Avoid Impulsively Purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Ring
Avoid Impulsively Purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Ring
There's a lot to discuss about Samsung's latest wearable, the Galaxy Ring. It's a discreet method for monitoring heart health, blood oxygen levels, and sleep statistics without having to wear a bulky smartwatch. It's water-resistant enough to withstand swimming, and if you're ovulating, the ring, in conjunction with Samsung Health, can more accurately predict your cycle based on fluctuations in skin temperature. However, utilizing the ring and reaping its advantages relies on obtaining the appropriate size from the outset.
Purchase Galaxy Ring on Samsung
Purchase Galaxy Ring on Amazon
I wrote about my experience with sizing for the Galaxy Ring during its initial launch. I explained that I was excessively bloated when Samsung fitted me with the kit at an event. The ring they sized me with was almost three sizes larger than I ordinarily wear on my ring finger. (In spite of this, I chose not to wear my wedding rings that day due to my uncomfortable swelling; I was not in a condition to be sized for a ring.)
When Samsung sent Gizmodo a Galaxy Ring review unit in size 10, it was exactly as I anticipated. The ring was spacious on all ten of my fingers, including both thumbs. I set up the ring, expecting I'd swell up enough to justify the size. I wore it for a day and a night. My fingers remained slender.
The morning after, I had noticed that I'd been clutching onto the Galaxy Ring in my sleep. By the afternoon, I was not gesturing as freely as usual while wearing it due to its loose fit. Consequently, I removed it and contacted Samsung to exchange it for a smaller size.
Sizing is vital for the different sensors to obtain accurate readings with the Galaxy Ring.
I requested a size 9 Galaxy Ring, which is still two sizes larger than I normally wear. However, I have prior experience wearing a smart ring in a size 8, and that one felt a bit tight on occasions during the month. I recall what the Samsung representative told me during the fitting: the Galaxy Ring should feel somewhat snug if you attempt to remove it without experiencing a restriction in circulation to your finger.
Size 9 does not feel as loose as size 10. It is summertime in the northern hemisphere, and the heat has increased my baseline, allowing enough flesh to keep the ring in place. I felt nervous swimming with the Galaxy Ring after my fingers shrank in the pool, and I could feel the device sliding around. Nonetheless, the second size I requested for daily wear seems to be the right fit otherwise. I also usually wear rings loosely because I am aware that I have room to expand.
I share this story because sizing is important when wearing a smart ring. If you're uncomfortable with it, it becomes an expensive waste; you won't want to wear it to sleep or exercise, and you've essentially thrown away your money. Unlike a gold ring, which can be trimmed and expanded, most smart rings come in a single specific size, which is why they are also not sold in half-sizes. Smart ring brands offer sizing kits before shipping the product to encourage testing several different sizes before deciding on a number. When I asked Samsung about this scenario at the event, explaining that I'd sized so highly due to my water retention, they shared the same sentiment: wear the ring in various sizes for at least 24 hours before committing to a number.
I mentioned last week that the return policy for the Galaxy Ring on Samsung.com will be 15 days. However, take it from me that swapping rings for different sizes is a hassle. If you're purchasing the Galaxy Ring and you fluctuate in size, buy it closer to when you typically swell up so that you can use the sizing kit and give yourself at least two nights of sleep with it.
Purchase Galaxy Ring on Samsung
Purchase Galaxy Ring on Amazon
Upcoming content on the Galaxy Ring
I've only adequately worn the ring for two days. It has been comfortable to wear at night and throughout the workday while typing at my computer. I've washed dishes with it on and swept. I generally wear it on my index finger, although I prefer it on my thumb when exercising. I'm not fond of wearing it on the yoga mat or with dumbbell exercises; it's just like I feel about wearing any jewelry to the gym.
I mentioned I wore it during a day of activities, including a short hike with my child and swimming laps at the pool. The Galaxy Ring caught on both occasions that I was moving enough to track the activity. However, since there's no display on the device, the prompt for it appeared on my phone, and it wasn't until I checked it afterwards that I discovered I could log the exercises in Samsung Health. My lap swim session initially appeared as a walk, and although I was able to change it afterwards to reflect the actual swimming exercise, it only logged me as doing so for 39 seconds.
I also noticed that if I wear the Galaxy Ring with another third-party wearable, the data is consolidated when it reaches Google Fit. Granted, I'm still figuring out some of the intricacies around this since I am also using a third-party Android app called Health Sync to keep tabs on the data from various wearables on Android. It's just one of the trade-offs for being able to wear whatever wearable I prefer when I want.
Purchase Galaxy Ring on Samsung
Purchase Galaxy Ring on Amazon
I'm holding back on giving a comprehensive review of the Samsung Galaxy Ring, gathering more info to see if there are genuine perks from just wearing a smart ring. It's my initial full-time foray into this gadget, so rushing a review wouldn't do you, dear reader, any justice. I'm intrigued to see how the Galaxy Ring stacks up against other devices – I've got a couple of competitors on the horizon – and if simultaneous use of the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch brings any tangible benefits. For now, I'm enjoying the convenience of monitoring my sleep and daily steps around the house without needing a smartwatch for the same stats.
Updated 7/19/2024 at 5:00 P.M.: An earlier version of this article inaccurately stated the return policy was 30 days on Samsung.com. We apologize for the mistake.
The future of wearable technology could see a shift towards devices like the Galaxy Ring, as they offer discreet health monitoring without the bulk of a smartwatch. Reviews for the Galaxy Ring suggest that sizing is crucial for accurate readings and comfort during activities.
When considering purchasing a smart ring like the Galaxy Ring, it's essential to take into account fluctuations in size to ensure a proper fit and optimal performance.