Click to Skip Ad
Closing in...

Galaxy Ring price leak is sure to ruffle some feathers

Published May 22nd, 2024 4:12PM EDT
Look hard, and you might spot some of the Galaxy Ring sensors.
Image: Chris Smith, BGR

If you buy through a BGR link, we may earn an affiliate commission, helping support our expert product labs.

Samsung announced the Galaxy Ring wearable in January and then gave us a better look at it a month later. Four months later, we don’t know the full range of Galaxy Ring features, the price, or the release date for the new health-centric device.

Samsung did say the Galaxy Ring would be available this year, and an official announcement is probably imminent. Rumors say Samsung will give the Galaxy Ring a proper introduction during the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 event, which might take place in mid-July.

But we don’t have to wait that long to talk about the price. A leaker claims the Galaxy Ring will cost between $300 and $350, and that’s not including a monthly subscription that might run up to $10 per month. Some Samsung fans might not like the rumored price, but it makes sense.

Leaker Yogesh Brar said on X that the Galaxy Ring will cost about 35,000 rupees in India, which will translate to a price between $300 and $350. He told Android Authority that Samsung might charge buyers a subscription of around $10 per month.

I know that sounds like paying a lot of money for a small wearable with no screen to a company that will probably sell you a Galaxy phone to go with the Galaxy Ring. I also know some people would rather spend that much on a smartwatch. And you can get an Apple Watch for the same price range, though you’ll need an iPhone for it.

But the rumored Galaxy Ring price is within my expected range. The cheapest Oura Ring costs $300 right now, and that’s before you get the $72/year subscription that unlocks more features. Smart rings are sophisticated devices laden with sensors that continuously monitor your health. The sensors can be similar to what’s available from a smartwatch, but they need to fit inside a much smaller body.

Furthermore, the smart ring has to offer great battery life while also packing a design that’s almost identical to a regular ring.

Finally, you have the software algorithms that make health tracking possible. Health and fitness tracking has to be accurate. Also, the data needs to be private and secure.

There’s also Samsung’s bottom line is also worth considering. The company is looking to expand its ecosystem of Galaxy devices, which can increase profits. An ideal scenario for Samsung is a Galaxy S user also buying a Galaxy Watch and a Galaxy Ring.

From S to XL, the Galaxy Ring sizes.
From S to XL, the Galaxy Ring sizes. Image source: Chris Smith, BGR

That’s where I tell you that the steep entry price should not be that scary, considering how Samsung goes about selling its flagship phones. I wouldn’t be surprised if Samsung offered big discounts on the Galaxy Ring if bundled with a flagship Galaxy S or Galaxy Z phone. I’m almost certain it’ll happen.

Also, if I were Samsung, I’d waive the subscription fee if you buy a Galaxy phone. But that’s speculation at this point.

I write all of this as someone interested in smart rings, even if I’m a longtime iPhone user. I’m sure it would work nicely alongside the Apple Watch to help me monitor health and fitness stats around the clock. The Oura Ring would also work well if it were more widely available in Europe.

I’d prefer an Apple Ring over Samsung or Oura devices, but that’s another discussion. What I’m trying to get to is that Galaxy Ring users who don’t use Galaxy devices might also need to pay that subscription if they want more comprehensive data.

Whatever the case, the Galaxy Ring launch is probably very close. And if this price leak is accurate, we’ll probably see additional reports confirm it in the coming weeks.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.