Samsung Galaxy Ring hands-on: Why I should ditch my Oura for this competing smartphone

I’ve tested five smart rings over the past seven months and realized that the form factor is missing several features that could make my daily life easier. I recently wrote about how adding these features to the Galaxy Ring could make it an instant buy for me, and it seems Samsung listened.

Also read: What you missed at Samsung Unpacked July 2024: Galaxy Z Fold 6, Watch Ultra, Ring, AI, and more

I haven’t tested the sensors on Samsung’s smart ring yet, but the Galaxy Ring adds two features I’ve been missing from other rings while offering a lighter form factor. Here’s a rundown of the best new features.

1. Find My assistance is very convenient

I’ve misplaced my smart ring on several occasions and it’s taken me at least 10 minutes each time to find it, either in my bathroom, on my lunch table, or in the trash (because I threw one out with my pizza boxes). I’ve always wanted some form of Find My on every smart ring I’ve worn, and Samsung has added such a service.

The Galaxy Ring features Find My Ring on Samsung Find, which means you can connect your Samsung smart ring to your Galaxy smartphone and find it on your phone if you misplace it.

Also: Samsung unveils Galaxy Ring: key features, price and everything you need to know

While Track My Ring isn’t supported, you’ll be able to track the Galaxy Ring based on the last location connected to your Galaxy phone. This means that if your phone’s Bluetooth is turned off and you misplace your Ring, you won’t be able to track it live. The Galaxy Ring is capable of flashing green and red lights, but there’s no vibration motor or audible sound.

Additionally, Samsung Find is only available on Galaxy smartphones. While the Galaxy Ring works with all Android smartphones via the Samsung SmartThings app, it doesn’t support location tracking on all phones. I would have preferred it to work with any Android smartphone, but I expect the presence of Samsung Find on the Galaxy Ring will push other manufacturers to add Google Find My support to their next-gen smart rings as well.

2. The whole thing is impressive

THE Samsung Galaxy Ring Amazfit is thinner and lighter than the competition. As a reminder, it weighs 2.3 grams for the smallest size, which is less than the Oura Ring (4 grams), the RingConn Smart Ring (3 grams), and the Ultrahuman Ring Air (2.4 grams). Additionally, Amazfit specifies 3.75 grams for its size 10 Helio Ring, which is heavier than the 2.8 grams of the same size Galaxy Ring.

I was able to briefly test the Galaxy Ring and liked the fit and comfort of the device. It was better than the Amazfit Helio Ring that I currently wear.

Also read: The best connected rings of 2024: tested and evaluated by experts

Like RingConn, Samsung also provides a charging case instead of a puck. I’ve argued before that a case is more useful than a puck because it’s not as easy to misplace. Plus, I can charge my smart ring on the go, meaning I don’t have to hunt for an outlet to plug in the Galaxy Ring.

The Galaxy Ring case looks well-designed and has a battery indicator next to the charging puck rails inside. When you place the Galaxy Ring on top, the indicator shows how much battery life is left. It’s a nice touch that’s missing from the RingConn Smart Ring, whose charging solution is second only to Samsung’s own Ring. Other smart rings — including those from Oura, Amazfit, and Ultrahuman — have a puck that’s arguably worse than a charging case.

Samsung has done a great job designing the Galaxy Ring and its case. It oozes premium quality.

3. Owning the Galaxy Ring is a one-time payment (for now)

The Samsung Galaxy Ring costs $400, which is $100 more than the Oura Ring, which also has a $6/month subscription. If you don’t pay the subscription fee, your data will be limited to viewing the Sleep Score, Readiness, and Activity features in the app. Unlike the Oura Ring, the Galaxy Ring doesn’t have such a subscription fee, and all of its data is visible in the Galaxy Health app.

Also: How to pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Flip 6, Watch Ultra, Ring and find the best deals

That said, the new Samsung ring seems expensive compared to its subscription-free competitors like Ultrahuman ($349), RingConn ($279), and Amazfit ($300).

The Galaxy Ring is expensive, but I’d pay the price for a likely better app experience. So far, smart ring apps have been a disappointing part of my ring testing experience. I have high hopes for the Galaxy Health app, which delivers timely notifications.

4. What else should you know about the Galaxy Ring?

The Samsung Galaxy Ring will be sold in three colors: Titanium Black (matte), Titanium Silver (matte), and Gold (glossy). It comes in nine sizes ranging from 5 to 13, with a battery life that is supposed to last up to seven days. The device is made from grade 5 titanium, so it should be durable enough to last for a while.

The Galaxy Ring is equipped with an accelerometer, PPG sensor, and skin temperature sensor. It can help you track your heart rate, sleep, and more. Sleep tracking includes data such as time in bed, sleep latency, nighttime movements, heart rate, and respiration rate.

The Galaxy Health app also offers an AI-powered energy score and recommendations based on your physical state and well-being across four factors: sleep, activity, sleeping heart rate, and sleeping heart rate variability (HRV).

Also read: Samsung Galaxy Ring vs. Oura Ring: Which Wearable Should You Buy?

The Galaxy Ring can track your menstrual cycle by measuring your skin temperature at night. It also has automatic walking and running exercise detection. Samsung claims that if you wear the Galaxy Ring with your Galaxy Watch, the Ring’s battery will last 30% longer.

The Galaxy Ring also supports a new feature called Gestures; you can take photos or turn off your alarm on compatible Samsung smartphones with a double pinch.

THE Galaxy Ring will not work with an iPhone. It will go on sale from July 24 alongside the Galaxy Watch 7 series.