I have been using a smartwatch regularly for over a decade, so it’s no surprise that I was hesitant to give up my $399 Apple Watch Series 9 for Samsung’s new $400 Galaxy Ring, a wellness tracker worn on the finger that tracks activity, sleep, and other health metrics. While I am familiar with smart rings, as I also regularly wear an Oura ring, I have always relied on both my Oura ring and Apple Watch for my health, fitness, and sleep tracking needs. This experience has taught me a lot about who smart rings are suitable for, where they outperform smartwatches, and where they fall short.
Smart rings like the Galaxy Ring are discreet, comfortable, and have long-lasting battery life, while smartwatches like the Apple Watch offer more comprehensive workout tracking. The Apple Watch is designed for iPhone users, while the Galaxy Ring is aimed at Android users, particularly those with Samsung Galaxy phones. However, many of my observations can be applied to any smartwatch or smart ring.
The Galaxy Ring offers three key advantages over the Apple Watch: longer battery life, fewer distractions, and improved comfort. The Galaxy Ring can last up to six days on a single charge, making it convenient for continuous wear without worrying about running out of battery. Additionally, the Galaxy Ring comes with a portable charging case for on-the-go charging, a feature I wish more wearables offered.
Unlike the Apple Watch, the Galaxy Ring does not have a screen or notifications, making it less distracting. This helped me break the habit of constantly checking my Apple Watch for notifications. The Galaxy Ring is also lighter and more comfortable to wear while sleeping, providing more insights into sleep patterns and energy levels compared to the Apple Watch.
While the Apple Watch excels as a workout companion, offering more accurate heart rate readings during exercise compared to the Galaxy Ring, it lacks some of the sleep tracking features found in the Galaxy Ring. The Apple Watch can detect potential signs of sleep apnea and provides useful insights into health metrics overnight.
Overall, both the Apple Watch and Galaxy Ring cater to different audiences and have their strengths and weaknesses. The Apple Watch is ideal for fitness tracking and workout monitoring, while the Galaxy Ring is better suited for continuous wear, comfort, and comprehensive sleep tracking. Both devices offer unique features that cater to different user needs.