Smart Rings vs. Smartwatches: A Personal Insight

Introduction

• Purpose: Testing the Galaxy Ring to evaluate its practicality and performance.
• Experience: First time wearing a ring, which included resizing and some personal reflections.

Smart Rings Overview

• History: AA ring launched ~10 years ago as a Kickstarter.
• Main Advantage: Wearable 24/7, 7-day battery life.
• Functionality: Designed for continuous wear during all activities (living, eating, sleeping, showering, swimming).

Design and Build

• Dimensions: 2.6 mm thick; can appear larger on smaller hands.
• Tech Inside: Small battery, basic sensors; performs as an all-day activity tracker.
• Usage: Put on at the beginning of the week, minimal battery life concerns.

Wearing the Ring

• Correct Wear: Sensors align with the palm side of the hand, worn on the index finger for best results.
• Data Sync: Shows in the Samsung Health app (calories burned, steps taken, miles covered, energy score).
• Comparison with Apple Watch: Observed discrepancies in data (over-counting activities, fewer floors climbed).
• Sizing Kit: $10 kit to find the snug fit; incorrect sizing impacts performance and comfort.

Performance and Insights

• Importance of Fit: Mis-sizing (like ring size 11 vs. 10) affects comfort and tracking accuracy.
• Index Finger vs. Wrist: More accurate for vitals than wrist-based sensors in smartwatches.
• Activity Tracking Issues: Not ideal for activities like Ultimate Frisbee, golf, and weight training (ring interference).
• Light Workouts & Sleep Tracking: Auto-detection issues, mixed accuracy.

Personal Realization

• Wearability: More comfortable and versatile than a smartwatch, but not suitable for user's preferred activities.
• Material and Design: Titanium finish with three color options (gold, silver, matte black).

Ecosystem and Compatibility

• Samsung Specific Features: Works within the Samsung ecosystem (e.g., dismissing alarms, taking pictures with gestures).
• Compatibility Limitations: Only pairs with Samsung Galaxy phones; not other Android phones.
• Alternative Options: Other smart rings like Oura or Ultrahuman offer similar features with broader compatibility.

Final Thoughts

• Strengths: Simplicity, non-distracting, good battery life, decent basic tracking.
• Weaknesses: Limited to Samsung ecosystem, tracking limitations for specific activities, finding lost ring is difficult.
• Recommendations: For Samsung users who value wearability over extensive functionality.
• Feature Request: Better tracking accuracy, easier finding tools.

Conclusion

• Summary: Galaxy Ring has potential but may not replace the practicality of smartwatches for certain users.