Samsung's entry into the smart ring market challenges Apple's dominant smartwatch. Different form factors, different ecosystems, different trade-offs.
Comparison Overview
| Category | Samsung Galaxy Ring | Apple Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Titanium ring, 2.6g ✓ | Watch, 32-51g |
| Ring is nearly invisible | ||
| HRV Analysis | Energy Score with HRV ✓ | Basic HRV in Health app |
| Samsung provides more actionable insights | ||
| Sleep Tracking | Excellent, comfortable overnight ✓ | Good, but watch is bulky for sleep |
| Ring wins for sleep comfort | ||
| Fitness Features | Basic activity and workout detection | GPS, workout modes, real-time metrics ✓ |
| Apple Watch is far better for exercise | ||
| Smart Features | Gesture controls only | Full smartwatch capability ✓ |
| Watch does much more | ||
| Ecosystem | Samsung/Android only | Apple/iPhone only |
| Depends on your phone | ||
| Battery | 5-7 days ✓ | 18-36 hours |
| Ring wins significantly | ||
The Bottom Line
Choose Samsung Galaxy Ring if you're on Android, prioritize sleep tracking, and want something you can forget you're wearing. Choose Apple Watch if you want a do-everything device and will use it primarily for fitness and smart features rather than sleep.
Detailed Reviews
Samsung Galaxy Ring
Samsung's answer to Oura, with no subscription fees. If you're in the Samsung ecosystem and want a discreet ring...
Full reviewApple Watch
Convenient if you already wear one, but not recommended as a primary HRV device. The native Health app provides...
Full review