With the Galaxy Ring, Samsung is finally entering the promising market of connected rings. A technological gem that will have to prove itself to justify its particularly high price.
Samsung took advantage of the second Galaxy Unpacked of the year, a major event during which the Korean officially presents its new products, to finally lift the veil on its connected Galaxy Ring. Rumors have been flying since last year about this accessory dedicated to monitoring health and well-being. After making its existence official in January, we were even able to see a preview at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona last February where the first copies were exhibited… under glass, this time, it’s for real. The Galaxy Ring is now official and the least we can say is that Samsung is thinking big… in every way.
Samsung Galaxy Ring: a connected ring available in 27 versions
The Galaxy Ring comes in no fewer than nine sizes and three colors: gold, silver and black. This represents a panel of 27 references available for a single product. Samsung is therefore hitting hard from the start while most of its competitors are content to offer two or three colors for a number of sizes limited to three or five. Only Oura, one of the pioneers in the field, can compete with a catalog of six finishes and eight sizes for its Oura Ring Horizon. Enough to adapt the ring to both the thinnest female fingers and the plumper male fingers.
Design-wise, the Galaxy Ring doesn’t revolutionize the genre. The ring made of a titanium alloy measures just over 5 mm wide. Its surface is slightly curved inward in order, according to the manufacturer, to limit exposure to shocks and scratches that should only affect the edges of the ring. Its weight, around 3 g, remains quite comfortable, as we were able to see during the presentation during which we were able to wear the Galaxy Ring for a few minutes. Finally, the ring benefits from IP68 certification to resist dust and immersion. It is therefore possible to keep it on your finger during a swimming session. The whole thing exudes solidity and the finishes appear impeccable.
We appreciate the care taken in finishing the charging case. Designed in transparent plastic, it looks a bit like a case for wireless headphones. In the center, a circular stud allows you to easily place the ring thanks to a polarization to recharge its battery. Samsung estimates the autonomy of its accessory at seven days. Which is neither extraordinary nor too weak compared to what the competition offers.
Samsung Galaxy Ring: three sensors for classic functions
On the technical side, Samsung is also relying on the classic. The ring is intended to be worn every day, day and night. The Korean sees it as a complement to a connected watch, an accessory that many users cannot stand to keep on their wrist while they sleep (bulk, discomfort, accidental switching on of the screen, etc.). Also, the Galaxy Ring is equipped with three sensors: an optical heart rate monitor, an accelerometer and a temperature sensor. The latter is intended for women’s health in order to track their cycles.
The measurements, coated with a clever mix of algorithms and a hint of artificial intelligence, join the Samsung Health app on the smartphone. They allow you to monitor your heart rate and analyze your sleep quality. This results in the display every morning of an energy score in the application which is supposed to provide an estimate of the energy capital accumulated to get through the day. A coach is also involved. The ring can automatically detect sports activities (walking, running, etc.). Note that the Galaxy Ring does not require a subscription to operate and collect the measurements collected. Phew!
Samsung Galaxy Ring: a price worthy of a jewelry store
The Galaxy Ring is of course neither the first nor the most innovative connected ring on the market. Oura, but also Ice Watch with its Ice Ring or Circular Ring, have been offering similar products for over a year now. And while we can count on the Korean giant’s firepower to grab a piece of the pie in this still timid market, the deal is not yet in the bag. Samsung will have to show serious arguments (notably in terms of precision and reliability) to erase two major drawbacks of its Galaxy Ring. First, even if it is not linked to any subscription, this connected jewel is expensive: 449 euros all the same, or 50 euros more than the most expensive connected ring at the moment (Oura Ring Horizon). In addition, the Galaxy Ring is only compatible with Android smartphones. iPhone users will have to do without it, which immediately eliminates a large part of potential users. It will be available from July 24. In the absence of pre-order offers, you will have to make do with the possibility of paying in several installments without fees.