I secretly got a first look of the Samsung Galaxy Ring and I’m excited about two features that aren’t even for health
AFTER much teasing Samsung has finally revealed all about its much-hyped smart ring.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring comes with a number of fitness tracking tools you would expect from a smartwatch but there’s a lot more focus on sleep here.
So, why would existing smartwatch owners bother you might wonder?
Well, first off battery: while most popular smartwatches struggle to last beyond a day or two, Samsung claims the Galaxy Ring can keep going for up to seven days on a single charge.
The other supposed benefit is comfort – people tend to take their smartwatches off at night so a smart ring makes it more practical to track sleep.
The Sun got a very quick, early hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Ring ahead of the big launch event…
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First look
As this is just an early look at the Galaxy Ring, we didn’t get to put the tracking features through their paces.
So I’ll be focusing purely on the instant aesthetics.
And the first thing you notice when you pick the Galaxy Ring up is it’s incredibly light – lighter than I expected.
It starts at 2.3g for the smallest finger size and goes up to 3g for the biggest.
I’m a little conflicted about this – on the one hand, light is great for comfort but on the other hand a bit of weight gives you reassurance it’s strong.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is available in nine sizes – these are based on US standard sizes.
That’s from size 5 to size 13.
Samsung will post out a sizing kit when you order a Galaxy Ring which is shipped first – you can then find the best fit, confirm it with Samsung and finally receive your Ring.
A size 12 was the best fit for my index finger which puts me at the top end of the ring sizes available.
It’s also worth noting that only the size 12 and 13 get the stated up to seven days of battery – the smaller sizes max out at six days.
The Galaxy Watch comes in a titanium frame with the option of three colours: Titanium Black, Titanium Silver and Titanium Gold.
I’m instantly drawn to the sleek silver which looks like any other ring on my hand (which I believe is a good thing by the way).
Samsung Galaxy Ring: Key facts
- Available in nine sizes
- Three colours: black, gold and silver
- Works with Android smartphones and not iPhone
- Titanium grade 5
- IP68 rating – protected from water and dust
- Battery lasts up to seven days off a single charge
- No subscription to access data required
- Costs £399 / $399
However, I do find myself wondering again just how durable it is as I don’t get that reassuring tough feel.
Samsung’s support website says you should “remove your Ring when lifting or handling heavy, hard objects”.
It also notes: “Nicks and scratches can occur if you are not careful while wearing your ring, even during everyday activities. As these are not covered by the warranty, please handle your ring with care.”
Along the inside you’ll see some of the internal components and there are a number of tiny bumps which are actually sensor lights.
When wearing the Galaxy Ring it does feel comfortable and instantly a lot less intrusive compared to a smartwatch.
But to really assess comfort I need to take it for a prolonged spin, which I will do in a full review soon.
That also goes for the most important bit, the health features, which is the Galaxy Ring’s raison d’etre.
But based purely on look and feel, I do enjoy what I see and relish the chance to use my smartwatch less.
I’m also excited to try the non-health related features, such as the ability to double pinch and dismiss your alarm (potentially dangerous too…) and to double pinch to take photos as well.
Galaxy Ring sizes and weights
- Size 5 – 2.3g
- Size 6 – 2.4g
- Size 7 – 2.4g
- Size 8 – 2.6g
- Size 9 – 2.7g
- Size 10 – 2.8g
- Size 11 – 3g
- Size 12 – 3g
- Size 13 – 3g