Samsung Galaxy Ring: A stylish step forward or just a tech fashion statement?
Campion Ring Samsung Galaxy Noel Picture:
Smart rings have long promised a streamlined alternative to bulkier smartwatches, offering essential health tracking in a discreet form factor. A smart ring is an alternative for those who want basic health and fitness tracking without the additional distractions of an extra screen. Think of it as the ring alternative to the Whoop smart tracker. After a month with the Samsung Galaxy Ring, I’ve experienced its highs and lows. Is it a viable wearable or just another tech novelty?
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is constructed from titanium, ensuring durability while maintaining a sleek appearance. At 7mm for the larger sizes, at its thickest point and weighing under three grams (size 12 - 13, 2.3g for size 5), it’s impressively light. Initially, I expected it to feel hefty, but once on my finger, it felt surprisingly light.
However, the sizing left something to be desired. Samsung recommended wearing the ring on the index finger, but even the largest size (13) was too small for mine. I settled for a size 12, which fit my wedding ring finger. Due to its bulkier-than-average profile, wearing it between two fingers took some adjustment, causing occasional discomfort.
From a design perspective, the black variant I reviewed looked somewhat plain, resembling a generic plastic ring. The gold and titanium finishes seem more stylish.
After wearing the ring for a month, I started to see signs of wear: the black was wearing off, revealing the bare titanium beneath. However, structurally, the titanium held up exceptionally well to the rigours of daily use.
A notable design quirk is the raised dash on the sensor's outer side. This indicator is meant to be visual and tactile and help align the sensors with your palm. While helpful, I frequently had to adjust the ring to ensure the correct alignment so the sensors would work correctly.
The ring is IP68-rated, meaning it’s water and dust-resistant, capable of withstanding depths of up to 10 atmospheres. Swimming should not pose any issues, although I didn’t get to test it. The water I exposed the ring to the most was when I was washing my hands ten times a day and showering. I found it awkward to wash my hands due to the ring catching in the soap, and the sensation of it rubbing while rinsing my hands was not pleasant.
Despite its lightweight build, the ring felt bulky on my wedding finger, especially during DIY projects or gardening tasks. I suspect it would have been more comfortable on my index finger. Those with larger hands may only work with sizing once Samsung expands its range beyond size 13.
After about a week, I grew accustomed to wearing it 24/7. However, its bulk compared to a traditional ring is undeniable. People accustomed to smartwatches might still find it less obtrusive, but in my experience, slim fitness bands were more comfortable.
Charging the Galaxy Ring is straightforward. The sleek charging case, reminiscent of the Nothing Ear’s transparent design, offers a modern aesthetic. The ring magnetically snaps into place, and a press of a button on the case displays the current charge level.
However, monitoring the battery isn’t as intuitive. You need Samsung’s Wearable app to check its status, and a couple of times, my ring ran out of power without my knowledge. Samsung promises up to seven days of battery life, though it averaged around six days with continuous use. The larger ring sizes – 12-13 – have larger batteries, so expect shorter times between chargers if you need one of the smaller rings. The charging case itself holds extra juice, extending usage further if you’re travelling. The case can be charged via the included USB-C cable or wirelessly using a Qi-compatible charger.
While not an exclusive issue for the Galaxy Ring, the internal battery has a lifespan and is not replaceable. Once the battery life shortens and it no longer holds a decent charge, it will become useless.
I paired the Galaxy Ring with a Samsung Galaxy 24 FE smartphone, unlocking several gesture-based features. A double-tap opened the camera app, while other gestures silenced alarms or rejected calls. If these gestures become a nuisance, you can disable them in the Wearable app. Not surprisingly, these are exclusive to more recent Galaxy phones, but I wouldn’t consider them essential features. It is also worth noting that the Galaxy Ring is not compatible with the iPhone.
Thanks to Samsung's SmartThings Find feature, misplacing the ring is less of a concern. You can track its location on a map or make its internal sensors blink to easily spot it in the dark.
Wearing the Galaxy Ring 24/7, I tracked various health metrics, including heart rate, SpO2 levels, skin temperature, blood oxygen and sleep patterns. While less precise than my Apple Watch Ultra 2, the ring held its own for general health monitoring. The ring excelled at sleep tracking, providing a decent breakdown of sleep stages. It even monitors snoring, though this requires keeping your phone nearby.
Heart rate readings fluctuate more than I’d prefer, occasionally producing inconsistent results. While acceptable for casual monitoring, fitness enthusiasts might find it lacking compared to premium smartwatches. Samsung says it can work with the Galaxy Watch 7 or Galaxy Watch Ultra with the latter. While this sounds great, I can’t see the point in getting a Galaxy Ring if you’ve already use a smartwatch.
Activity tracking is limited to walking and running, but at least it automatically detects these exercises. Distance tracking wasn’t always spot-on but suffices for non-competitive runners. There’s no built-in GPS, so you’ll need your phone or watch as a companion for accurate tracking.
What I love about the Galaxy Ring is that, unlike some competing fitness trackers, there are no additional subscription fees. Once purchased, the device works without hidden costs.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is an impressive piece of tech, blending minimalist design with essential smart features. While its fitness tracking capabilities are limited and less precise than high-end smartwatches, it delivers a respectable experience for casual users. Comfort is subjective, and sizing options need improvement.
Ultimately, the Galaxy Ring targets a niche audience — those who prefer discreet wearables over bulky watches. The Galaxy Ring is worth considering if you’re after an unobtrusive health tracker and can live with its quirks. A traditional smartwatch or fitness band might be a better fit for fitness enthusiasts or those seeking maximum comfort.