At MWC 2024, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Ring, slated for launch in the second half of 2024. It will be offered in three colors: Black, Silver, and Gold, and available in nine different sizes. Packed with features like My Vitality Score and Booster Card, the device boasts an impressive battery life of up to nine days.
Since Samsung teased its Galaxy Ring at the Unpacked 2024 event alongside the Galaxy S24 series last month, we’ve eagerly awaited more details. Now, at the ongoing MWC 2024 event in Barcelona, we’ve finally witnessed the much-anticipated Ring’s first public appearance in all its glory. Exciting revelations about the Galaxy Ring have emerged, and we’re thrilled to share them with you without delay.
Colors & Sizes
At MWC 2024, the Korean company confirmed that the Galaxy Ring would be available in Black, Silver, and Gold color finishes. Moreover, the Galaxy Ring will offer nine different size options, ranging from 5 to 13.
This mirrors the versatile size range of the Oura Ring, albeit with an additional size compared to the Oura Ring’s eight options. In comparison, another popular choice, the Ultrahuman Ring AIR, is available in seven size options, ranging from 6 to 12.
Galaxy Ring Weight
The varying sizes of the Galaxy Ring also entail differences in weight across the variants. However, the maximum weight of any Galaxy Ring variant is reported to be just 2.9 grams, according to Android Police. This is half the weight of the Oura Ring’s heaviest variant, which weighs 6 grams.
Interestingly, the Galaxy Ring is lighter than the Ultrahuman Ring AIR as well, with its heaviest variant weighing 3.6 grams. This significant weight difference is likely to have a notable impact on crafting a comfortable and enjoyable user experience.
Battery Life
When discussing the size options and weight of the Galaxy Ring, it’s important to consider the battery life of its variants as well. Financial News, present at the Galaxy Ring briefing, provided crucial details on this aspect.
Financial News discovers Dr. Han Pak, VP and Head of Samsung’s Digital Health team, mentioned that the Galaxy Ring will provide a battery life of “about 5-9 days” to users. Therefore, even the lightest variant of the Galaxy Ring will offer approximately 5 days of backup, which is quite substantial.
This aligns with what Samsung President Roh Tae-moon told TechM, affirming that the Samsung ring wearable will indeed provide a backup of up to 9 days. It’s worth noting that this aligns with the battery life offered by the Oura Ring and Ultrahuman Ring AIR.
While real-life testing will ultimately verify the accuracy of this claim, it’s reasonable to anticipate this level of battery life from smart rings, particularly since they lack displays that typically demand the most power.
Healthcare Features
Samsung has meticulously designed the Galaxy Ring to prioritize healthcare, focusing on its form factor and features. During the briefing, Financial News reported Pak’s statement, noting, “We chose the finger because it has a lot of blood vessels and veins passing through the finger, so it is very easy to collect the information that is actually collected from the wrist.”
This deliberate choice of form factor will be complemented by features that are logically aligned. For instance, the Galaxy Ring will include a feature known as My Vitality Score. This feature will offer users a physical and mental readiness score, providing valuable insights.
This feature will offer users insights into their potential productivity based on the scoring. It will utilize data gathered through sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and other sensors.
Furthermore, the Galaxy Ring will introduce Booster Cards, providing users with additional guidance within the Samsung Health app. Additionally, Pak confirmed that Samsung is developing an AI fitness coach, which is expected to be integrated into the Ring’s framework upon its release.
Moreover, Pak confirmed that the Galaxy Ring will include fertility tracking for women, facilitated through integration with the Samsung partner app, Natural Cycles.
Additionally, the Galaxy Ring will offer advanced sleep tracking capabilities. By analyzing data from users’ heart rate, respiratory rate, and sleeping movements, the Galaxy Ring will provide detailed sleep metrics. Furthermore, it will feature a “Sleep Apnea” function, adding an intriguing dimension to its capabilities. We eagerly anticipate testing these features when the Ring becomes available!
Release Date
For the most part, Samsung hasn’t disclosed concrete details about the release date of the Galaxy Ring. However, Dr. Pak teased in a Newsroom post that the Galaxy Ring is slated for release “later this year.”
The launch of the Galaxy Ring is highly anticipated to coincide with the release of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, expected sometime between late July and early August.
This aligns with Pak’s remarks to TheElec during a recent Galaxy Ring briefing at MWC 2024, teasing its launch in the second half of the year. Additionally, Pak mentioned that the R&D for the Galaxy Ring is in its final stages.
Financial News also attended this briefing and reported Pak’s statement: “People want products that are comfortable, stylish, and have good battery life, lasting a long time. Reflecting the voices of these users, we have come to think that now is the right time.” This perspective sheds light on Samsung’s decision to push for the Ring’s release this year.
More About
It’s worth noting that Samsung’s Galaxy Ring may not be compatible with iOS, similar to most recent Galaxy Watches. Android exclusivity enhances Samsung’s ecosystem with the addition of the Ring. However, users hope that Samsung won’t impose any subscriptions on the Galaxy Ring, allowing its full potential as a health and wellness device to shine.
Unlike the Oura Ring, which locks certain features behind a paywall, Samsung may not need subscriptions to thrive in the market. However, being part of the Samsung ecosystem could benefit users. Dr. Pak revealed that wearing both a Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Ring enhances metric accuracy, particularly in sleep tracking, giving Samsung an edge over competitors lacking such a robust ecosystem.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Apple is developing a smart ring to rival Samsung’s Galaxy Ring. If true, Samsung must remain vigilant, as Apple is a formidable competitor. Ultimately, time will determine whether consumers are ready to embrace the Galaxy Ring.
What about you? Are you excited for the Galaxy Ring? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
