Samsung Galaxy Ring: Get to Know the Latest in Wearable Tech

Samsung released its long-awaited Galaxy Ring in July 2024, making a big splash in wearable technology. While smart rings aren't entirely new, with the Oura Ring being a notable example in the past years, this launch stands out for two main reasons. First, it marks Samsung's debut in the smart ring market, showing its drive to innovate in this new device category. Second, it's the first smart ring from a major tech giant, with Samsung leading the way and setting a new standard for wearable gadgets.

If you're considering getting the Galaxy Ring, you likely have many questions about it. Here's what you need to know so you can decide if this wearable is the right choice for you.

What is the Galaxy Ring?

The Samsung Galaxy Ring is a simple, small, and discreet health-tracking wearable device you can wear on your finger. It has a lightweight titanium frame and a sleek design, making it look just like a regular ring from the outside. Inside are three tiny yet advanced sensors: an accelerometer, an optical heart rate sensor, and a skin temperature sensor. These sensors work around the clock to monitor your health.

The Galaxy Ring does all the monitoring automatically. It operates quietly in the background without vibrations or sounds (meaning no distractions), continuously tracking your health without you needing to interact with it directly. You simply wear it on your finger, and all the collected data is sent to the Samsung Health app on your phone, which organizes and displays the information, giving you a clear picture of your overall health and wellness.

The Galaxy Ring is available in three colors: Titanium Black, Titanium Silver, and Titanium Gold.

What does the Galaxy Ring do?

The Galaxy Ring is designed to be a comprehensive health and activity tracker. It monitors core health metrics such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and skin temperature. It also automatically tracks basic activities like walking and running without needing you to press any start buttons. While it doesn't track as many activities as a smartwatch, keep in mind that it's not meant to replace one but rather to complement it.

Beyond health and activity tracking, the Galaxy Ring supports gesture controls, letting you interact with your phone through simple hand movements. For example, you can take a photo or dismiss an alarm with a finger flick. It also includes a feature that helps you locate it if it's lost, using SmartThings Find to trace it back to its last known location.

How much is the Samsung Galaxy Ring?

The Samsung Galaxy Ring is priced at $399, which positions it competitively in the market. For comparison, its current main competitor, the Oura Ring 3, starts at $299 for the Heritage and $349 for the Horizon models, but it requires a $5.99 monthly subscription to access all its features. On the other hand, the Galaxy Ring offers its features without additional subscription fees (at least for now), making it a potentially more cost-effective choice in the long run.

Do you need a Samsung phone to use the Galaxy Ring?

There is no doubt that the Galaxy Ring is made primarily for Samsung users, and you can get the most out of it when paired with a Galaxy smartphone. That said, you do not necessarily need a Samsung phone to use it, but you do need an Android smartphone that has version 11 or above and supports the Samsung Health app. So, while certain features may be exclusive to the Galaxy phones (mainly Galaxy AI features), the ring also works well with other Android phones. Unfortunately, the Galaxy Ring is not compatible with iPhones, and there are no indications that Samsung plans to extend support to iOS devices in the future.

Which finger should you wear the Samsung Galaxy Ring on?

Most manufacturers recommend wearing their smart rings on your index finger for best results. However, Samsung says you can wear the Galaxy Ring on any finger that feels comfortable but suggests wearing it on your non-dominant hand to avoid scratching it. The indicator on the outer surface of the ring, showing where the three sensors are in the inner part, should be facing toward your palm. The ring should fit securely (not too tight or loose), allowing the sensors to maintain consistent contact with your skin for precise readings.

How to choose the right Galaxy Ring size?

The Galaxy Ring is available in sizes 5 to 13. However, because of the sensors inside, these ring sizes differ slightly from regular ones. That's why Samsung highly recommends using their free sizing kit before ordering the ring, even if you know your usual ring size based on other rings you may have.

The Samsung sizing kit includes a set of nine sample rings and can help you find the right size. After receiving the kit, try on the samples on the finger you plan to wear the Galaxy Ring and see which one fits best. Wear it for more than 24 hours to make sure it fits comfortably on your finger. Once you find your size, you can finish your order on the Samsung page.

Is the Galaxy Ring waterproof?

The Samsung Galaxy Ring is water-resistant, boasting IP68 and 10 ATM ratings. This means you can wear it while washing your hands, showering, or swimming in a pool or shallow water. It can also handle sweat from exercise and exposure to rain, so you don't need to worry about everyday water contact. However, Samsung recommends avoiding wearing the ring while freediving, scuba diving, engaging in high-speed water sports (such as jet skiing), swimming in fast-moving ravines, or making contact with pressure washers.

What is the battery life of the Galaxy Ring?

The Samsung Galaxy Ring has an impressive battery life of up to seven days on a single charge, depending on the size. This means you can wear the ring 24/7, day and night, without worrying about frequent recharging, which is one of its key advantages over a smartwatch. The ring also comes with a quick-charging case, allowing you to recharge it up to 1.5 times with its built-in battery and get back to using it with minimal downtime. According to Samsung, with a full cradle charge, you can get up to 14 days of battery life without needing a power outlet.

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