Galaxy Ring vs Oura Ring
By Elisabeth Christ
Updated August 2024
After months of anticipation, the Samsung Galaxy Ring has finally hit the market, joining the already established Oura Ring in the world of smart wearables. Both rings offer advanced health tracking and sleek designs, but they cater to different user preferences and needs. In this article, we’ll explore how these two innovative devices stack up against each other, from their design and features to their health insights and battery life, to help you find out which ring might be the best fit for your lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
The Samsung Galaxy Ring, priced at $399, measures 7mm wide and 2.6mm thick, offering a subtle design with a focus on health tracking like sleep and blood oxygen levels, but with limited workout tracking and an AI-powered Samsung Health integration. It provides 6-7 days of battery life and integrates well within the Samsung ecosystem. In contrast, the Oura Ring, costing $299, features a slightly thicker 7.9mm profile and emphasizes detailed health metrics with its Readiness Score, cardiovascular monitoring, and integration with Natural Cycles for fertility tracking. It typically lasts up to 5 days on a charge and supports both iPhone and Android devices.
On our list
#1 Price & Design
#2 Health Tracking
#3 Workout Detection
#4 Overall Readings
#5 Battery Life & Charging
Samsung Galaxy Ring
Exclusive Smart Ring for Samsung Devices
✓ Advanced health insights
✓ Comfortable, thinner design
✓ IP68-rated water resistance
✓ Portable charging case
Oura Ring
Smart Ring with Comprehensive and Accurate Reading
✓ Holistic wellness tracking
✓ Accurate sleep staging
✓ Personalized features via the companion app
✓ Automatic workout detection
#1 Price & Design
Oura Ring
When it comes to smart rings, the Samsung Galaxy Ring and the Oura Ring represent two leading contenders in the market, each boasting unique attributes. Priced at $399, the Galaxy Ring offers a sleek and discreet design that makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer subtle tech enhancements. With dimensions of 7mm in width and 2.6mm in thickness, and a weight ranging from 2.3 to 3 grams, it is notably thin, which contributes to its understated elegance. Crafted from Black Titanium, it not only looks sophisticated but is also IP68-rated for water resistance. The concave design and LED light feature enhance its practicality, especially for locating the ring when misplaced. Additionally, the ring's color options—Black, Gold, and Silver—allow users to choose a style that suits their personal taste.
In contrast, the Oura Ring, priced at $299, presents a slightly bulkier but equally refined option. It measures 7.9mm wide and 2.5mm thick and is constructed from durable titanium. The convex design of the Oura Ring adds a distinctive look while ensuring comfort for all-day wear. With a water resistance rating of 100 meters, it is well-suited for a variety of activities, including swimming. Available in Silver, Black, Gold, and Stealth, the Oura Ring offers a range of color options that cater to different style preferences. Its lightweight construction and sleek design make it an attractive choice for those seeking both functionality and aesthetics in a smart ring.
#2 Health Tracking
Samsung Galaxy Ring
The Samsung Galaxy Ring and the Oura Ring are both designed to monitor various aspects of health, but they cater to different user needs and preferences. The Galaxy Ring focuses on providing core health metrics such as sleep tracking, blood oxygen levels, and skin temperature. It features a daily sleep score and a new Energy Score to help users understand their rest patterns and overall wellness. With a claimed 79% accuracy in sleep stage readings, it provides valuable insights into sleep quality. However, its health tracking capabilities are somewhat limited to high and low heart rate notifications and basic wellness tips. The ring’s integration with Samsung’s ecosystem, including the Samsung Health app, allows users to access AI-powered recommendations but may lack the depth desired by those seeking more granular data.
Oura Ring
On the other hand, the Oura Ring is renowned for its comprehensive health tracking capabilities. For $299, it delivers detailed insights into various metrics such as steps, calorie burn, and overall activity levels. It excels in providing an in-depth analysis of sleep and readiness through its Readiness Score, which factors in activity, sleep, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and body temperature. The Oura Ring also integrates with Natural Cycles for menstrual cycle and fertility tracking, offering a level of personalization not found in the Galaxy Ring. With features like Cardiovascular Age and Cardio Capacity monitoring, the Oura Ring provides a more extensive range of health data, making it ideal for users who seek a detailed understanding of their well-being.
#3 Workout Detection
Samsung Galaxy Ring
Workout detection is an area where these smart rings exhibit differing strengths. The Samsung Galaxy Ring is designed with a focus on health monitoring rather than specific workout tracking. It offers general wellness insights and sleep tracking but is noted for its inconsistent performance in running and exercise detection. The ring’s functionality includes basic fitness tracking but lacks the precision and depth that more specialized workout trackers provide. This makes it more suitable for users interested in overall health trends rather than detailed workout metrics.
Conversely, the Oura Ring’s capabilities extend to detecting over 40 activities, although it does not support detailed workout tracking per se. Its strength lies in its ability to provide a comprehensive assessment of readiness and recovery, which can be beneficial for users who engage in regular physical activity. The Readiness Score, calculated from various health metrics, offers insights into how well-equipped users are for workouts and daily activities. While the Oura Ring does not offer detailed workout metrics, its ability to monitor overall health and readiness makes it a valuable tool for those who focus on holistic well-being and fitness readiness.
#4 Overall Readings
Oura Ring
In terms of overall readings, both the Samsung Galaxy Ring and the Oura Ring deliver valuable health insights but with varying degrees of detail and accuracy. The Galaxy Ring offers a range of features including sleep tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, and basic heart rate notifications. Its sleep tracking is generally effective but not as precise as the Oura Ring’s offerings. The ring provides an overall view of health with AI-powered insights through the Samsung Health app, though it may not appeal to users who need more detailed and accurate data.
The Oura Ring excels in providing a comprehensive view of health through its Readiness Score and detailed sleep analysis. It integrates a wide range of metrics including body temperature, heart rate variability, and activity levels, delivering a nuanced picture of overall wellness. The addition of features like Cardiovascular Age and the Symptom Radar further enhances its ability to offer personalized health insights. The Oura Ring’s focus on providing detailed and actionable data makes it a compelling choice for users who seek an in-depth understanding of their health and well-being.
#5 Battery Life & Charging
Samsung Galaxy Ring
Battery life and charging are critical considerations for smart rings, and both the Samsung Galaxy Ring and the Oura Ring offer distinct approaches. The Galaxy Ring boasts a battery life of 6-7 days on its own, which can be extended by an additional 30% when used in conjunction with a Galaxy Watch. It utilizes a charging case, which adds a modern touch to its design and ensures users can easily recharge their device. The Galaxy Ring’s charging solution is practical and aligns with its integration within the Samsung ecosystem, providing a seamless user experience.
The Oura Ring, on the other hand, offers up to a week of battery life, although user reports suggest it typically lasts around 5 days. Its charging system is straightforward, involving a charging dock that is easy to use and effective in maintaining battery performance. The Oura Ring’s approach to battery life emphasizes convenience and reliability, making it suitable for users who prioritize long-lasting performance. Both rings provide robust battery solutions, but their respective charging methods and battery longevity cater to different user needs and preferences.
Galaxy Ring vs Oura Ring
Final Thoughts
Galaxy Ring vs Oura Ring
Both the Samsung Galaxy Ring and the Oura Ring bring impressive features to the table, each catering to different user preferences. The Galaxy Ring is ideal for those deeply embedded in the Samsung ecosystem who appreciate a sleek design and straightforward health tracking capabilities. In contrast, the Oura Ring is better suited for users who seek a comprehensive view of their health, including advanced metrics and detailed insights, and are willing to invest in a membership for enhanced features. Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize integration and design or depth and personalization in your smart ring experience.
If you like to read more about Smart Ring, check out our other relevant guides here:
These Crazy Things Happen When You Wear This $300 Ring to Sleep
Don't miss out on tech
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest tech trends and guides on the best gadgets around.
Recommended reading
