Samsung is a company known for introducing innovative technological solutions. Today, we’re testing a compact device that tracks steps, measures heart rate, and even analyzes sleep quality. If your first thought was another smartwatch, think again—this time, it’s the Samsung Galaxy Ring, a smart ring designed to bring health tracking to a smaller form factor.
Is such a technology necessary if there are many fitness bracelets that perform the same functions? Let’s find out.
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Positioning and price
I’ve previously used smart bracelets and watches, but I had never encountered this technology in the form of a ring. Is this something entirely new? As it turns out, smart rings have been around since 2013, when the first commercial models appeared. By 2024, in response to the growing interest in these devices, Samsung introduced its own smart ring: the Galaxy Ring.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is available in nine sizes, ranging from 5 to 13. In terms of colors, there are three options: black, silver, and gold. For this review, we tested the gold version.
I’ve previously used smart bracelets and watches, but I had never encountered this technology in the form of a ring. Is this something entirely new? As it turns out, smart rings have been around since 2013, when the first commercial models appeared. By 2024, in response to the growing interest in these devices, Samsung introduced its own smart ring: the Galaxy Ring.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is available in nine sizes, ranging from 5 to 13. In terms of colors, there are three options: black, silver, and gold. For this review, we tested the gold version.
Samsung Galaxy Ring specifications
- Compatibility: Android 11 and later versions
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.4
- Training functions: pedometer, calorie counter, sleep, heart rate, activity monitoring
- Sensors: accelerometer, heart rate monitor, thermometer, PPG heart rate sensor
- Material: titanium alloy
- Color: black, silver, gold
- Protection: dustproof and waterproof (IP68), water resistance 10 ATM
- Working time: up to 7 days
- Size: 5-13
- Thickness: 2.6 mm
- Weight: 3 g
- Warranty: 12 months (manufacturer’s warranty)
Package contents
I must admit, the packaging left a positive impression—it looked sleek and distinctive. If you’re purchasing the ring as a gift, the presentation doubles as gift packaging. Inside the black box, the ring is housed in a transparent case, with the documentation and USB Type-C cable neatly packed separately.
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Samsung Galaxy Ring dimensions
A critical aspect of purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Ring is selecting the correct size. With nine sizes available, ranging from 5 to 13, how do you choose the right one?
Samsung provides a measurement guide to help determine your size. You can measure the circumference of the finger where you’ll wear the ring or the diameter of a ring you already own, then compare the measurement with their size chart. This ensures a proper fit for optimal comfort and functionality.
Another option is to try on the Galaxy Ring at retail stores. For a more personalized approach, you can purchase the Samsung Galaxy Ring Sizing Kit, which allows you to determine the perfect fit at your convenience.
External appearance
You should pay attention to the color. Each option is interesting, and I personally chose the gold model because most of my jewelry is made of this metal. There are also silver and black rings.
The ring’s case is transparent, though it tends to collect fingerprints. Its construction is sturdy, with well-crafted details, and the compact design makes it practical for everyday use. When the Galaxy Ring is placed back in the case, it begins charging automatically. An illuminated indicator around the ring shows the battery level during charging. The case itself can also be charged, using the included USB Type-C cable.
The Galaxy Ring features a minimalist and stylish design, with a sleek, glossy finish. Its smooth surface feels pleasant to the touch, adding to its premium look and feel.
The comfort of wearing the ring largely depends on the finger you choose. I primarily wore the device on my index finger, occasionally switching to the middle finger. While it fit well on the index finger, its substantial size made it prone to catching on objects or bumping into surfaces. On other fingers, it caused noticeable discomfort, which may be a consideration for those with smaller hands or preferences for more subtle accessories.
Be cautious when handling glass objects while wearing the Galaxy Ring. Personally, I didn’t encounter any scratches, likely thanks to the protective glass on my phone. However, when I briefly used an older phone belonging to my mother and set it back down, I immediately noticed micro-scratches on its screen.
It’s also important to note that how you wear the ring matters. The ring features a small protrusion (visible in the photos) that should be positioned on the inner side of your hand. This orientation ensures proper functioning of the sensors, which include an accelerometer, heart rate monitor, and skin temperature sensor.
The ring is constructed from a titanium alloy, providing durability and a lightweight feel. The inner section, where the sensors are located, is likely made of plastic, which contributes to its comfort and wearability.
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Connection and control
The Galaxy Ring works best with Samsung devices. Keep in mind that it is not compatible with Apple products or gadgets running Android versions lower than 11.
To connect the ring to your phone, enable Bluetooth and ensure the ring is charged. Then, download the Samsung Health and Galaxy Wearable apps. Open the case, select the ring from the list of available devices, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.
Although the Galaxy Ring doesn’t offer full gesture control, it does feature a “Double Pinch” function. This is a unique option that sets the Galaxy Ring apart from its competitors.
If you have a Samsung smartphone, the Galaxy Ring can function as a remote camera shutter. Simply perform a double pinch with the finger wearing the ring and your thumb to take a photo. The manufacturer notes that this feature works only with Samsung phones, but I tested the ring with a device from another brand, so I wasn’t able to try the Double Pinch feature. As of now, it’s available only on phones running One UI version 6.1.1.
Samsung Health
The Samsung Health app is a useful tool for tracking your health. It allows you to monitor sleep quality, step count, heart rate, menstrual cycle, stress levels, and body temperature.
The “Fitness” section turned out to be very useful. I was able to select a workout plan and follow it based on my chosen goals.
Breathing exercises are a nice addition, helping you relax quickly. Running enthusiasts will also find long-distance marathons with varying levels of intensity.
Samsung Health automatically tracks walks, showing pace, calories burned, and heart rate. What’s important is that the results are presented in a straightforward way—either as numbers or easy-to-read graphs, making it simple to understand what’s happening with your body.
Another advantage is that after wearing the ring for an extended period, you receive personalized insights into your sleep, daily activity, energy levels, heart rate during sleep, blood oxygen saturation, and more.
The app’s interface is simple and intuitive, with no unnecessary features or subscription fees.
It’s important to remember that all smart devices provide approximate results (even if they seem accurate), and in case of health concerns, it’s better to consult a doctor rather than rely solely on the Galaxy Ring.
Battery life
The ring has a long battery life (it lasted 6 days for me, although the manufacturer claims 7), but it loses charge faster at night than during the day when I’m using the device more actively.
The case takes about 1.5 hours to charge.
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Experience and features
I was surprised and, honestly, I still don’t understand how so much electronics fit into such a small device. In fact, the Samsung Galaxy Ring could be seen as a smaller version of a smartwatch, since most people don’t fully utilize the potential of smart gadgets. So why pay extra for unnecessary technologies?
Personally, I have mixed feelings about the Galaxy Ring. I thought, since I wear rings every day, I wouldn’t need to adjust to this model. Unfortunately, I was wrong—the ring is larger than a typical piece of jewelry, and as a result, it causes some discomfort.
At first, the ring was uncomfortable—I couldn’t get used to its size. It often caught on other objects, and I was worried about scratches. So, it took some time to get accustomed to wearing it, but over time, it became normal and comfortable.
As for the advantages, the Galaxy Ring has an IP68 rating and is water-resistant up to 10 ATM. So, if it comes into contact with water, nothing harmful will happen. You can swim or go fishing without worrying about damage.
I also think this device is a great choice for those who want to add variety to their style. The ring could even replace a wedding band if you’re tired of the traditional option. I found it satisfying to know that what looks like a regular ring is actually keeping track of my health.
Before concluding, let’s try to answer the question: “Is it worth buying the Galaxy Ring instead of a smartwatch?” The answer is both yes and no. On one hand, the ring is a smaller version of a smartwatch, offering almost identical features. On the other hand, a smartwatch has a screen where all the information is readily visible, while with the ring, you’ll always need to open Samsung Health. Another factor to consider is the price.
We don’t know how the price will change over time, but even in more affordable smartwatches, there are several features that the Galaxy Ring also offers, such as blood oxygen saturation, steps, sleep tracking, stress levels, and more. The ring, however, comes at a higher price, so it really depends on your budget and personal preferences.
Conclusions
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is a modern smart ring that combines style and functionality, offering sleep tracking, physical activity monitoring, heart rate, skin temperature, and calories burned. Thanks to its compact size and sleek design, it can compete with smartwatches. However, the Galaxy Ring also has some drawbacks. Firstly, the price is a bit discouraging. Secondly, the lack of unique features and the need to get used to wearing it may deter some potential buyers. Nonetheless, I see great potential in this technology. What are your thoughts on the Galaxy Ring?
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