There are too many screens vying for our attention these days. If it is not your phone, it is your smartwatch or a tablet, vibrating with notifications to let us know exactly what we are missing out on.
The simple answer would be to put the devices down, turn off notifications and step away. Break the cycle of information overload, reduce our stress levels, go back to a simpler time. But who are we kidding? Some people like the idea of tracking their steps, others want to keep track of their heart rate and sleep
The Galaxy Ring gets rid of at least one of those screens. Instead of having a watch that flashes up notifications and vibrates to grab your attention, the Galaxy Ring records your health and wellness data in the background, quietly, unobtrusively and accurately.
The ring will pick up a few metrics. First there is heart rate, which it tracks through the sensors on the inside of the ring’s band. It also tracks skin temperature while you sleep, warning you of potential changes that could mean an impact on your health.
Samsung Galaxy Ring review: Subtle health tracking that actually works
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An accelerometer tracks movement, automatically detecting walking and running.
It gathers that data, combines it with its own Galaxy AI and spits back some recommendations and health tips. Each day you get a physical readiness score based on the previous day’s activity level, heart rate data and your sleeping pattern, letting you know whether you can take it easy or need to step up the physical activity a bit.
Out of the box, the Samsung Galaxy Ring looks impressive. It comes in a clear charging case that doubles as a way to monitor the battery life of the ring, with a ring of LED lights that correspond to the ring’s battery level when you put it in the case.
The version reviewed here was the matt black titanium finish, but you can get it in gold or silver too. It is thinner than some of the rings I’ve tested, and feels much more comfortable to wear. There were times I forgot I was wearing it, although the black finish makes it stand out.
It held up well, too; a small scuff on the edge of the underside of the ring was the only evidence that this device had been worn at all.
[ Samsung unveils Galaxy Ring, AI-powered phonesOpens in new window ]
After about a week, you have a good idea of your sleep metrics and your activity levels, and you can just check in on the Samsung health app regularly to see how things are progressing and pick up on any areas that you may need to improve. If you want subtle health tracking that actually works, the Galaxy Ring does a good job.
This ring will work with Android devices, including non-Samsung ones, but it is designed to slot into the Samsung ecosystem, and more specifically, the newer devices. So if you want to get the most out of it, you will need at least a Galaxy smartphone that supports its new Galaxy AI. That is because the wellness tips rely on Galaxy AI to offer up some insights. The more you wear it, the more you get out of it.
Likewise, the ring will link in with the Galaxy Watch to tag team on health monitoring. The watch can take over activity tracking or heart rate monitoring, saving the Galaxy Ring’s battery from being used unnecessarily.
So far, so good. There are rivals, of course. Oura has been active in this space for a long time, with generation four of its ring released recently, and it works with iOS devices. Movano’s Evie Ring is aiming itself at women’s health. And for serious athletes, you have the Ultrahuman version.
Samsung’s ring is aimed at a more generic, everyday health audience. And it has at least one great point in its favour – it doesn’t need any other subscriptions to gain health insights, just that Galaxy smartphone.
It isn’t perfect, though. The auto activity tracking only works for walking and running, so fitness classes are out, as is swimming.
The ring also has some gesture controls. Tapping your finger and thumb together can silence an alarm on your phone, for example, or take a photo when the camera is open. It is interesting but still fairly limited; still, it is an indicator of where this could go in the future.
Good
The Galaxy Ring is lightweight and it is easy to forget you are wearing it. Its tracking is accurate, matching not only the Oura Ring but also a chest-strap heart rate monitor, which is considered the most accurate way to monitor your pulse.
The charging case is a handy place to store it – no chance the ring will get knocked off – and can be used to see how much battery life is left in the ring through its series of LED lights.
Bad
It doesn’t work with iOS, and some of its features are reserved for Samsung’s own newer Galaxy phones, including the wellness tips that rely on Galaxy AI. Some features are limited, such as exercise tracking, which only picks up walking and running automatically.
Everything else
It is rated as water resistant up to 100ATM, so you can wash your hands without having to take it off, or go swimming and even do a bit of snorkelling for short periods of time without removing the ring.
You get about a week out of a full battery charge, but larger ring sizes will get longer.
Verdict
A good choice for Android – mostly Samsung Galaxy – users, and a positive starting point for Samsung. But the exclusivity puts it at a disadvantage to rivals.
