Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses Review: A Great Alternative to Earbuds

In the rapidly evolving landscape of personal audio, we are constantly seeking devices that offer convenience, sound quality, and a form factor that integrates seamlessly into our daily lives. The traditional earbud, while popular, is not without its drawbacks, including ear fatigue, isolation from the environment, and the infamous “earbud gap” during conversations. Enter the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses, a product that promises to redefine how we consume audio by combining the functionality of open-ear headphones with the utility of eyewear. In this comprehensive review, we will dissect every aspect of these smart glasses, evaluating whether they truly stand as a formidable alternative to earbuds.

Design and Build Quality: Merging Fashion with Function

When approaching the design of the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses, we immediately notice that they prioritize a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Unlike bulky smart glasses that scream “tech gadget,” these aim to be a subtle accessory that blends into everyday attire. The frame is constructed from a lightweight yet durable TR90 material, known for its resilience and flexibility. This ensures that the glasses can withstand the rigors of daily use without causing discomfort.

Frame and Aesthetics

The visual appeal of the Mijia Smart Audio Glasses is undeniable. They feature a classic round frame design, reminiscent of vintage eyewear, which appeals to a wide demographic. We found that the build feels premium for the price point, with tight tolerances and smooth finishes. The temples (arms of the glasses) are slightly thicker than conventional spectacles to house the audio components, but the design is executed in a way that does not look awkward. The integration of the speakers and microphones is seamless, maintaining the clean lines of the frame.

Weight and Ergonomics

Weight is a critical factor for wearable technology. At approximately 45 grams, the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses are surprisingly light. We wore them for extended periods—up to four hours continuously—and experienced no significant pressure points on the nose or ears. This is a substantial advantage over in-ear headphones, which often cause ear canal fatigue. The distribution of weight is well-balanced, preventing the glasses from sliding down the nose during physical activity.

Interchangeable Lenses

A standout feature of the Mijia ecosystem is modularity. The glasses support interchangeable lenses, allowing users to swap between clear lenses for indoor use, tinted lenses for sunny conditions, and prescription lenses for those with vision needs. We appreciate the magnetic attachment system, which makes swapping lenses a tool-free, effortless process. This versatility transforms the device from a simple audio accessory into a comprehensive eyewear solution.

IP54 Rating for Durability

Durability is often a concern with electronics that are worn on the body. The Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses come with an IP54 dust and splash resistance rating. While we do not recommend taking them for a swim, this rating provides peace of mind during light rain or intense workouts where sweat is inevitable. This level of protection is crucial for a device intended to be an everyday companion.

Audio Performance: The Open-Ear Experience

The core proposition of the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses lies in their audio capabilities. They utilize open-ear directional audio technology, which transmits sound directly into the ear canal without the need for earplugs. This approach presents a unique listening experience distinct from traditional earbuds.

Sound Quality and Clarity

Equipped with 128mm dual drivers, the glasses deliver a surprisingly rich soundscape. We found the audio output to be balanced, with decent separation between lows, mids, and highs. While they lack the deep, thumping bass of over-ear headphones, the mids and highs are crisp and clear, making them ideal for podcasts, audiobooks, and vocal-centric music. The directional audio technology minimizes sound leakage, ensuring that those around you are not disturbed—a vital feature for office environments or public transit.

Volume and Leakage

One of the challenges of open-ear audio is maintaining volume without significant leakage. The Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses handle this reasonably well. At moderate volumes, sound leakage is minimal. However, at maximum volume, some audio becomes audible to those standing very close. We recommend keeping the volume at 70-80% for optimal privacy and sound quality. The glasses also feature DSP (Digital Signal Processing) and DRC (Dynamic Range Control) to prevent distortion at high volumes, maintaining audio integrity even when cranked up.

Call Quality and Microphones

For many users, the ability to take calls is a primary reason for choosing smart glasses. The Mijia Smart Audio Glasses feature an integrated microphone array with noise reduction technology. During our testing, call recipients reported clear voice transmission, even in moderately noisy environments. The open-ear design allows the wearer to hear their own voice naturally, preventing the “occlusion effect” common with earbuds that makes your voice sound booming in your head. This results in more natural, comfortable conversations.

Use Case Scenarios

The audio profile makes these glasses particularly suited for specific scenarios:

• Commuting: You can listen to navigation or music while remaining aware of traffic sounds.
• Office Work: They allow for background music without completely isolating you from colleagues.
• Sports: Running or cycling with open-ear headphones is safer as you can hear approaching vehicles or other hazards.

Smart Features and Connectivity

As a smart device, the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses offer more than just passive audio playback. They integrate with the Xiaomi ecosystem to provide utility that extends beyond listening.

Touch Controls

The temples feature responsive touch sensors. We found the controls intuitive:

• Double-tap on the right temple to play/pause music or answer a call.
• Slide up/down on the right temple to adjust volume.
• Long press to activate the voice assistant. The learning curve is minimal, and the responsiveness is comparable to high-end wireless earbuds.

Voice Assistant Integration

The glasses are compatible with XiaoAI (in the Chinese market) and Siri/Google Assistant (via Bluetooth connection). We tested the integration with Google Assistant, and the wake-word detection was accurate provided there was no background noise. The built-in microphone array is tuned to pick up voice commands from a short distance, making it easy to set reminders, send messages, or control smart home devices without reaching for your phone.

Bluetooth 5.0 Connectivity

Connectivity is handled via Bluetooth 5.0, which provides a stable connection up to 10 meters. We experienced no dropouts or latency issues during video playback or gaming. The pairing process is straightforward: hold the power button until the LED indicator flashes, select “Xiaomi Smart Glasses” in your device’s Bluetooth menu, and you are connected. The glasses also support Bluetooth Multi-Point Connection, allowing them to be connected to two devices simultaneously—a feature we found incredibly useful for switching between a laptop and a smartphone.

Battery Life and Charging Efficiency

Battery life is often the Achilles’ heel of wearable tech, but the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses perform admirably in this regard.

Continuous Playback

The integrated battery offers up to 10 hours of continuous mixed usage (music and calls) on a single charge. In our stress test, playing music at 60% volume, we achieved approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes of playback. This is sufficient for a full workday or a long-haul commute without needing a recharge.

Charging Mechanism

The glasses utilize a proprietary magnetic charging cable. A full charge takes about 90 minutes. We appreciate the magnetic snap, which makes charging effortless, especially in low-light conditions. A quick 15-minute charge provides about 2 hours of playback, a handy feature for those in a rush.

Standby Time

In standby mode, the Mijia Smart Audio Glasses can last up to 120 hours (5 days). The auto-shutdown feature helps conserve battery when the device is inactive, ensuring the glasses are ready to use when you are.

Comparison: Mijia Smart Audio Glasses vs. Traditional Earbuds

To truly understand the value proposition, we must compare the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses directly against traditional earbuds like the Apple AirPods or Xiaomi AirDots.

Situational Awareness vs. Isolation

• Earbuds: Provide passive or active noise cancellation, blocking out the world. Great for immersive experiences but dangerous during commutes or exercise.
• Mijia Glasses: Offer open-ear audio, preserving ambient awareness. This is a safety feature that earbuds cannot match without transparency modes (which often sound artificial).

Comfort and Hygiene

• Earbuds: Inserted into the ear canal, leading to sweat buildup, pressure, and potential earwax accumulation.
• Mijia Glasses: Rest on the ears and head, leaving the ear canal completely open. This is hypoallergenic and prevents ear fatigue.

Multifunctionality

• Earbuds: Single-purpose audio devices.
• Mijia Glasses: Dual-purpose devices providing vision correction, UV protection, and audio. For prescription lens users, this reduces the number of devices they need to carry.

Audio Fidelity

• Earbuds: Generally offer better bass response due to the sealed acoustic chamber.
• Mijia Glasses: Better soundstage and natural tonal balance but weaker sub-bass. The difference is noticeable only in bass-heavy music genres.

Compatibility and Software: The Xiaomi Ecosystem

While the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses work with any Bluetooth-enabled device, they unlock their full potential within the Xiaomi Home (Mi Home) app.

Mi Home App Integration

Through the app, users can:

• Update Firmware: Ensuring the glasses have the latest performance optimizations and bug fixes.
• Customize EQ: Although the default tuning is balanced, the app offers basic EQ presets (e.g., Bass Boost, Vocal).
• Check Battery Status: Real-time monitoring of battery levels.
• Configure Assistant: Set the default voice assistant.

For users deeply embedded in the Magisk Modules or custom Android ecosystem, the Bluetooth standard implementation ensures compatibility with custom ROMs and kernel tweaks. The device does not rely on bloatware; it adheres to standard Bluetooth profiles (A2DP, HFP, HSP), making it a “set it and forget it” device for power users.

Target Audience: Who Are These For?

The Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses are not for everyone. We identify the ideal user profile based on our testing:

1. The Office Worker: Who needs to listen to background music or take calls without isolating from the team.
2. The Commuter: Who needs navigation and music but requires awareness of traffic and public announcements.
3. Cyclists and Runners: Safety is paramount. These glasses allow for audio cues without blocking environmental sounds.
4. Prescription Glasses Wearers: Who want to consolidate their audio and vision correction into one device.
5. Users Sensitive to Earbuds: Those who suffer from ear infections or discomfort from in-ear devices.

Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment

To provide a balanced review, we have compiled a list of strengths and weaknesses observed during our testing period.

Pros

• Comfort: The lightweight TR90 frame allows for all-day wear without discomfort.
• Situational Awareness: The open-ear design is a massive safety advantage.
• Audio Quality: Clear mids and highs, perfect for calls and spoken word content.
• Battery Life: Solid 8-10 hour battery life meets daily needs.
• Versatility: Interchangeable lenses (clear, sun, prescription) add immense value.

Cons

• Bass Response: Lacks the deep bass found in sealed earbuds.
• Volume Privacy: Maximum volume can be audible to bystanders in quiet settings.
• Proprietary Charging: The magnetic charger is specific to this model; losing it can be problematic.
• Touch Controls: Can be finicky with wet fingers or gloves.

The Verdict: A Superior Alternative?

After weeks of rigorous testing, we conclude that the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses live up to their promise as a great alternative to earbuds. They excel in scenarios where comfort, safety, and multifunctionality are prioritized over absolute bass isolation. While they may not completely replace earbuds for audiophiles seeking the deepest low-end frequencies, they offer a compelling package for the everyday user.

The integration of high-quality audio into a stylish, wearable frame creates a device that feels futuristic yet practical. For a price point significantly lower than competitors like Bose Frames or Razer Anzu, the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses provide exceptional value.

Final Recommendation

We highly recommend the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses to anyone looking to declutter their daily carry. By merging eyewear and audio, Xiaomi has created a device that addresses the physical limitations of modern listening habits. Whether you are navigating a busy city, working in a shared space, or simply enjoying a walk in the park, these glasses offer a seamless, high-quality audio experience that keeps you connected to your digital world without disconnecting you from reality.

In the ongoing battle of Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses vs Earbuds, the glasses emerge not as a replacement, but as a superior choice for the conscious, modern consumer. They represent the future of personal audio—open, comfortable, and intelligently designed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I wear Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses with prescription lenses?

Yes. The glasses are designed to be compatible with prescription lenses. We recommend consulting with a local optician to fit lenses into the frame. The magnetic lens system also allows you to swap between prescription clear lenses and tinted sun lenses.

Is the audio loud enough for noisy environments?

The directional speakers are powerful enough for moderate noise (coffee shops, office environments). However, in extremely loud settings like construction sites or subways, you may struggle to hear the audio clearly. In these cases, earbuds with noise cancellation might be more effective.

How does the microphone perform in windy conditions?

The built-in microphones have decent wind noise reduction. While light breezes are handled well, strong gusts of wind may still interfere with call quality. This is a limitation of most open-ear microphone setups.

Are they compatible with non-Xiaomi smartphones?

Absolutely. The Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses use standard Bluetooth 5.0 protocol. They pair seamlessly with iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, Google Pixels, and any other Bluetooth-enabled device.

What is the effective Bluetooth range?

In open spaces without obstacles, the connection remains stable up to 10 meters. Walls and solid objects will reduce this range, as is typical with Bluetooth technology.

Can I use them for swimming?

No. Despite the IP54 rating, which protects against sweat and light rain, these glasses are not waterproof and should not be submerged in water.

How do they compare to Bose Frames?

While Bose Frames are known for their audio quality, they come at a significantly higher price point. The Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses offer 80% of the functionality and audio quality for a fraction of the cost, making them a much better value proposition for budget-conscious consumers.