Samsung Galaxy Ring Review: Wearable Tech’s Game-Changer

When Samsung announced its first smart ring, the Galaxy Ring, I was both intrigued and skeptical. Having worn various smartwatches and fitness trackers over the years, I wondered if this tiny device could truly compete. But after a week of wearing the Galaxy Ring, I can confidently say it has exceeded my expectations and might just be my new favorite piece of wearable tech.

Design and Comfort: A Perfect Fit

The first thing that struck me about the Galaxy Ring was its sleek and stylish design. Made from titanium and available in three finishes (black, silver, and gold), the ring looks more like a piece of jewelry than a tech gadget. I opted for the matte black finish, and it’s been a conversation starter more than once. The ring is available in sizes 5 through 13, and while I usually wear a size 10, I found the Galaxy Ring runs slightly smaller. After using the sizing kit Samsung provides, I settled on a size 11, which fits perfectly.

The Galaxy Ring is unbelievably light, weighing just 3 grams even at the largest size. It’s so comfortable that I often forget I’m wearing it. This is a huge plus, especially compared to the bulkiness of some smartwatches. Whether I’m at the gym, at a formal event, or just lounging at home, the Galaxy Ring blends seamlessly with my lifestyle.

Battery Life: A Standout Feature

One of the most impressive features of the Galaxy Ring is its battery life. Samsung didn’t provide many specifics upfront, but I was pleasantly surprised. I’m testing a size 10 ring, and it lasted a full five days on a single charge, still having about 15% left by the fifth day. This is a significant improvement over my Oura Ring, which typically needs charging after four days.

The Galaxy Ring’s portable charging case is another highlight. It’s compact and beautifully designed, similar in size to a wireless earbud case, making it easy to carry around. The case holds enough power for about 1.5 charges, extending the ring’s battery life to roughly 9-10 days depending on usage. Charging the ring is quick and convenient, taking just under an hour to go from 15% to 100%.

Health and Activity Tracking: Accurate and Insightful

The Galaxy Ring excels in health and activity tracking. It monitors a wide range of metrics, including sleep stages, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and skin temperature. Each morning, the ring syncs with the Samsung Health app to provide a comprehensive overview of my sleep, including a sleep score out of 100. The data is detailed and easy to understand, with helpful explanations for each metric.

One unique feature is the Energy Score, which combines various health metrics to gauge your overall readiness for the day. It considers factors like sleep consistency, heart rate variability (HRV), and previous day activity. I found this particularly useful for planning my workouts and daily activities. For instance, on days when my Energy Score was lower, I opted for lighter exercises or rest days.

However, the SpO2 (blood oxygen) tracking can be somewhat inaccurate. There were instances where my readings dipped into the mid-80% range, which would be concerning if accurate. In comparison, my Apple Watch consistently showed levels above 95%. While this hasn’t impacted my sleep score, it’s something to keep in mind if blood oxygen monitoring is crucial for you.

Activity Tracking: Room for Improvement

While the Galaxy Ring shines in health tracking, its activity tracking has some limitations. The ring automatically detects walks and runs, which is convenient, but it struggles with accuracy. On a 2-mile run, the Galaxy Ring recorded only 1.8 miles and provided a significantly lower heart rate than my Apple Watch. This discrepancy was even more pronounced on longer runs.

The ring lacks GPS, so you need to carry your phone for accurate distance tracking. Even then, the data can be inconsistent. Samsung Health allows you to manually track dozens of workout types, but live heart rate tracking is limited to a few, such as cycling. For other workouts like Pilates or yoga, I had to rely on my smartwatch.

Integration and Special Features: A Smart Ecosystem

Samsung has created a smart ecosystem where the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch work together seamlessly. Wearing both devices enhances battery life, as the app determines which device is better suited to track specific metrics and disables certain sensors on the ring accordingly. This synergy is a significant advantage if you own both devices.

One of the most fun features is the double-pinch gesture. By pinching your thumb and index finger together, you can take photos remotely or dismiss alarms on your phone. While the gestures are currently limited, they hint at a future where we might control various devices with simple hand movements.

The Find My Ring feature is another lifesaver. On my first day, I accidentally dropped the ring into my bag and couldn’t find it. The Samsung Find app allowed me to locate it quickly by making the ring’s LEDs blink. This feature alone is worth its weight in gold for someone as forgetful as me.

Price and Final Thoughts: Worth the Investment?

The Galaxy Ring is priced at $400, which is steep compared to other smart rings. However, it doesn’t require a monthly subscription, unlike the Oura Ring, which can add up over time. The Galaxy Ring’s advanced features, sleek design, and excellent battery life make it a worthy investment for anyone serious about health tracking.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Ring is a fantastic addition to the wearable tech market. It combines style, comfort, and functionality in a way that few other devices do. While there are some areas for improvement, particularly in activity tracking, the Galaxy Ring has set a high bar for future smart rings. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just someone looking to keep better tabs on your health, the Galaxy Ring is a device worth considering.