Samsung Galaxy Ring: changing the game in health-focused wearables

The Galaxy Ring, Samsung’s latest innovation in wearable technology, is generating excitement among tech enthusiasts and professionals alike, thanks to its sleek design and advanced health monitoring features.

Debuting at the Galaxy S24 series event in San Jose, this state-of-the-art smart ring offers users a transformative health and fitness tracking experience.

The Galaxy Ring is barely noticeable on the finger, weighing only 2.3 to 3 grams. Designed for all-day wear, it delivers comfort without compromising functionality.

Titanium grade 5 gives it both strength and a refined appearance. Users can choose from silver, titanium gold, or black, finding a style that fits their taste.

Powering the device is a battery that lasts up to seven days. When a recharge is needed, the charging case provides a quick and convenient solution, even on the go. With nine available sizes, Samsung ensures a secure and comfortable fit for a wide range of consumers.

Rethinking health and fitness trackers

One of the most impressive aspects of the Galaxy Ring is its ability to monitor various health indicators, including heart rate and sleep patterns.

Continuous heart rate monitoring is a key feature. It tracks cardiac activity around the clock, offering insights into resting heart rhythm, stress levels, and potential arrhythmias.

During physical activity, the device delivers real-time heart rate data, which syncs effortlessly with Samsung Health to provide a more complete view of cardiovascular performance.

Its advanced sleep tracking capabilities enable a comprehensive analysis of sleep quality using detailed metrics such as sleep stages, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels.

It provides a sleep score along with a variety of detailed insights, such as snoring patterns, heart and respiratory rates, and the time required to fall asleep.

The collected data is synthesized into a sleep score, delivering an in-depth assessment of overall sleep quality. It also monitors snoring levels when a connected phone is placed on a nightstand within two feet of the wearer’s head.

With the support of Galaxy AI, the energy score delivers personalized wellness recommendations that are precisely tailored to the wearer’s current physical condition and provide a well-rounded perspective on daily energy levels.

Beyond its health-tracking capabilities, the device extends the functionality of Samsung devices by allowing users to control their phones through simple gestures and offering a feature to locate the ring if it is misplaced.

A double pinch gesture made while wearing the device enables actions like taking photos or stopping alarms, significantly enhancing the convenience and efficiency of everyday tasks.

By connecting with Samsung Health, the ring ensures a seamless and unified experience for managing and accessing health data.

Comfort and design

The Galaxy Ring has been widely acknowledged for its remarkable level of comfort. Unlike bulkier smartwatches that can feel intrusive, this lightweight and unobtrusive device feels almost as if nothing is being worn once it’s on the finger.

Designed for continuous use, the wearable features water resistance up to 10ATM, making it well suited for everyday activities and even demanding workouts without requiring removal.

With its refined design and polished finish, it serves as a discreet accessory that complements any outfit while avoiding unnecessary attention.

A notable aspect of the charger is its reverse wireless charging capability. It uses a USB-C connector for standard charging and supports reverse wireless charging when placed on a compatible Samsung phone.

In addition, when the battery level falls to 15%, the ring’s LEDs begin to flash, offering a more dependable alert than relying only on phone notifications.

Samsung recommends wearing the Galaxy Ring on the index finger to achieve the highest possible accuracy when tracking health metrics.

To ensure a proper fit, the included sizing kit should be used, as the ring is intentionally designed to be slightly smaller than standard ring sizes.

Drawbacks worth considering

Although it incorporates advanced technology within a compact design, this wearable focuses primarily on tracking sleep, activity, and vital signs without offering extensive additional features.

Priced at around $399, the Galaxy Ring costs more than many smartwatches on the market, yet it delivers fewer features and capabilities in comparison.

The Oura Ring Gen 3, Amazfit Helio Ring, Ultrahuman Ring Air, and Evie Ring provide nearly the same capabilities as Samsung’s smart ring and support both Android and iOS devices—although a few require a monthly subscription, unlike the South Korean electronics giant’s device.

Durability remains a concern, as some users have noticed visible cosmetic wear after only one month of regular use, prompting doubts about the device’s ability to maintain its appearance over time. The matte black finish on this model is particularly prone to scuffs.

Comparison with other smart rings

Although the wearable ring market is still emerging, several key players compete with the Galaxy Ring. Here’s how Samsung’s device compares to these alternatives:

Oura Ring

Widely recognized in the smart ring space, the Oura Ring is a direct rival to the Galaxy Ring. It excels in tracking sleep patterns and recovery data.

However, for those who already use Samsung products, the Galaxy Ring’s deep integration with Samsung Health provides a significant benefit, creating a more unified experience.

Circular Ring

The Circular Ring presents another option for consumers, but it falls short in terms of both design refinement and software polish compared to the Galaxy Ring.

Samsung’s superior craftsmanship combined with a comprehensive app ecosystem generally makes its offering a stronger contender for most users.

Conclusion

The Galaxy Ring introduces a fresh approach to wearable technology by blending refined design with focused health tracking features.

Its lightweight, comfortable build and seamless integration within a broader ecosystem make it an appealing choice for those seeking subtle yet effective fitness monitoring.

While it may lack some of the broader functionalities found in other smartwatches and raises questions about durability and value, the device still stands out as a strong contender in the evolving market of health-focused wearables, especially for users already invested in this technology platform.