From tracking physical activities to relaying notifications from your phone, a smartwatch can become an indispensable part of your life, but it’s not always convenient. A smart ring is a more convenient option with similar features. If you’re in the market for a new wearable and are confused between a smartwatch and smart ring, this guide shows the differences between the two and offers advice on which one you should buy.
Comfort and Convenience
Wearing a smartwatch is comfortable for the most part, especially if you’re used to wearing watches. Most modern smartwatches are quite slim and lightweight, so they don’t feel bulky. Unless you opt for the Apple Watch Ultra or the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, that is.
It’s worth noting that smartwatches – while being comfortable to wear during the day – can be uncomfortable while sleeping. While you can take it off before bedtime, that means missing out on the sleep-tracking functionality – a feature that can be vital for many.
Smart rings are extremely lightweight and minimal, just like any other ring. They are slightly thicker than an average wedding ring, primarily to house all the electronics and battery. However, I got used to the added thickness in a day or two.
As a result of the minimalist design, a smart ring doesn’t interfere with your sleeping position. It doesn’t feel uncomfortable when you go to bed, unlike a smartwatch. In fact, after a couple of days of wearing a smart ring, I totally forgot I was wearing one. That’s how seamlessly it blends into your life.
Features and Accuracy
At their cores, both smartwatches and smart rings are fitness trackers, so it’s vital for them to excel at tracking metrics. For the past year or so, I’ve been using the Ringconn smart ring, and I recently picked up an Apple Watch Series 10. I used both of these devices in tandem for over a month to see how the fitness numbers compared.
In terms of basic parameters, like steps walked, calories burned, and distance covered, both the smart ring and smartwatch have been consistently similar. Smart rings even have the ability to measure heart rate and SpO2 levels, just like smartwatches. There’s sleep tracking, too, completing the package.
Even with an outdoor walk workout, there was little to tell the two apart. Yet, with more complex scenarios and sports, a smart ring can struggle. My Apple Watch can accurately track my activity when playing badminton, but the ring cannot. Moreover, most smartwatches have built-in GPS to track runs, while smart rings lack that functionality due to the smaller size.
The accompanying apps for both smartwatches and smart rings are similar in terms of data and functionality. I can get a good overview of my stats, regardless of which device I’m using. I am sure I can ditch my smartwatch entirely for a timeless mechanical dial.
What’s Missing?
Apart from features like GPS and a few workout modes already mentioned, the most obvious exclusion from a smart ring is a display. Unlike a smartwatch that shows the time and other relevant info, like weather, pending notifications, etc., a smart ring performs no other function than tracking your health metrics.
Speaking of notifications, that’s the single most important feature I missed. In fact, it was the first thing I noticed when I completely switched to a smart ring, as I heavily rely on my smartwatch for all my call and message notifications throughout the day.
This really makes me wonder if brands can add a tiny haptic motor inside these rings to gently tap your finger when you receive a notification.
Since there’s obviously no screen, additional features that smartwatches have, like using apps, controlling music, answering calls, etc., are missing. It could be a deal-breaker if these functions are important to you.
I often play games on my smartwatch when I’m in a boring meeting. I also use the display onboard to frame a group picture, and even use the watch as a remote shutter to click a picture. All of these features are not available with a ring.
Battery Life and Charging
This is an area where the scale tips heavily in favor of a smart ring. Despite having a tiny form factor, my RIngconn smart ring easily lasts me about a week on a single charge. When it runs out, all I have to do is rest it in the charging case for two hours, and it’s back up and running for another week.
My Apple Watch, on the other hand, lasts for about 36 hours on a single charge. In short, I have to charge it every single day. While that’s not an issue for me, per se, this could be a deal-breaker for you. Some smartwatches with limited functionality offer better battery life, so that could be an option too.
Smartwatch or Smart Ring?
Let’s first address the fact that the core functionality offered by both gadgets is more or less similar. If your aim is to track your fitness and want a non-intrusive solution, a smart ring is an excellent gadget.
A smart ring is much more minimal and comfortable, as it doesn’t occupy a large space on your arm like a smartwatch. On the other hand, a smartwatch undoubtedly brings a lot more to the table in terms of functionality. If you play a lot of sports and want detailed metrics about them, a smartwatch is clearly the way to go.
A smartwatch can also make calls, record your runs via the built-in GPS, and be a good assistant to your smartphone, performing small tasks, like setting reminders and creating to-do lists. If you’re looking for any of this functionality, a smart ring wouldn’t be enough for you.
The key is to list your priorities and requirements. If you’re strictly focused on tracking your sleep, heart rate, and gym workouts, and don’t play a sport or care about notifications, a smart ring is more than capable.
As for me, I keep alternating between a Casio G-Shock + my smart ring and an Apple Watch depending on my mood or what I’m doing. The Apple Watch stays on when playing badminton. It comes off before bed, though, and I slip the ring on, since I can’t sleep with a large watch strapped to my wrist. If you’re looking for other personal accounts, read how smartwatches can help out in emergencies.
All images by Sumukh Rao.
