Samsung Galaxy Ring hands-on: Why I ditch the Oura for this wearable competition

I have tested five smart rings in the past seven months and realized that the interface lacks various features that would make my daily life easier. I recently wrote about how adding these features to the Galaxy Ring would make me an instant buyer, and it looks like Samsung is listening.

Also: What you missed in Samsung Unpacked July 2024: Galaxy Z Fold 6, Watch Ultra, Ring, AI, more

I haven’t tried Samsung’s smart sensors, though Galaxy Ring it adds two features that I miss in other rings while offering a lighter version. Here is a list of the best new items.

1. Find My Support is very effective

There were several occasions when I misplaced my smart ring, and it took me at least 10 minutes each time to find it – whether it was in my bathroom, at the dinner table. yard or in the trash (because I deleted one with my pizza. boxes). I’ve looked for a Find My feature on all the smart phones I’ve worn, and Samsung has added such a service.

Galaxy Ring features Find My Ring in Samsung Find, which means you can connect your Samsung smart ring to your Galaxy smartphone and find it on your phone if you misplace it.

Also: Samsung reveals Galaxy Ring: Key features, price, and everything you need to know

Although Track My Ring is not supported, you will be able to track the Galaxy Ring based on the last location connected to your Galaxy phone. This means that if your phone’s Bluetooth is turned off, and you misplace your Ring, you won’t be able to track it. The Galaxy Ring can flash green and red lights, but there is no moving motor or audible sound.

Furthermore, Samsung Find is only available on Galaxy smartphones. While the Galaxy Ring works with all Android smartphones with the Samsung SmartThings app, it won’t support location tracking on all phones. I would have preferred it to work with any Android smartphone, but I expect that the presence of the Samsung Find feature on the Galaxy Ring will push other manufacturers to add Google Find My support to their next smart rings .

2. The whole package is amazing

The Samsung Galaxy Ring thinner and lighter than the competition. For context, it weighs 2.3 grams for the smallest size, which is less than Oura Ring (4 grams), RingConn Smart Ring (3 grams), and Ultrahuman Ring Air (2.4 grams) . In addition, Amazfit highlights 3.75 grams for its size 10 Helio Ring, which is heavier than 2.8 grams for the same size Galaxy Ring.

I’ve been hands-on with the Galaxy Ring and liked the fit and comfort of the device. It was better than the Amazfit Helio Ring I’m currently wearing.

Also: The smartest rings of 2024: Expertly tested and reviewed

Like RingConn, Samsung also offers a charging case instead of a puck. I’ve argued before that the case is more useful than the puck because it’s less easy to misplace. Plus, I can charge my smart ring on the go, which means I don’t have to look for a place to plug in the Galaxy Ring.

The Galaxy Ring Case appears to be well built and has a battery symbol next to the charging puck rails on the inside. When you place the Galaxy Ring on it, a light shows how much battery life is left. It’s a nice touch that’s missing from the RingConn Smart Ring, whose charging solution is second only to Samsung’s ring. Some smart rings – including Oura, Amazfit, and Ultrahuman – have a puck worse than the charging case.

Samsung has done a great job designing the Galaxy Ring and its case. Includes premium.

3. Owning a Galaxy Ring is a one-time payment (for now)

The Samsung Galaxy Ring costs $ 400, $ 100 more than Oura Ring, which also has a registration fee of $ 6 / month. If you do not pay the subscription fee, your data will be limited to viewing Sleep, Get Ready, and Activities data in the app. Unlike the Oura Ring, the Galaxy Ring does not have such a registration fee and all its information is visible in the Galaxy Health app.

Also: How to order Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Flip 6, Watch Ultra, Ring and get the best prices.

That said, Samsung’s new ring looks expensive compared to non-subscription competitors like Ultrahuman ($349), RingConn ($279), and Amazfit ($300).

The Galaxy Ring is expensive, but I would pay the price to get a better app experience. So far, smart phones have been the most amazing part of my ring testing experience. I have high hopes for the Galaxy Health app to push timely notifications.

4. What else should you know about the Galaxy Ring?

The Samsung Galaxy Ring will sell in three colors: Titanium Black (matte), Titanium Silver (matte), and Gold (shiny). It comes in nine sizes from 5 to 13, with a battery life that should last seven days. The device is made of Titanium Grade 5 material, so it should be strong enough to last a while.

The Galaxy Ring has an accelerometer, a PPG sensor and a skin temperature sensor. It can help you monitor your heart rate, sleep, and more. Sleep tracking includes data such as sleep time, sleep duration, nighttime walking, heart rate, and breathing rate.

The Galaxy Health app also offers an AI-powered Energy Score, and recommendations based on your fitness and health status in four areas — Sleep, Activity, Sleep Heart Rate, and Sleep Heart Rate Variability (HRV).

Also: Samsung Galaxy Ring vs. Oura Ring: Which one should you buy?

The Galaxy Ring can track your menstrual cycle by taking skin temperature readings overnight. It also offers exercise training for walking and running. Samsung says that if you wear the Galaxy Ring with your Galaxy Watch, the Ring’s battery will last 30% longer.

The Galaxy Ring also supports a new feature called Gestures; you can take photos or fire your alarm on compatible Samsung smartphones with a double pinch.

The Galaxy Ring it will not work with iPhone. It will go on sale starting July 24 as well Galaxy Watch 7 series.