, allowing you to control playback and volume through your phone.
Nonetheless, some functionalities are lacking. Unlike some competitors, there’s no built-in assistant like Google Assistant or Alexa.
Additionally, the touch controls can be finicky at times, requiring multiple taps for registration. The Anzu app is basic, primarily focusing on battery monitoring and basic EQ adjustments.
Battery life and durability
The Razer Anzu boasts a decent battery life, lasting around 6 hours on a single charge with moderate use. A fully depleted battery takes roughly an hour to recharge using the included USB-C cable. The glasses feel sturdy enough for daily wear, but care should be taken to avoid accidental crushing due to the bulkier earpieces housing the tech.
Value proposition
The Razer Anzu sits at a competitive price point compared to other smart glasses on the market. They offer a stylish design, comfortable wear, decent audio quality for calls and podcasts, and basic functionalities. However, the lack of a built-in assistant, limited app functionality, and mediocre bass response might deter some users.
Who should buy the Razer Anzu?
The Razer Anzu is a good choice for those looking for stylish sunglasses with functional audio for everyday use, calls, and podcasts. If you prioritize powerful bass or advanced smart features, you might want to look elsewhere.
Final verdict
The Razer Anzu offers a compelling blend of style and functionality at a competitive price. While the audio quality might not impress audiophiles, it delivers clear sound for calls and casual listening. The comfortable design and blue-light filtering lenses make them suitable for everyday wear. If you’re looking for a stylish and functional pair of smart glasses for everyday use, the Razer Anzu is a solid option to consider.
