Product Planning is a Game Changer in Health Management – ​​Samsung Global Newsroom

With a history stretching back more than 3,000 years to ancient Egypt, rings have symbolized various values ​​throughout human history—including love, power, and self-expression. With the recently introduced Galaxy Ring from Samsung Electronics, health has been added to that list.

The smallest and most compact form factor in the Galaxy wearable portfolio, Galaxy Ring fits comfortably on users’ fingers like a traditional ring. Equipped with cutting-edge sensors and Galaxy AI features, Galaxy Ring offers a powerful health management experience.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with Sungjin Kim and Yujin Roh from the Wearable Product Planning Group, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics to learn about the making of the Galaxy Ring.

Ultra-compact design optimized for 24/7 health monitoring

Q. What inspired you to create the Galaxy Ring, a completely new addition to Samsung’s wearable lineup?

Who: We explored new opportunities in the wearables market, with a focus on the rapidly evolving health management field. This led us to seek the optimal form factor to provide more accurate, uninterrupted health data for personalized health solutions. After evaluating different form factors, we settled on the ring—a user-friendly, small, and lightweight form factor that can be worn 24/7.

Q. What key health management benefits does the Galaxy Ring offer?

Roh: Sleep is the foundation of health. The Galaxy Ring is comfortable enough to wear while you sleep and can last up to a week on a single charge,¹ making it ideal for collecting detailed and in-depth sleep data. The powerful AI sleep algorithm provides advanced sleep information to help users better understand and improve their sleep. Additionally, Energy Score analyzes sleep quality, activity level, sleep heart rate, and sleep heart rate variability data to provide users with a daily health indicator.

Q. What factors were considered in the design process?

Who: To maximize the benefits of the ring form, we studied the historical and biological significance of rings before incorporating these insights into the product. For example, we adopted a simple yet modern concave style to enhance the value of the Galaxy Ring as an everyday accessory. In addition, the charging case and packaging have a design reminiscent of a jewelry box – elevating the quality of the product down to the smallest details that users touch.

Striving for a hassle-free device experience

Q. What was your main focus during the planning process?

Who: As our primary goal was to provide users with relevant health information, we held extensive discussions with the Digital Health Team and other relevant departments. One notable result of this collaboration is the introduction of Energy Score in Samsung Health. In addition, users can receive personalized health information powered by Galaxy AI to help them achieve their health goals. This innovation marks a new step in active and autonomous health management, going beyond just monitoring to offer users valuable tips for a healthier lifestyle.

Roh: Comfort and aesthetics were also key priorities for us. Users were pleasantly surprised by how lightweight this gadget is. During the planning phase, we conducted extensive research to ensure lightweight comfort. We also carefully selected colors that complement a wide range of styles.

Q. What was the biggest challenge in designing the Galaxy Ring?

Roh: Gesture design and implementation were particularly challenging. To create a connected Galaxy ecosystem, we considered various user scenarios to ensure that the product was practical and convenient for everyone. As a result, we introduced the alarm off function, allowing users to turn off the wake-up alarm on their Galaxy smartphone with a double-pinch gesture on the Galaxy Ring. The same motion can also control the Galaxy smartphone’s camera, maximizing connectivity between devices.

Q. What has been your most memorable feedback since the launch of the Galaxy Ring?

Who: Unlike our previous products, we released teasers of the Galaxy Ring before its launch to grab attention. I vividly remember how excitement for the wearable exploded beyond our expectations when the product was revealed. This surge in interest energized everyone working on the product, fueling our passion during the final phase of the launch. I am proud to say that every member of the team worked hard to perfect the device.

Roh: The consumer feedback that I was most excited about was, “I love that it gives me such detailed health information, from sleep to exercise, when all I was doing was wearing it.” We often hear that the product is so comfortable that users forget they have it. That makes us happy and shows that our focus in the planning stage paid off. We’re grateful that users have appreciated our efforts in creating a premium experience—from the aesthetics of the Galaxy Ring to the charging case and the convenient size measurement kit that allows users to measure their ring size in advance.

We are introducing a new era of health management

Q. How would you describe Galaxy Ring in one word or sentence?

Who: I would say it’s a “game changer.” The Galaxy Ring is the first new form factor since the Galaxy Watch series—offering an even more intimate health experience with powerful capabilities packed into a small, lightweight device. Achieving this feat has taken a lot of hard work from the development and design teams, as well as various other departments. I’d like to sincerely thank everyone involved in creating this product.

Roh: In a word, it’s “the beginning.” For some, the Galaxy Ring marks the beginning of a new day. For others, the device marks the beginning of a full-blown health management journey. Nevertheless, we hope it opens up a new era of possibilities in the wearable market.

Q. What’s next for Galaxy Ring?

Who: Our goal is to maximize the benefits of this ultra-small form factor to track and manage health data in the simplest way possible. As the wearable market continues to grow rapidly and more products and services are expected to emerge, our teams are committed to developing robust solutions that meet user needs.

Roh: Beyond measuring health information, we will continue to explore ways to deliver more nuanced insights and meaningful health improvements tailored to each user’s environment. We appreciate the continued interest in our innovations and hope that users share our expectations for upcoming products.

The creation of Galaxy Ring – the smallest yet most powerful product in the Galaxy wearable portfolio – was the result of the passion and tireless efforts of many dedicated people. Samsung looks forward to the new horizons that Galaxy Ring will open up for health management in users’ daily lives.

¹ Battery life is based on tests conducted with Galaxy Ring size 12 and size 13. Galaxy Ring size 12 and size 13 battery life is up to 7 days on a single charge. Battery life varies by ring size. Battery life is based on results from internal lab tests for typical usage scenarios conducted by Samsung. Tested with results from a pre-release version of the device in a scenario of sleep tracking for 6 hours, automatic workout detection for 1 hour and 30 minutes, and several specific events (20 times of reconnection after disconnection, 3 times of changing Samsung Health app settings, 0.5 times of performing Find My Ring, 3 minutes of performing Gestures) based on 24 hours of use per day. Actual battery life may vary due to different usage patterns, device model, or battery manufacturer. Rated capacity is 17mAh for Galaxy Ring sizes 5, 6, 7 (up to 6 days of battery life on a single charge), 18.5mAh for sizes 8, 9, 10, 11 (up to 6 days of battery life on a single charge), and 22.5mAh for sizes 12, 13 (up to 7 days of battery life on a single charge). Testing conducted by Samsung using a USB-C Fast Charging Cable and Samsung 25W USB-C Power Adapter. Charging times vary with settings, usage patterns, and environmental factors; actual results may vary.