Summary
Samsung Galaxy Ring.. Samsung introduced a new wearable dubbed the Samsung Galaxy Ring at the Galaxy Unpacked event, when the firm officially announced the Galaxy S24 phones. We were aware of several intriguing rumors in the weeks that followed, but Samsung withheld information on the specifics of its first smart ring. Up until now, that is: Samsung displayed the Galaxy Ring at MWC 2024, and we have official confirmation of a few specifics. Here’s everything we currently know and anticipate learning about the Samsung Galaxy Ring.
Samsung Galaxy Ring
Although the Samsung Galaxy Ring was initially shown in a teaser video akin to “one more thing” after Galaxy Unpacked in January, we’ve now begun to get more detailed information: At MWC, Samsung has been showcasing the Galaxy Ring. Although Android Police hasn’t gotten a chance to use the new wearable, we’ve learnt a good deal about it.
It has been confirmed that the Galaxy Ring will be available in three finishes (gold, silver, and black) and nine sizes (five to 13). Notably, for a smart ring, it’s quite lightweight: the heaviest Galaxy Ring weighs just 2.9 grams. That is less than half the weight of the six grams that make up the heaviest Oura Ring arrangement.
My Vitality Score, a new health system, will be unveiled with the Galaxy Ring. Based on many recorded health data, it seems that it will function similarly to other readiness-style health wearable features, offering individualized information. Additionally, Samsung claims that My Vitality Score will ultimately be available for the Watch 6 and Galaxy S24.
Samsung makes a “long” battery life claim but doesn’t provide any further details. Regarding iOS compatibility, Hon Pak from Samsung told CNET that he expects Samsung “devices are of such caliber that people will be willing to switch,” which sounds a lot like an Android-only device for the Galaxy Ring. Lastly, Samsung has said that the Galaxy Ring should be available for purchase by the end of 2024, although they have not disclosed a price.
We’ve also heard rumors
The only unauthorized information we had about the Galaxy Ring before to Samsung’s Unpacked unveiling was that the wearable’s components will be sourced in collaboration with Meiko, a Japanese electronics firm. Although it’s still unclear, Samsung and Meiko collaborated on the Galaxy S23 series.
Analyst Avi Greengart made a claim to have handled Galaxy Ring prototypes shortly after the device’s initial reveal at Unpacked. Greengart called the ring “ridiculously light” and said that Samsung intended to offer it in three finishes and in sizes up to 13. Samsung has recently verified these specifications. In addition, he said that the ring’s price has not been decided upon and that it would be introduced at some point in 2024. All of these claims, again, seem plausible.A Samsung executive said in a now-deleted LinkedIn post that a “new health & wellness wearable product” would be released in the second half of this year. This information aligns with what Samsung has subsequently formally stated at MWC, as reported by SamMobile. We anticipate that Samsung’s next generation of foldables will arrive this summer, and a 2H 2024 release timeframe may align with that.
Samsung Galaxy Ring: Our desired features
The Samsung Galaxy Ring remains shrouded in mystery, but we have high expectations for the impending wearable. This is what we want to witness.
No payments for subscriptionsThe majority of the capabilities that Oura, the industry leader in smart rings, provides on its third-generation Oura Ring need a membership fee. Some rings don’t have monthly dues, such as the Ultrahuman Ring Air. The original purchase price of the ring includes the expense of maintaining its operation.
The Samsung Health platform, into which the Galaxy Ring will integrate, does not have a subscription tier available from Samsung. We’re hopeful that the launch of the business’s first smart ring won’t alter that. Many consumers find it unpleasant to pay additional money after the fact since these items often cost hundreds of dollars.
total compatibility with phones other than SamsungWearable devices from Samsung, such as the Galaxy Watch 6, are compatible with Android phones made by any manufacturer. Some specialized features, such ECG readings, need the Samsung Health Monitor app. Officially, the software is limited to Samsung smartphones. It doesn’t seem possible that a smart ring could provide functionality that is only available inside the Samsung hardware ecosystem. However, if the Galaxy Ring is compatible with both Samsung and Google or OnePlus phones, it would be an even better offering.
Samsung Galaxy Ring: specs, features, release date
Although Samsung has made it clear that the Galaxy Ring will only work with Android, the company has not disclosed which Android manufacturers’ features will work with the Galaxy Ring.
enduring finishesThe third-generation Oura Ring and the Ultrahuman Ring Air, the two smart rings we’ve used the most, both swiftly developed noticeable wear. The gray titanium underneath the mirror-quality gold coating of the Oura Ring gradually showed through, while the matte black surface of the Ring Air developed some severe scratches only a few days after it was worn. Durability is crucial since smart rings are purchases that the majority of people wish to hang onto for years.
A handy power sourceA very handy feature of many smart rings is that they come with charging pucks that accept USB-C power input. With a clamshell charging case akin to many true wireless earphones, the RingConn Smart Ring goes one step further. We hope that the Samsung Galaxy Ring does not come with a charger like to a smartwatch that is permanently connected to a USB cord. Rather, we hope that it provides something with USB-C input for more versatility (it wouldn’t hurt to provide an optional charging cover, emulating RingConn).It’s a bit of a long shot this one. It would be great if the Galaxy Ring could accept contactless payments, much like Samsung’s smartwatches, as Samsung will be the first smart ring maker with an established payment platform in Samsung Pay.
What is Samsung Galaxy ring used for?
It would be an intriguing task to maintain security. On a Wear OS watch, you can’t use contactless payments unless you first enable screen locking, which isn’t available with a screenless ring. A smart ring cannot be used to activate a smartwatch’s mobile wallet since doing so needs certain interactions with the device.
It’s conceivable that security might be sufficiently handled with the Samsung Wearable mobile app’s settings, some strongly worded advice not to place your hand too close to payment terminals you don’t plan to use, or other approaches we haven’t thought of.Samsung Galaxy Ring: The Galaxy Ring is expected to be on sale sometime in 2024, according to a confirmation from Samsung this year. However, it is the only official information on its availability. According to one report, it will be released in the second part of the year. This might indicate that the Galaxy Ring will be on sale this summer, coinciding with the release of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6.
Check out our best smart ring suggestions from brands like Oura, RingConn, Ultrahuman, and more if you’re interested in smart rings but not sure the Galaxy Ring will provide anything new.
Compared to Samsung’s smartwatches, the Galaxy Ring will have a longer battery life
