Samsung might be late to the smart ring game, but the company’s first entry into the smart jewelry segment strikes an excellent balance between price, capabilities, and, more importantly, accuracy. Still, there’s always room for upgraded features. Samsung’s next Galaxy Ring could take inspiration from some of the many alternatives on the market. With that in mind, here are four things we’d love to see in the next Galaxy Ring.
Read our review
Samsung’s Galaxy Ring is the best smart ring, for whatever that’s worth
For health nuts, but not fitness freaks
4
A more affordable price tag
Smart rings shouldn’t cost almost as much as a smartwatch
It’s an obvious ask, but prices need to come down for smart rings to gain widespread acceptance. It may look like a piece of jewelry, but pricing it like one makes it less accessible to the average consumer. If Samsung can bring the cost down to $299 (the same as its entry-level Samsung Galaxy Watch), it could become a more attractive alternative for health-conscious users looking for a sleeker, lighter form factor.
3
Better health tracking
More accurate, more consistent
While the Samsung Galaxy Ring sets a decent benchmark for holistic health tracking, it could benefit from improved accuracy. Additionally, automatic tracking is limited to a handful of sports. Expanding the number of fitness modes and improving workout tracking speed and precision would help position it as a true smartwatch alternative.
Similarly, even though the Galaxy Ring supports sleep apnea detection, the feature isn’t particularly accurate. Improving accuracy for sleep apnea and SpO2 readings would make the ring appealing to users who might not consider a fitness wearable or who prefer a form factor other than a smartwatch. Even better, ECG and AFib detection would be a welcome addition, especially now that alternatives like the Circular Ring 2 have announced support for the features.
2
Built-in haptics for better notifications
Buzz me maybe
Most smart rings lack haptic feedback, but the Circular Ring has proven it can be a game-changing feature. Imagine your Galaxy Ring gently vibrating to deliver a subtle notification instead of needing to check your phone. This could be particularly useful in meetings or social settings where glancing at a smartwatch or phone might be intrusive.
Haptics could also serve as an effective silent alarm, waking you up with gentle pulses instead of a loud, blaring alarm from your phone. This is especially useful for people who share a room and want a discreet way to wake up without disturbing others.
Another innovative use case is breathing reminders. The ring could buzz softly during guided breathing exercises, prompting you to inhale and exhale without needing to glance at a screen, which is ideal for stress management throughout the day.
Pairing this haptic feedback with Samsung’s smart gestures would take it to the next level. Need to pause music, reject a call, or activate a workout mode? Haptic pulses could confirm that your gesture was recognized.
Haptic technology might seem like a small addition, but it has the potential to make the Galaxy Ring a more intuitive, immersive, and personalized wearable.
1
More color and finish options
Fashion meets functionality
The Galaxy Ring is a stylish wearable, and expanding its range of colors and finishes could elevate its appeal. Wearables aren’t just about technology. They’re also about making a fashion statement. Giving users more choices to match their style would help Samsung position the Galaxy Ring as a health device and a piece of jewelry.
Rose gold, for instance, is a perennial favorite in the wearables market, appealing to those who prefer a chic, warm-toned aesthetic. Adding sophisticated options like white gold or platinum would cater to users who love a clean, luxurious look, while a shiny black finish could attract those who prefer a sleek, modern vibe.
Offering matte or glossy textures across different color options could provide a premium touch that sets the Galaxy Ring apart from competitors. Samsung could even experiment with limited-edition collections in collaboration with fashion brands, introducing unique colorways or patterns for a fresh seasonal look. This approach has worked well for smartwatches, and there’s no reason it couldn’t translate to smart rings.
Moreover, custom engraving options would add a personal touch, making the Galaxy Ring a meaningful gift or personalized accessory. Whether it’s a name, a special date, or motivational words, customization would make the Galaxy Ring more than a tech gadget. I wouldn’t mind a smart wearable with an inscription inspired by the One Ring from The Lord of the Rings.
The future of the Galaxy Ring
Samsung’s first foray into the smart ring market is impressive, but there’s room for improvement. A lower price point would make it more accessible, better health tracking could enhance its appeal to fitness enthusiasts, haptic feedback would provide a more immersive experience, and expanded color options would cement its status as a stylish yet functional accessory. By incorporating these upgrades, Samsung has the opportunity to set the standard for smart rings and attract a wider audience.
