Fitness trackers have become an integral part of everyday life, and the smart ring is the latest interesting addition to these devices. They accompany their wearers both during activity and in sleep.
A smartwatch or bracelet is no longer a surprise, but a smart ring is a more unusual device that can also be a stylish piece of jewelry. It can be connected to a smartphone and use a whole range of useful functions: from making payments to tracking your heart rate and sleep quality, etc.
Critics call smart rings smaller versions of smartwatches that don't offer anything innovative. At the same time, this category continues to expand, with large tech companies such as Samsung joining the market.
Read the article to find out what smart rings are.
How a smart ring works
Smart rings are electronic devices worn on the fingers. They resemble traditional rings, but they have sensors and track the same indicators as smartwatches, such as sleep, activity, and well-being. None of this requires a screen.
Rings tend to have longer battery life than smartwatches and require less charging time.
Advantages and disadvantages of smart rings
Anyone who wants a functional piece of jewelry will definitely appreciate the benefits of smart rings:
- Compactness. The device is easy to wear every day and does not interfere with movement.
- Invisibility. Perform functions without attracting attention.
- Stylish design. They can be not only a functional accessory, but also a fashionable addition to the look.
- Battery life. They do not require frequent recharging.
- Water resistance. Most models can be left on while going to the shower, bath or pool.
- Robust, shock-resistant housing.
- Higher accuracy of heart rate and body temperature measurement due to the tighter fit of the ring to the body.
The disadvantages of smart rings include the following:
- Limited functionality and no screen. They cannot currently replace a smartphone or smartwatch.
- They are not suitable for everyone. Some people are uncomfortable wearing such rings, especially those who are allergic to metals.
- Often larger in size.
What are smart rings?
- Oura Ring Gen3 smart ring. One of the most popular smart rings on the market. Oura provides data on sleep, activity, and recovery. The gadget also monitors heart rate, body temperature, and blood oxygen levels. In addition, the ring can track the increase in stress levels in the body and then suggest reducing activity and prioritizing rest. The advantages of this model include good functionality, compatibility with Android and iOS, and high-quality materials. The downside is the rather high price and the need for a monthly subscription.
Specifications:
- Material: lightweight titanium with an anti-allergenic, non-metallic internal molding.
- The battery life is 4 to 7 days.
- A slow charge for 20-80 miles.
- Compatibility: iOS and Android.
- Water resistance.
- Cost: $299 and $349 depending on the design, monthly subscription is $5.99.
2. Ultrahuman Ring Air. The model is designed for fitness enthusiasts who want to optimize mental and physical energy throughout the day. The gadget reminds its wearer when to consume caffeine, sunbathe, and rest. The ring also monitors body temperature, heart rate, and menstrual cycle in women. The device can be synchronized with various apps, including fitness apps. However, its app cannot export data and has a rather confusing interface. However, the advantage of the ring compared to Oura Ring Gen3 is that there is no monthly subscription.
Specifications:
- Size: 5-14.
- Material: titanium coated with tungsten carbide.
- Colors: matte gray, asters black, space silver, bionic gold.
- Water resistance.
- Sensors: body temperature, 6-axis motion sensors, heart rate and oxygen saturation and heart rate monitoring.
- Battery: up to 6 days.
- Price: $349.
3. Samsung Galaxy Ring. Like other models, it tracks sleep and activity. It also analyzes snoring, sleep movement, sleep latency, and heart rate and respiration tracking. All this data is collected and stored in the Samsung Health app.
You can also snooze an alarm or take a photo with a double swipe of your finger.
The advantages of the Galaxy Ring include functionality, good integration into the Samsung product ecosystem, design, workmanship, and no subscription. However, the downside is that the ring only works with Android and will work best with Samsung smartphones.
Specifications:
- Material: titanium.
- Battery life: 7 days.
- Size: from 5 to 13.
- Compatibility: Android.
- Water resistance.
- Charging: charging case.
- Вартість: $399.
4. RingConn Smart Ring. Another ring that monitors physical activity, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, sleep, and stress levels. In addition to a 7-day battery life, the included charging case offers a 500 mAh battery, which, as the manufacturer promises, allows you to recharge the ring 18 more times. Despite the generally good functionality, the RingConn Smart Ring is the first product from the RingConn startup of the same name, so there are some drawbacks, with users complaining about synchronization issues and slow bug-fixing updates.
Specifications:
- Material: titanium.
- Battery life: 7 days.
- Size: from 6 to 14.
- Compatibility: iOS and Android.
- Water resistance.
- Charging: charging case.
- Price: $259.
5. Amazfit Helio Ring. A titanium-bodied ring weighing just 3.8 grams that offers tracking of physical activity, heart rate, body temperature, and blood oxygen saturation. Butone of the disadvantages of this ring is that you need to pay extra to get access to all the health reports. In addition, the ring is only available in two sizes - 10 and 12, but Amazfit plans to release other sizes in the future. It also has a lower battery life of up to 4 days and does not provide very detailed sleep information.
Specifications:
- Material: titanium.
- Battery life: 4 days.
- Sizes: 10 і 12.
- Sensors: PPG heart rate, temperature, EDA.
- Compatibility: iOS and Android.
- Water resistance.
- Price: $299.
6. Evie Ring. A smart ring designed for women who want to keep track of their menstrual cycle and well-being with activity and sleep tracking, as well as mood and symptom recording.
The disadvantage of this gadget, in particular, is that it is intended only for women and is compatible only with iOS. Another disadvantage is the battery life of up to 4 days, which is significantly shorter than other smart rings.
Specifications:
- Size: 5-11.
- Material: liquid metal.
- Colors: silver, rose gold, gold.
- Water resistance.
- Sensors: heart rate, SpO₂, body temperature, and active metabolic calorie burning.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth.
- Battery: about 4 days.
- Price: $269.
It's worth remembering that there are no universal smart rings yet, and each of them tends to have a specific functionality. Therefore, you should choose such a device based on your own needs. It can definitely become a promising addition to personal gadgets that can significantly improve the quality of everyday life.