The wait for the Samsung Galaxy Ring continues, but the RingConn Gen 2 smart ring has already captured my attention. From the moment I opened the box, I was struck by the sleek design and its resemblance to a traditional ring. It’s thinner and less wide than other smart rings, like the Oura Ring, making it far more discreet and stylish.
The RingConn Gen 2 measures a mere 6.8mm wide and 2mm thick, weighing between 2 and 3 grams. It’s available in a range of finishes, including Matte Black (the one I received), Future Silver, Rose Gold, and Royal Gold. Compared to the Galaxy Ring’s 7mm width and 2.6mm thickness, the RingConn Gen 2 truly stands out with its subtle elegance.
But the RingConn Gen 2 isn’t just about looks. It’s the first smart ring to boast sleep apnea monitoring, a feature typically found on smartwatches like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and the Withings ScanWatch 2. The company is seeking FDA approval for this innovative feature, which would bring it in line with the Galaxy Watch 7’s capabilities.
Another standout feature is the RingConn Gen 2’s unique battery case. Instead of a traditional charging plinth, it comes with a case similar to those found with true wireless headphones, allowing for convenient charging at home or on the go. The battery life is impressive, with RingConn claiming a duration of 12 to 14 days, nearly three times longer than the Oura Ring and Galaxy Ring.
Beyond sleep apnea monitoring, the RingConn Gen 2 offers a suite of familiar features, including sleep, stress, and cycle tracking, along with basic activity monitoring. It also boasts app compatibility with both Android and iOS devices and doesn’t require a subscription.
The RingConn Gen 2 has already made a splash on Kickstarter, raising over $1.5 million and smashing its funding goal within a week. The campaign runs until September, and the ring is currently available for purchase at $209. After the campaign ends, it will be available through other channels, including Amazon.
While the design is undeniably impressive, I haven’t had the chance to put it through its paces yet. A comprehensive review will be necessary to assess its battery life and functionality in real-world usage. However, the RingConn Gen 2 has already proven itself as a serious contender in the smart ring market, offering a sleek design and compelling features that challenge the dominance of the Oura Ring. With the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy Ring and this exciting update from RingConn, the smart ring landscape is becoming increasingly competitive. It seems the Oura Ring will need to step up its game if it wants to remain at the forefront of the industry.
