Samsung Galaxy Ring Outshines Apple Watch in One Key Area: Health Insights
The Samsung Galaxy Ring, a new entrant to the smart ring market, has made a splash with its impressive wellness tracking capabilities, offering users actionable insights that even the Apple Watch struggles to match. While the Apple Watch reigns supreme in the smartwatch realm, the Galaxy Ring stands out for its unique approach to health data interpretation, making it an enticing choice for individuals seeking deeper understanding of their physical well-being.
The Galaxy Ring, priced at £349, is more expensive than some competitors, but it avoids the monthly subscription fees required by its biggest rival, the Oura Ring. While Oura Rings start at £249, some of their premium finishes can match or even exceed the cost of the Galaxy Ring.
The smart ring market has been dominated by startups like Oura and Motiv for years, but Samsung's entry signals a shift in the landscape. The Galaxy Ring feels far from a first-generation product, showcasing a polished design, user-friendly interface, and insightful health data interpretation that rivals established fitness trackers.
The Galaxy Ring's strength lies in its ability to translate data into actionable insights. Unlike the Apple Watch, which simply presents raw health data, the Galaxy Ring leverages AI to deliver tailored recommendations. The "Energy" score, for instance, provides a comprehensive assessment of individual energy levels, offering detailed explanations based on sleep quality, activity levels, and other factors. The ring then suggests steps to improve energy levels, such as increasing physical activity or optimising sleep habits.
The Galaxy Ring also excels at stress tracking, employing heart rate variability (HRV) to accurately monitor stress levels. Unlike the Apple Watch, which simply offers guided breathing exercises without specific stress indicators, the Galaxy Ring presents clear stress levels and provides immediate access to deep breathing sessions for stress management.
Design-wise, the Galaxy Ring impresses with its slim profile, lighter weight compared to the Oura Ring, and unique concave design, offering better protection against scratches. Its wireless charging case with an integrated battery provides convenient charging on the go, unlike other ring chargers that require a wired connection.
However, the Galaxy Ring has some drawbacks. Its activity sensor tends to overestimate steps, particularly in the initial days of use, which may be misleading for users focused on accurate fitness tracking. Additionally, the Galaxy Ring is currently Android-exclusive, with limited functionality for iOS users.
ZDNET's Buying Advice
For Android users seeking actionable insights beyond those offered by smartwatches, the Samsung Galaxy Ring is a compelling choice. It provides detailed health data analysis, offers tailored recommendations for improvement, and features a minimalist design with a long battery life.
However, if you're an iPhone user, other smart rings like the Ultrahuman Ring Air or the Oura Ring may be better suited for your needs.
Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy Ring presents a compelling alternative to the Apple Watch, especially for those prioritising health insights and a discreet, comfortable wearable experience.
