Samsung Galaxy Ring Review

Introduction

• One week of testing the Galaxy Ring.
• Experience included resizing and existential thoughts on smart rings vs. smartwatches.

Smart Rings Overview

• Smart rings have been around for about 10 years, starting with Kickstarter projects.
• Major advantage: Can be worn 24/7 due to a 7-day battery life.
• Designed to be worn during all activities: sleeping, showering, swimming, etc.
• Impressive for its size and tech packed inside, including small battery and sensors.
• Dimensions: 2.6 mm thick, looks like a regular ring but slightly thicker.

Features and Usage

• All-day Activity Tracker: Provides insights on health, sleep, energy levels.
• Proper Wearing: Sensors should be aligned with the palm side of the hand. Worn on the index finger.
• Interactive App: Syncs with Samsung Health app for metrics like calories burned, steps taken, and miles covered.

Comparisons and Issues

• Compared data between the Galaxy Ring and Apple Watch Ultra.
• Found discrepancies: ring overcounts some activities, undercounts floors climbed.
• Phantom Readings: Issues with the app showing heart rate when the ring was not worn.
• Emphasis on proper sizing: Used Samsung’s Ring Sizing Kit.

Personal Experience & Limitations

• Had trouble with the initial sizing; switched from size 11 to size 10 for better comfort.
• Index finger deemed better than wrist for vitals and heart rate monitoring.
• Activities Impact: Removed ring for Ultimate Frisbee, golf, and weight training—main activities.

Workout and Sleep Tracking

• Effective for lighter workouts, but auto-detection issues for less intense activities.
• Some inaccuracies in sleep tracking, with discrepancies compared to smart mattress cover readings (sponsored by Eight Sleep).

Design and Wearability

• Pros: Wearable 24/7, week-long battery life, versatile design with three colors (Gold, Silver, Matte Black).
• Cons: Not suitable for those who engage in activities requiring bare hands.

Ecosystem and Unique Features

• Special features for Samsung-only ecosystem, e.g., dismissing alarms and taking pictures with gestures.
• Limited to Samsung Galaxy phones for full functionality.

Final Thoughts and Wish List

• Galaxy Ring offers simplicity and wearability but lacks some smartwatch functionalities.
• Missing features: Speaker or ultra-wideband antenna for easier locating.
• Overall, neat idea but not suited for every user's lifestyle and needs.

Conclusion

• Ring underlines the trade-off between wearability and functionality
• Not intended to replace smartwatches, more a niche product within the Samsung ecosystem.