Imagine a wedding anniversary with the Galaxy Ring.
What does a ring and a watch have in common? Two things, actually. The first is that they’re obviously both round-shaped. The other is that they are both fitness tracker. The main difference? The Ring is strictly a health tracker, more compact than a fitness band but cannot tell time, nor does it offer a display. Also, the ring is just as expensive as a legit wedding ring.
Before we get to that, let’s check out first the other health tracker Samsung released a few weeks back, a tracker that can tell time.
Galaxy Watch7 and Watch Ultra:
Okay, let’s ask you first a question. Something you probably already have in mind. “What benefits do I get if I get the Watch Ultra over the regular Watch7?” Glad you asked. The main difference is the price. See, the Watch Ultra is clearly more expensive, yet you get almost the same exact benefits as a regular Watch7. Notice how we said “almost”, because there are subtle differences. If you care about that, kindly continue reading. If not… well, thanks for reading, still.
The Watch Ultra has more battery life. Samsung said the Watch Ultra lasts 46h, versus the Watch7’s 22h. If you’re very active, then the Watch Ultra is a better choice. Plus, it somehow looks like the new Apple Watch Ultra with its orange strap. Both watches have replaceable straps, Galaxy AI embedded, and a 1.5″ SAMOLED screen. Both watches use the same Samsung Exynos W1000 chip for processing.
Now then, another main difference is the build. The Watch Ultra is built using titanium materials and is more rigid and robust. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch7 is your standard affair, a better version of the Watch6. The Watch Ultra also is 10ATM-rated (vs 5ATM on Watch7), making it a better choice when diving down 100 meters deep. Both watches have that fancy MIL-STD-810H certification and IP68 water/splash resistance. However, do note that the MIL standard can be biased as tests are pre-selected by the brand.
When it comes to exercises and physical activities, both are equally matched when it comes to sports modes but the Watch Ultra comes with an 85dB loud emergency siren to signal others in case you are lost. In addition, it has a multi-tracking option useful for tracking different laps at the same time. And speaking of signaling others, both watches have LTE connectivity, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.3. This means both watches can receive AND answer calls.
Unsurprisingly, the Watch7 is lighter and cheaper. In the Philippines, the Watch7 starts at PHP 16,990 and the Watch Ultra at PHP 40,990. That’s a huge jump in price that makes the former a lot more attractive to buy, if you really don’t need the extra ruggedness of the Ultra. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 9 is a little more expensive, starting at PHP 26,490. In turn, the Apple Watch Ultra is also more expensive, starting at PHP 43,990. We’re not even starting on its sequel.
You can purchase both Samsung watches at your local Samsung Concept store, as well as online. Open sales begin tomorrow.
Galaxy Ring
It took about five months for the Galaxy Ring to become a reality. It was announced first in February during the Mobile World Congress but since then, it wasn’t heard of… not until now. See, the ring is more or less a watered-down Galaxy Watch and every data its sensors get from you, in combination with Galaxy AI, is interpreted via the Samsung Health app. Like regular smartwatches, you connect the Ring via Bluetooth to your phone to the app. Simple and easy. Though, the main kicker is that you can put this one on your wrist, in case the watches are a little too bulky for you. The Galaxy Ring, like the Watch, is accessible to any phone running Android 11 and newer. So, if you still have a Galaxy Note 9 or older, bad luck for you. Unless that has a custom ROM in it.
Every index finger is different so Samsung advises users to wear the sample ring first for 24 hours before making their final decision. See, unlike watches which comes with an adjustable strap, the Galaxy Ring comes in various sizes since it is not a “one size fits all” kind of thing. The kit comes from US-based sizes 5-13. Sadly no, the Ring is not available in the Philippines. Who knows, the second iteration might be.
Oh, we’re supposed to discuss the specifics of the Galaxy Ring. Starting with the basics, the Galaxy Ring features an IP68 and 10ATM rating, like the Galaxy Watch Ultra. The smallest Galaxy Ring, size 5, weighs only 2.3 grams. Meanwhile, the largest ring, at size 13, is only 3 grams heavy. That’s pretty light for a ring made of Grade 5 Titanium and with various sensors.
The watch features Bluetooth 5.3 Low Energy to connect to other devices instantly. Remember, if you’re not using a Samsung phone, you need to download the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app. For now, fortunately, you don’t have to purchase a subscription to track their health and activity data.
As you can see, the sensors, battery, and chip are safely located underneath the round casing coated with an epoxy. By the way, before we forget, you can fit the watches inside the Galaxy stores instead of using the kit… if you prefer buying a ring immediately.
Battery life depends on the size of the Ring you’re purchasing. The size 5-7 rings get a 17mAh battery which should last for up to 6 days on regular use. The 8-11 size rings have a larger 18mAh battery lasting also 6 days of regular use (but could be slightly longer), and the largest sizes, 12-13 gets a 22.5mAh battery lasting up to 7 days. Not much difference in battery sizes when you see it in a casual point of view.
Also, in case you were curious of what the charger looks like. Yes, it does look like a wedding ring box. It’s a wireless charger capable of recharging your ring by up to 20 times full, at least for smaller sizes. This charger has a 360mAh battery cell and charges via USB-C. The ring features your usual sensors such as a sleep monitor (which Samsung heavily emphasized), a heart rate monitor, and a skin temperature sensor.
The Ring also has a tracking device built-in and gesture controls. While wearing the ring, you can pinch your thumb and index fingers to control your Samsung phone to take pictures, answer/reject calls, and dismiss alarms. While using the Samsung Health app, you can track the Ring and, when located, will activate its bright LED lights for you to easily find it. That’s USD 399 down the drain if you couldn’t.
In the US, the watch costs USD 399 (~PHP 23.4K). See, costs as much as a wedding ring. Might as well use it.
Source: Samsung