While we patiently wait for the full unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy Ring on July 10 (after being teased back in January), some screenshots have leaked online showing off the smart ring’s various health tracking features.
These images are courtesy of Android Authority and come from an in-depth investigation into the code for the Samsung Health app for Android. This code has been added to the app but is not yet enabled or visible to users.
We’re looking at the Samsung Health app, which measures both heart rate and stress via the Galaxy Ring, so these are two metrics that the wearable device can monitor. It’s also mentioned that the device can be used to predict periods and take skin temperature readings.
Snore detection is apparently also included, through a combination of the Galaxy Ring and your connected Android phone (this is also how it works with the Galaxy Watch). The phone handles the actual audio detection, but it seems the Galaxy Ring offers some additional smart features as well.
Ring or clock?
Here’s a first look at some of the Galaxy Ring’s health tracking features ✅ https://t.co/D0Z5HEQCQV#SamsungUnpacked pic.twitter.com/DbzsOK7gfmJune 30, 2024
From what we can tell from these screenshots, the Galaxy Ring’s health tracking functionality will be similar to that of the Galaxy Watch 6 (and presumably the Galaxy Watch 7) – just in a lighter form factor that may be more comfortable to wear.
With that in mind, the consumer’s choice may ultimately come down to a smart ring or a smartwatch rather than buying and wearing both (although there’s nothing stopping you from doing that if you like the idea).
Smartwatches clearly offer more features with their own displays. The compact and lightweight form factor of smart rings generally makes them preferable for scenarios such as sleep monitoring or high-intensity sports and workouts.
We’ve already had a chance to test the Galaxy Ring in real life, but we’re looking forward to hearing more details about it – most likely at the next Samsung Unpacked on July 10 (where we should also get new foldable phones and smartwatches).
