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Samsung Galaxy Ring vs Galaxy Watch – which is for you?

A comparison of Samsung's best health tracking technology
Last Updated on February 6, 2024
Image of 3 Samsung Galaxy watches on a blue background below the PC guide
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With the ever-growing market of wearable devices, Samsung continues to innovate and expand its offerings. In the recent Unpacked event, Samsung announced the upcoming release of the Samsung Galaxy Ring; a gadget offering comprehensive health tracking tech that shadows the health features of Samsung smartwatches. Samsung’s smart ring has sparked much excitement within the smart ring market, so we wanted to know how it compared to the other activity tracking devices in Samsung’s lineup. In this article, we compare the Samsung Galaxy ring vs Galaxy Watch; covering their design, performance, and price.

Both devices cater to various needs and preferences, making it essential to understand their differences and features before making a decision. In this comprehensive comparison, we will compare both devices in several areas to help you determine which device is the best fit for your needs.

If you’re keen to find out more about new health-tracking devices; take a look at our Apple Watch vs Ultra 2 comparison guide or our Pixel Watch 2 vs Garmin Venu 3 comparison guide.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

Samsung Galaxy Ring vs Galaxy Watch – features and functionality

The features and functionality of the Samsung Galaxy Ring and the Galaxy Watch differ significantly. The Galaxy Ring focuses primarily on fitness tracking and health metrics. It includes sensors for measuring heart rate, steps, blood oxygen levels, and potentially skin temperature. These features make it ideal for individuals who prioritize tracking their overall well-being and physical activities.

In contrast, the Galaxy Watch offers a broader range of features beyond fitness tracking. Along with heart rate monitoring and step counting, it includes features such as body composition analysis, cycle tracking, fall detection, heart rate variability, skin temperature monitoring, and sleep tracking. Additionally, the Galaxy Watch integrates with Samsung’s ecosystem, allowing users to access the Samsung Health app and receive notifications from their smartphones.

Design and display

When it comes to design, the Samsung Galaxy Ring and the Galaxy Watch have distinct characteristics. The Galaxy Ring takes the form of a smart ring, while the Galaxy Watch is a traditional smartwatch. The Galaxy Ring boasts a sleek and minimalistic design, resembling an ordinary ring with a glossy finish. On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch features a larger display, typically available in different sizes and styles, including the Galaxy Watch 6, Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Watch 4.

Battery life

The exact battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Ring is currently unknown. However, given its smaller form factor and limited functionality, it is reasonable to expect a battery life comparable to other smart rings on the market, which typically last for multiple days.

In comparison, the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Watch varies depending on the model and usage. The Galaxy Watch 6 and 6 Classic offer a battery life rated at approximately 50 hours, while the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro provides an impressive 80 hours of battery life. It is worth noting that battery life can vary based on factors such as usage patterns, screen brightness, and app usage.

Compatibility and ecosystem integration

The Samsung Galaxy Ring’s compatibility and ecosystem integration details are not yet available. However, considering Samsung’s track record, it is likely that the Galaxy Ring will be compatible with Samsung smartphones and potentially other devices within the Samsung ecosystem.

In contrast, the Galaxy Watch is designed to work seamlessly with Samsung smartphones, offering enhanced integration and new features. It utilizes Samsung’s Tizen operating system and integrates with various Samsung apps and services, such as Samsung Pay for contactless payments. However, it is worth noting that the Galaxy Watch is also compatible with non-Samsung Android smartphones and offers a broader range of app compatibility compared to the Galaxy Ring.

Samsung Galaxy Ring vs Galaxy Watch – price

While exact pricing details for the Galaxy Ring are not yet available, we can make an educated guess based on existing smart rings and Samsung’s previous smartwatch pricing. Smart rings like the Oura Rings range from $300 to $550, depending on materials and features. Considering this, it is likely that the Galaxy Ring will fall within a similar price range.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch’s pricing varies depending on the specific model and features. The Galaxy Watch 6 and 6 Classic range from $239.99 to $369.99, while the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 4 may be available at discounted prices.

Samsung Galaxy Ring vs Galaxy Watch – which one should you choose?

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy Ring and the Galaxy Watch depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. The Galaxy Ring’s focus on fitness tracking and minimalistic design makes it an appealing choice for individuals seeking a discreet and health-oriented wearable device. 

On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch offers a wider range of features, integration with Samsung’s ecosystem, and customization options, making it suitable for those who value versatility and a more comprehensive wearable experience.

Wrapping up

The launch of the Samsung Galaxy Ring was announced in January at the Galaxy Unpacked 2024 event. its release date is still yet to be confirmed, however, it already seems as though this device will be extremely popular in the world of health-tracking tech. This means that drawing comparisions with other devices that are centered around health data, plays a vital role in deciding what product is for you. In this comparison between the Samsung Galaxy Ring vs Galaxy watch, we’ve understood that both devices are impressive pieces of hardware and the main deciding factors are budget and preference. Stick with us, as we keep up-to-date on Samsung’s upcoming releases.

Eve is a writer and copy editor at PC Guide, who focuses on a broad range of topics but main interest lies in the development of AI technology.