Smart rings have garnered mixed reactions, with some embracing them while others struggle to incorporate them into their daily lives. My personal experience with the Samsung Galaxy Ring mirrors this divide. Initially intrigued by its potential, I purchased the ring, fully aware it was an experiment to see if I could adapt to wearing a smart ring regularly. The verdict? I’m not a smart ring person. However, my Galaxy Ring hasn’t been entirely abandoned. I’ve discovered a niche use that perfectly suits my lifestyle, albeit one I wouldn’t broadly recommend.
Why Smart Rings Aren’t for Me
As someone who has never worn rings, I should have anticipated this outcome. My tech-enthusiast nature, however, often overrides practicality. The initial days were promising. I enjoyed the convenience, the impressive battery life, and the subtle gold finish. I even started wearing a regular watch again. But the honeymoon phase was short-lived.
The concave design, while aesthetically pleasing, proved problematic. The flared edges frequently snagged on things, including, unfortunately, the back of my newborn daughter’s head. This incident, though seemingly harmless to her, remains etched in my memory.
Beyond the design flaw, the ring’s impact on my data obsession was unexpected. It extinguished it. The Galaxy Ring diligently collects a wealth of health data—heart rate, sleep patterns, activity levels—but unlike a smartwatch, it doesn’t prompt engagement. The absence of a screen removed the visual cue to check my stats. The extra step of opening the Samsung Health app became a significant barrier. I realized I wasn’t utilizing the data, negating the purpose of wearing the ring. Consequently, I reverted to my smartwatch.
The Unexpected Sleep Tracking Solution
My return to the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, while initially satisfying, revealed its limitations for nighttime use. While its sleep mode functions well for uninterrupted sleep, it becomes cumbersome during nighttime awakenings, such as for infant feedings. Checking the time requires multiple steps, disrupting the sleep tracking process. This frustration led me back to the Galaxy Ring.
The ring’s small size, lack of a distracting display, and comprehensive sleep tracking capabilities proved ideal. The absence of constant data reminders wasn’t an issue during sleep. In the morning, I simply switch back to my smartwatch, storing the ring in its case. This routine has also addressed other concerns, such as finding charging time for my watch and giving my wrist a break. It’s a balanced solution, optimizing the benefits of both devices.
A Costly Sleep Tracker: Proceed with Caution
The significant drawback to this approach is the Galaxy Ring’s price. At $400, it’s a substantial investment, especially for a device used solely for sleep tracking. Comparable smartwatches and dedicated sleep trackers, like the Withings Sleep, offer significantly lower price points. While the Galaxy Ring’s versatility is a plus, the cost difference raises questions about its value proposition as a dedicated sleep tracker.
My recommendation is tailored to those who, like me, invested in a smart ring only to find it unsuitable for daily wear. Repurposing the Galaxy Ring for sleep tracking offers a practical solution, mitigating the sense of a wasted purchase. However, for those considering a dedicated sleep tracking device, exploring more affordable options is advisable. While my solution works for me, the high cost makes it difficult to recommend as a primary sleep tracking purchase.
