Samsung has taken the wraps off its inaugural smart ring, the Galaxy Ring, months after its initial teaser. Priced at $399.99, it surpasses its primary competitor, the Oura Ring Gen3, in cost. However, Samsung’s decision to forgo a subscription model for its latest wearable provides a significant advantage over the Oura Ring’s subscription-based approach.
Introduction to the Galaxy Ring
Samsung’s official unveiling of the Galaxy Ring marks a significant milestone in the wearable technology market. Initially teased at the Galaxy Unpacked event in January, the Galaxy Ring has now been fully detailed. One of its standout features is its subscription-free model, which sets it apart from competitors like the Oura Ring Gen3.
Subscription-Free Advantage
Unlike the Oura Ring, which requires a monthly or annual subscription to access its companion app fully, the Samsung Galaxy Ring offers a subscription-free experience. This advantage, however, comes at a higher upfront cost. The Galaxy Ring is priced at $399.99, which is $199.99 more than the typical retail price of the Oura Ring Gen3 on Amazon.
Premium Build Quality
Despite its higher price, the Galaxy Ring promises premium build quality. Constructed from Titanium Grade 5, the ring is both lighter and stronger than stainless steel. This choice of material not only enhances durability but also provides a lightweight feel, adding to user comfort.
Customizable Sizing
Samsung ensures that the Galaxy Ring caters to a wide range of users by offering it in nine different sizes. The company provides sizing kits to help users find the perfect fit. Depending on the size, the ring’s weight ranges from 2.3 grams to 3 grams, making it lighter than the Oura Ring Gen3.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is another area where the Galaxy Ring excels. For sizes 5 to 11, Samsung advertises up to six days of battery life, while sizes 12 and 13 can last up to seven days. The ring comes with a charging dock capable of holding up to 15 times the ring’s battery life, ensuring users can easily recharge their device.
Health and Fitness Features
The Galaxy Ring is packed with health and fitness features, including automatic workout detection, inactivity alerts, and cycle tracking based on skin temperature. Users can also control their Samsung phone with the ring. However, it lacks some features found in Samsung’s smartwatches, such as BIA and ECG.
Integration with Samsung Health
When paired with a Galaxy Watch, the Samsung Health app recognizes both devices and uses them to provide optimal health measurements. This seamless integration enhances the overall user experience and makes the Galaxy Ring a valuable addition to Samsung’s ecosystem of wearable devices.
Availability
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is set to go on sale on July 24. With its premium features, high build quality, and subscription-free model, it is poised to be a strong contender in the smart ring market.
