Samsung Galaxy Ring Evaluation

In a nutshell

I am not going to sugarcoat it—that is solely the third sensible ring I’ve examined, and no, I didn’t get my arms on the Oura Ring, the present gold normal on this house. That stated, we’re speaking sensors and metrics right here, and after years of reviewing the whole lot from smartwatches to smartphones, I’ve obtained a fairly good grasp on how this tech ought to work.

If there’s one firm that might shake up the wearable sport with a recent tackle kind components, it’s Samsung. I’ve been testing the Galaxy Ring for some time, and simply 4 days in the past, a One UI replace dropped on the Galaxy S24 Extremely—massively bettering the general expertise. Positive, you’ll discover loads of critiques on-line calling the Ring inaccurate, however right here’s the kicker: the most recent replace mounted plenty of these points.

Nevertheless, I went into this with excessive expectations. I examined the Samsung Galaxy Watch Extremely alongside the Galaxy Ring, and actually, Samsung’s methodology for utilizing algorithms to mix knowledge continues to be a bit unclear. To present it a good shake, I cut up my time: half with the ring linked to the smartwatch and the opposite half utilizing it standalone.

Value & Availability

In terms of {hardware}, the Galaxy Ring brings a smooth, minimalist design to the desk and is available in three coloration choices: Silver, Black, and Gold. It’s filled with options like superior sleep monitoring, steady coronary heart charge monitoring, pores and skin temperature measurement, and a variety of health features.

And, relying on the dimensions you go for, you’re as much as 7 days of battery life, which isn’t unhealthy in any respect for a hoop. However right here’s the kicker—the Galaxy Ring is priced at $399 within the US, which positively places it in premium territory.

That stated, not like the market chief Oura, there’s no subscription charge tied to the Galaxy Ring. However actually, that’s not an enormous promoting level today—Amazfit, Ultrahuman, and RingConn are all subscription-free rings too, so Samsung’s simply maintaining with the competitors on that entrance.

So right here’s the massive query: does the Galaxy Ring really earn its place amongst one of the best sensible rings of 2024? It’s time to put out all of Samsung’s playing cards and see the way it stacks up.

Compact & Comfy

I wore the ring for just about the whole lot, solely taking it off when washing dishes or my arms. So, naturally, I anticipated to see some scratches—however after virtually a month of use, the Titanium cowl continues to be scratch-free. That’s spectacular. On high of that, the Galaxy Ring is compact, light-weight, and tremendous snug to put on on the index finger, which is the place it’s designed to sit down
.

Like several sensible ring in the marketplace, the Galaxy Ring comes with its personal design quirks, similar to a definite concave form. Samsung has even added a delicate notch on the backside to assist customers get the position good.

Execs:

• Obtainable in 9 sizes with a sizing package possibility.
• Light-weight and compact.
• Designed for the index finger, making it unobtrusive when worn accurately.
• IP68 certification and waterproof as much as 10 ATM.

Cons:

• Thicker than typical jewellery, which is likely to be uncomfortable for some.

Inside, the Galaxy Ring packs three key sensors: An accelerometer, a Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor to trace blood circulation and oxygen ranges, and a pores and skin temperature sensor. For one of the best accuracy, these want to sit down proper below your index finger.

Samsung’s obtained you coated on match too, providing the ring in 9 sizes (5 to 13), and you’ll even seize a sizing package beforehand—a sensible transfer for getting the right match and optimum expertise.

When the Galaxy Ring matches good, it’s so low-key you would possibly really neglect you’re carrying it—till the info begins rolling in. However, in comparison with your on a regular basis jewellery, it is positively a bit chunkier. That further thickness is the value you pay for all of the superior tech packed inside.

Software program & Compatibility

The Galaxy Ring is appropriate with Samsung and different Android gadgets, although there are some anticipated limitations. You’ll want the Galaxy Wearable app to handle the Ring, and all of your well being and health knowledge will sync via the Galaxy Well being app
.

Execs:

• Clear and intuitive UI/UX.
• Discover My Ring function on board throughout the Galaxy ecosystem.
• Samsung adheres to key knowledge privateness rules within the US and Europe.

Cons:

• A considerably infantilized UI.
• Requires a smartphone connection as a result of lack of show.
• Some options are restricted with non-Galaxy gadgets.
• Unsure the way it will combine a number of well being gadgets within the Put on app.

In my overview of the Galaxy Watch Extremely, I briefly touched on how the Samsung Well being app’s consumer interface feels a bit too infantile for my liking, and I need to carry it up once more. I consider there’s a cultural component at play right here—South Korean design usually incorporates cute animal icons and little hearts, which doesn’t fairly resonate with a Western viewers like myself.

I’m additionally not a fan of the judgmental face on the power rating component. It feels deceptive as a result of there are occasions when our our bodies want restoration, and that shouldn’t be considered as a detrimental.

That stated, the consumer expertise with Samsung Well being is kind of clear and intuitive, providing some data-driven evaluation—which I respect. It’s insightful and may spark significant conversations round matters like sleep high quality, resting coronary heart charge, and restoration. The graphics are well-designed, and there’s degree of granularity within the day by day knowledge we generate, making it each informative and interesting.

Samsung has rolled out a useful function referred to as Discover My Ring, designed to assist customers find the sensible ring throughout the Galaxy ecosystem. However there’s a catch: Because the ring solely emits gentle—no sound—discovering it in, say, a pile of garments could be a little bit of a battle. It’s helpful, however not precisely foolproof in terms of on a regular basis muddle.

The Galaxy Ring additionally comes with two interactive options utilizing its common gestures operate. By double-pinching your index finger and thumb, you may both silence an alarm or snap an image. It is a delicate, seamless option to management key features, maintaining the expertise intuitive and hands-free.

In terms of well being knowledge privateness, the Galaxy Ring follows the identical protocols because the Samsung Galaxy Watch and Well being app. It adheres to key rules just like the FTC Act and HIPAA within the U.S., in addition to GDPR in Europe. Whereas not topic to stringent FDA oversight as a result of its classification as a wellness system, Samsung nonetheless ensures compliance with these vital knowledge privateness requirements.

Lastly, integrating a number of well being gadgets into the Samsung Well being app may be irritating. In line with Samsung, knowledge from each gadgets is mechanically synced within the app, however managing it’s troublesome as a result of the app doesn’t clearly present which system the info is coming from. At instances, I couldn’t inform if the info was from the Ring or the Watch Extremely. It’s just like the Holy Spirit—you don’t see it, however you need to belief it’s there.

If you happen to’re excited about pairing the Galaxy Ring with the Galaxy Watch Extremely or one other Galaxy smartwatch, the thought is fairly easy: some sensors on both system could possibly be disabled to save lots of battery, supplying you with longer life on one or the opposite. That is an enormous plus for these eager to get probably the most out of each gadgets.

One other perk? You’ll be able to collect sleep knowledge with no need to put on a cumbersome smartwatch to mattress, whereas nonetheless having a devoted show for exercises. Ultimately, it is a slick—although dear—synergy for monitoring your well being and health.

Wellness & Health Options

Because of their kind issue, sensible rings are the best well being companion. No distracting show or notification alerts pulling your consideration away. Even with only a primary set of sensors, you don’t must hold your cellphone on you to make sure your knowledge is secure. Plus, it provides higher battery life than most smartwatches and smartphones, so that you received’t want to fret about charging it day by day
.

In terms of well being monitoring, the Galaxy Ring proves to be fairly dependable for coronary heart charge monitoring, and after the most recent replace, its sleep metrics are virtually on par with my reference system, the Apple Watch Collection 9 (overview). That stated, whereas some health options and exercise modes carry out decently, the ring’s kind issue is undeniably a limiting issue.

Execs:

• Superior sleep monitoring, cycle monitoring, and auto exercise detection.
• Power Rating gives a day by day overview of psychological and bodily situation.
• Consists of sensors for steady coronary heart charge monitoring and pores and skin temperature monitoring.
• Not likely designed with health monitoring in thoughts.

Cons:

• Information reliability is closely depending on software program updates.

The Galaxy Ring integrates seamlessly with the Well being app, bringing acquainted options like superior sleep monitoring, cycle monitoring, and auto exercise detection for actions like strolling and working. Like the most recent Galaxy Watch Extremely and Watch 7, it additionally provides the Power Rating—a day by day snapshot of your psychological and bodily state.

The Power Rating pulls from metrics like sleep length, earlier day’s actions, common coronary heart charge, and coronary heart charge variability. Whereas I’ve at all times valued my Whoop’s Day by day Overview, Samsung nonetheless has room to enhance how this knowledge is offered within the Well being app.

The Power Rating is supposed to inform you how prepared you’re to sort out the day, and it’s surprisingly life like. On days after I barely moved, it flagged my low exercise, and it did the identical after I had poor sleep or pushed previous my pressure goal. What actually stood out was seeing the way it tracked adjustments associated to my menstrual cycle, although making these connections positively requires understanding of your physique.

In my critiques, I prefer to zero in on particular options to provide you a extra relatable, hands-on perspective. For the Galaxy Ring, I’ll be taking a better have a look at its sleep monitoring and working evaluation. However earlier than we get into that, there’s one thing I have to name out: this system actually wanted a significant replace to show itself credible.

Just some days in the past, I used to be prepared to put in writing off the Galaxy Ring. The sleep monitoring was in every single place, and the center charge readings have been persistently increased than what I used to be getting from my trusted gadgets. A fast search confirmed I wasn’t alone on this frustration. However then, on Tuesday, September 10, Samsung dropped an replace for the Galaxy S24 Extremely, which additionally optimized the well being app.

And right here’s the factor: Since that cellphone (and the Wearable app) replace, my coronary heart charge readings have been in sync with my chest strap, and the sleep knowledge has gotten rather a lot nearer to what I see on my Apple Watch Collection 9—which is thought for being fairly spot-on with sleep levels.

So, whereas this replace was a welcome repair, it’s price noting that the accuracy of Samsung Well being continues to be extremely depending on common software program updates. That’s one thing you’ll need to remember.

Sleep Metrics

Let’s be actual—sleep evaluation is without doubt one of the hardest issues for a sensible system to nail, particularly when it’s not a devoted medical instrument. However among the algorithms powering the well being app are getting fairly good at combining coronary heart charge and movement sensor knowledge to raised map out your sleep levels.

Units working the most recent One UI 6.1, just like the Galaxy S24 Extremely, have really delivered pretty dependable sleep stage monitoring in my expertise. Plus, Samsung throws in an AI-powered sleep coach that wants about three weeks of information to generate insights into your sleep habits. It is cool to see what it has to say, however do not anticipate it to revolutionize your sleep routine. Nonetheless, it’s a pleasant little instructional instrument.

Your sleep metrics additionally feed into an total power rating, so accuracy is vital right here. If the info’s off, you’ll have to rely by yourself physique consciousness to appropriate it. That stated, the Galaxy Ring has been stable for me, giving readings that align with different gadgets and my very own sense of how rested I really feel. If yours isn’t hitting the mark, double-check that each the Ring and companion system have the most recent software program updates.

Working Stats

For this instance, I used a working session after updating One UI, together with the Well being and Put on apps. Whereas it’s difficult to run with the Galaxy Ring—since sweat makes the ring slip round—you may nonetheless handle. It tends to slip off your index finger, and with no strap to regulate it, there’s not a lot you are able to do besides guarantee it’s positioned accurately, with the notch on the base of your finger.

The Ring can mechanically acknowledge your exercise and observe metrics like length, distance, tempo, coronary heart charge, cadence, and steps. Nevertheless, because it lacks built-in GPS, you’ll want to hold your smartphone to trace maps and routes. Samsung tracks coronary heart charge throughout 5 zones, and that’s just about all you’ll get.

For my part, the Galaxy Ring isn’t actually designed for health monitoring; it is extra suited to step counting and total wellness monitoring. It’s an fascinating addition, however not excellent for health fanatics. That stated, it delivered outcomes near my Wahoo chest strap. If you happen to’re utilizing the Samsung Well being app, you can even pair a chest strap as an adjunct for much more correct coronary heart charge knowledge—however the Ring’s PPG sensor already does an honest job by itself.

Battery Life & Charging

Samsung claims the Galaxy Ring can last as long as 7 days on a single cost, however battery life depends upon the dimensions of the ring—the larger the ring, the extra battery it holds. Since I’m utilizing a dimension 8, one of many smaller variations, I averaged about 5 days, which is first rate, however not fairly on par with the 8 days I obtained from the
RingConn Gen 2 throughout my testing
.

Execs:

• As much as 7 days of battery life—relying on the ring dimension.
• Journey Case Charger permits charging wherever, just like earbuds.
• Journey case options an LED ring to show the remaining power degree.

Cons:

The Galaxy Ring takes about 65 minutes to totally cost, however what actually stands out is Samsung’s inclusion of a journey case charger. Identical to with earbuds, you may cost the ring on the go with out worrying about correct alignment. In simply half-hour of charging, you may get the battery as much as 50%, which is sufficient to final you virtually three days.

The case holds sufficient juice for as much as six full prices, that means you received’t have to recharge the case for over a month. If you do, it’s so simple as plugging in a USB-C cable.

Plus, there’s a button on the case that lights up an LED ring, exhibiting the remaining energy. The clear design is smooth and purposeful—positively a pleasant contact.

Technical Specs

	Galaxy Ring
Product	Galaxy Ring
Picture
Dimensions and Weight	7.0 × 2.6 mm, 2,3 g (Dimension 5) till 3,0 g (Dimension 13) Charging case: 48.9 × 48.9 × 24.5 mm, 61,3 g
Colours	Titanium Black, Titanium Silver, Titanium Gold
Sizes	9 (Sizes: US 5, US 6, US 7, US 8, US 9, US 10, US 11, US 12, US 13)
Sensors	Acceleration sensor Optical coronary heart charge sensor Infrared temperature sensor
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.4
Certifications	10 ATM4, IP68 / Titan-End
Battery	18 mAh (US 5, US 6, US 7) 19,5 mAh (US 8, US 9, US 10, US 11) 23,5 mAh (US 12, US 13) Charging case: 361 mAh
Software program variations	Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely: One UI 6.1 Samsung Well being app: 6.27.2.009 Wearable app: Q50XWWU2AXFI

Remaining verdict