This is Samsung's first truly “new” product in a while, and it ventures into a market that doesn't yet face stiff competition from the tech giant's usual rivals. Most smart rings available today are produced by smaller companies, some of which likely operate on budgets that are a rounding error on Samsung's balance sheets.
Think of the Galaxy Ring as a bold vote of confidence from Samsung. By entering this niche, Samsung sees enough potential in smart rings to not only compete but potentially dominate. But does this first smart ring from Samsung have what it takes to usher in a new era for wearable devices? Let’s dive into the details in our comprehensive Galaxy Ring review.
Design and Fit
The Galaxy Ring is a masterclass in minimalist design. There’s nothing about its appearance that screams “smart gadget.” Instead, it’s slim, thin, and lightweight, making it exceptionally comfortable to wear. Once on your finger, you’ll likely forget it’s even there. This is a significant advantage for a wearable device, especially one designed for 24/7 usage.
During my testing, I encountered no issues such as skin irritation, which is a big plus. However, one minor drawback was the pronounced scratching sound it makes when it brushes against hard objects, such as my phone or a table.
This could be mitigated in future iterations with more durable materials or alternative finishes. Samsung might even consider offering premium versions of the Galaxy Ring in materials like real silver or gold, available exclusively through Samsung.com. Such options would not only address durability concerns but also cater to users looking for a more luxurious aesthetic.
Setup and Compatibility
Setting up the Galaxy Ring is as simple as it gets. Using the Galaxy Wearable app, you’ll pair the ring with your smartphone in a matter of minutes. The app guides you through the calibration process, ensuring accurate tracking for health metrics and other features. While it’s optimized for Samsung Galaxy devices, the Ring also works seamlessly with other Android phones and even iOS devices, though some features might be limited.
If you’re already using other Samsung wearables, like the Galaxy Watch, the Ring becomes an excellent companion device. It fills in the gaps by offering additional data points, particularly for metrics like sleep tracking and recovery.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Samsung has packed an impressive array of sensors into the Galaxy Ring, making it a robust tool for health and fitness enthusiasts.
Sleep Tracking
The Galaxy Ring excels in sleep tracking, providing detailed insights into your sleep stages, duration, and overall quality. It offers actionable tips to improve your sleep patterns, and the accuracy is on par with or better than most smartwatches.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Continuous heart rate monitoring is one of the Ring’s standout features. It tracks your heart rate 24/7, offering insights into your resting heart rate, stress levels, and even potential arrhythmias. During workouts, the Ring provides real-time heart rate data, which syncs seamlessly with Samsung Health.
Activity Tracking
Whether you’re walking, running, or engaging in other forms of exercise, the Galaxy Ring automatically detects and logs your activities. While it lacks the GPS functionality found in smartwatches, it compensates with accurate step counting and calorie burn estimates.
Recovery Metrics
One of the Ring’s unique selling points is its focus on recovery. It tracks your readiness levels by analyzing metrics like heart rate variability (HRV), sleep quality, and activity levels. This feature is particularly beneficial for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want to optimize their training schedules.
Battery Life
It offers up to five days of usage on a single charge, depending on how many features you have activated. Charging is quick and convenient, thanks to the included wireless charging dock. In just under an hour, you can get a full charge, making it easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
User Experience
The Galaxy Ring’s user experience is intuitive and seamless. The lack of a screen might seem like a drawback initially, but it’s a design choice that works in the Ring’s favor. All interactions happen through the Samsung Health app, which is well-designed and user-friendly. Notifications are limited to vibration alerts, ensuring the Ring doesn’t become a distraction.
One area where the Ring could improve is customization. Currently, there are limited options for adjusting settings directly from the app. For instance, the ability to fine-tune vibration alerts or customize health tracking parameters would be a welcome addition in future updates.
Comparisons to Competitors
The smart ring market is still in its infancy, but there are a few notable competitors to the Galaxy Ring, such as the Oura Ring and the Circular Ring. Here’s how Samsung’s offering stacks up:
- Oura Ring
The Oura Ring is perhaps the most well-known smart ring on the market, and it’s a direct competitor to the Galaxy Ring. While the Oura Ring offers excellent sleep tracking and recovery metrics, the Galaxy Ring’s seamless integration with Samsung Health gives it a distinct advantage for users already in the Samsung ecosystem.
- Circular Ring
The Circular Ring is another promising option, but it’s not as polished as the Galaxy Ring in terms of design and software. Samsung’s superior build quality and robust app ecosystem make it a more compelling choice for most users.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy Ring is priced competitively, starting at $299 for the standard model. Premium versions with materials like silver or gold are expected to cost more, though official pricing hasn’t been announced. The Ring is available for purchase through Samsung’s website and select retail partners.
Given its feature set and build quality, the Galaxy Ring offers excellent value for money. It’s more affordable than some competitors while providing a comparable, if not better, user experience.
What Could Be Improved
While the Galaxy Ring is an impressive first attempt, there’s always room for improvement. Here are some areas where Samsung could enhance future iterations:
- Durability: Offering more durable materials or finishes to reduce scratching and wear.
- Customization: Adding more options for user customization in the app.
- Additional Features: Incorporating GPS tracking or advanced biometric sensors for more comprehensive health monitoring.
- Expanded Compatibility: Enhancing support for non-Samsung devices to attract a broader audience.
Conclusion
The Galaxy Ring is a bold and successful entry into the smart ring market. Samsung has managed to create a device that is sleek, functional, and deeply integrated into its ecosystem. While it’s not perfect, the Ring lays a strong foundation for future iterations and sets a high bar for competitors.
If you’re already a Samsung user or looking for a discreet and capable health tracker, the Galaxy Ring is an excellent choice. With its competitive pricing and robust feature set, it’s poised to become a leader in the smart ring market. For a first-generation product, Samsung has done an impressive job—and the future looks bright for this innovative wearable.