Samsung watches are among the greatest smartwatches available today. Despite the line’s popularity, Samsung does not appear content to rest on its laurels. Instead, the company is focusing on a considerably smaller form factor (and a different body part). Here’s all we know about the Samsung Galaxy Ring, which may soon appear on your fingers.
Will Samsung Release a Galaxy Ring?
It is now safe to conclude that Samsung is officially developing a smart ring. The ring was teased on January 17 during the company’s Galaxy Unpacked event. Though specifics were sparse, Samsung released the first photographs of the device, which it branded the Galaxy Ring.
In 2022, the Samsung Galaxy Ring was given a trademark by the Korean Intellectual Property Right Information Service (KIPRIS), and patents for the device were reported.
We’ve been ignoring Apple Watch ring rumors for years, but the reality is that smart rings are growing in popularity. Many people like the screen-free experience since it allows them to focus only on their tasks. The Elec, a Korean news outlet, revealed in mid-July that the Galaxy Ring is “advanced development,” and we now have photographs from the firm.
What is the Most Likely Release Date for the Samsung Galaxy Ring?
It is practically impossible to estimate the release date for Samsung’s first attempt. Samsung will not want to miss out on fresh opportunities. To compete with existing smart rings, the manufacturer must ensure that the item is fully functional before introduction.
According to The Elec, the launch might take place as early as 2024. If Samsung decides to seek medical approval, the period may be extended even further. “Even if Samsung Electronics starts product development in September and finishes development by April next year, it will take an additional 10 to 12 months to obtain medical device approval,” an industry source told the site, potentially stretching the release date to 2025.
While we did not witness the ring debut alongside the Samsung Galaxy S24 series at Samsung’s Unpacked presentation, as some rumors suggested, an APK breakdown of the Galaxy Wearable app uncovered code indicating a 2024 launch date for the smart ring.
However, The Elec subsequently issued a new story claiming that the smart ring would launch in Q3 2024 or Q1 2025. It also stated that the Galaxy Ring could be released alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Analyst Avi Greengart claims he got hands-on with Galaxy Ring prototypes and confirmed on Threads that it would be available in 2024. However, he did not provide a specific date for the rollout.
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What Specifications and Features Might the Samsung Galaxy Ring Have?
According to the patent applications first reported by Korean outlet Naver, the ring may provide some health-tracking functionality. The file proposes the inclusion of both ECG and PPG sensors, which would presumably imply the capacity to assess heart rate and monitor temperature. These features make the ring compatible with the present capabilities of the Oura Ring 3, a market leader in smart rings. Samsung’s photos show three elevated nodes on the interior of the ring, which are quite similar to Oura’s current model.
An earlier patent suggests potential smart home integration. Samsung may allow Galaxy Ring users to operate linked gadgets, such as a smart TV. The Elec’s mid-July post also mentions a freshly filed patent by Samsung, which reveals that a pair of XR glasses can employ a smart ring to obtain positional information for your fingers and hands.
That presumably means accurate hand and finger tracking in XR applications, enabling for precise control over the UI and apps. However, this is only a patent, so there is no certainty that this functionality will be included in the Galaxy Ring or any other Samsung ring.
According to another claim from The Elec, Samsung is developing a single model of the smart ring in four sizes, with no Plus or Ultra versions. It also asserts that the advanced development version of the ring is too large for immediate sale. Samsung is apparently attempting to implement as many functions as possible, with intentions to delete some of them to minimize size during the mass production development phase.
Analyst Avi Greengart, who examined a prototype of the ring, said it will be available in sizes up to 13. The analyst also mentioned that Samsung planned to offer the smart ring in three different finishes.
What Price Might the Samsung Galaxy Ring Have?
In one word: costly. The complex technology necessary to make a small ring into a functional fitness tracker is quite expensive. I expect prices to be similar to those of the company’s current wearable products.
The latest Oura Ring 3 costs $299 and requires a monthly membership to use all of its features. Samsung has yet to introduce a subscription service for its Galaxy Watch line, and I hope it does not follow suit with the Galaxy Ring.
Should You Wait for Samsung’s Galaxy Ring?
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is likely to be worth the wait. On the other hand, with so many unknowns and potentially years before we see the ring on shelves, I wouldn’t hold my breath. The ideal wearable is always the one that allows you to achieve your current exercise goals.
If a finger-based wearable is on your purchasing list, there are a few alternatives. Our best selection is the Oura Ring 3 ($299.99 at Oura), which provides excellent sleep tracking and takes a holistic approach to wellness. Meanwhile, the Circular Ring ($284 on the Manufacturer’s website) is the greatest Oura Ring 3 option. It monitors heart rate, sleep, and blood oxygen levels and does not require a monthly subscription.
If you prefer to stay within Samsung’s ecosystem, you might want to stick with the company’s smartwatch line for now. The Galaxy Watch 6 ($299.99 at Samsung) provides a well-rounded smartwatch experience that includes all of the fundamental health and fitness tracking features. The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic ($429 at Amazon) is slightly more expensive, but it has a handy spinning bezel and an elevated design.
Samsung Galaxy Ring: What I’d Like to See
For starters, I’m relieved to learn that the Samsung Galaxy Ring will exist. A strong alternative to the Oura Ring might accelerate the smart ring trend and encourage additional competitors to participate. I fully expect basic health tracking and a respectable battery life. Aside from that, here are a few specifics I’m hoping to find on board.
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Advanced Health and Training Metrics
It goes without saying that I would like to see thorough health stats on Samsung’s possible Galaxy Ring, which Samsung says we should expect. Heart rate monitoring and temperature tracking are two Oura features that I found really useful throughout our Oura Ring 3 review.
If Samsung adopts these capabilities, I want to see a more advanced use of temperature data, particularly for women’s health. The Oura Ring falls short when it comes to fitness tracking. Samsung may differentiate itself by providing a more comprehensive feature set for athletes.
Fantastic Sleep Tracking
The Oura Ring 3 dominated the ring market by focusing on users’ Zs. A tremendous number of people aren’t getting enough sleep, and providing a tool to address the issue is a home run. Samsung recently improved its own sleep-tracking system, and I hope to see the firm bring the platform to our fingertips. Accuracy, insights, trends, and sleep coaching are all things I want to find. A smart ring is a foolproof bedmate because it is lightweight, comfy, and does not have a bright screen that would wake you up overnight.
A Thin Design
Existing smart rings, albeit modest when compared to wrist-based wearables, are nonetheless fairly bulky. Many look like giant wedding bands. I’d like to see Samsung introduce a more compact form factor that won’t catch as much attention. I’d also be open to seeing more Samsung Galaxy Ring colors and finishes that are now available in the smart ring pool.
It’s difficult to say for sure from the leaked photographs, but the ring appears to have similar specifications to the Oura Ring. However, every millimeter counts when wearing something around your finger, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
