The integration of wearable devices for health monitoring or tracking is no longer a distant concept for individuals of this era. The format of such devices is commonly recognized in the form of smartwatches. Although smart rings themselves are not groundbreaking, brands have been producing health-monitoring rings long before this. The intriguing aspect for me is whether these devices can address certain pain points of smartwatches or even potentially replace them. It’s a subjective matter of personal preference.
Design-wise, the Galaxy Ring’s exterior is made of lightweight grade 5 titanium, weighing approximately 2-3 grams, depending on the size. The silver color I opted for has a matte finish, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The larger size of the ring makes it prone to impacts with objects, potentially leaving marks initially. However, upon closer inspection, there were no visible scratches on the ring itself. The interior of the ring houses a sensor positioned on one side, recommended by Samsung to be worn on the inner side of the finger joint for optimal functionality.
In terms of usability, initially pairing the Galaxy Ring with a smartphone involves pressing and holding the center button after removing the case. The main functions of the Galaxy Ring involve health monitoring similar to smartwatches, including tracking physical activities, heart rate, sleep patterns, and skin temperature. The Galaxy Health app primarily focuses on sleep quality, physical activity, heart rate, stress levels, and menstrual cycles.
Physical activity tracking is where the Galaxy Ring falls short for yoga practitioners due to the thickness of the ring affecting hand movements. However, after some usage, step counting accuracy can be comparable to leading smartwatches, as tested by MKBHD. While the Galaxy Ring may resemble a smartwatch in overall functionality, its ease of use sets it apart, especially during sleep. The detailed health tracking features provide valuable insights, particularly for understanding sleep stages.
Additionally, while the Galaxy Ring supports the Find app, connectivity is limited to Bluetooth, lacking UWB support and internal speakers. This limitation affects the effectiveness of the Find function, particularly in locating the ring within a room. Gesture controls, like snapping fingers while wearing the ring, can trigger actions on a distant smartphone, adding a minor convenience.
In terms of battery life, the Galaxy Ring lasts around 5-6 days on a single charge, as claimed by Samsung. Charging is convenient with the included case featuring a USB-C port. The case indicates the ring’s battery level, and a full charge takes approximately 60-80 minutes. Overall, the Galaxy Ring partially satisfies my needs, focusing more on health monitoring than the typical smartwatch features.
In conclusion, the Galaxy Ring is a smart wearable that complements the Galaxy Watch rather than serving as a standalone device. Its value lies in its ability to cater to specific lifestyles and preferences. Whether the price of 14,900 baht is justified depends on individual requirements and whether it aligns with their usage patterns.
TLDR: The Galaxy Ring offers health-tracking features and ease of use, catering to specific preferences and lifestyles, although it may not fully replace a smartwatch.
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