The wearable landscape is about to witness a significant shift, as the Oura Ring 4 prepares to take on the reigning champion, the Samsung Galaxy Ring.
Having worn the Galaxy Ring since its launch in late July, I've grown accustomed to its seamless integration with my Galaxy S24 Ultra and the absence of a subscription fee. However, as time passed, I began to feel that it lacked a certain spark.
That's when the Oura Ring 4 burst onto the scene, promising to revolutionize the wearable industry. With its impressive features and innovative design, it's poised to dethrone the Samsung Galaxy Ring from its top spot.
Oura Ring 4: A Game-Changer in Wearable Technology
For those unfamiliar, the Oura Ring 3 features a textured interior, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Ring, due to its sensors.
In my experience, the textured surface is barely noticeable for both wearables. However, Oura has taken it a step further by recessing the sensors on the new fourth-generation ring, resulting in a sleeker interior.
Take a look at the Oura Ring 4 below, and compare it to the Oura Ring 3, pictured alongside a wedding ring.
With its impressive 30% better accuracy and 8-day battery life, the Oura Ring 4 is set to crush the Samsung Galaxy Ring. To learn more about how the Oura Ring 4 can revolutionize your fitness, visit t8tech.com.
Beyond its predecessors, Oura has significantly expanded the number of signal pathways to 18, a substantial leap from the initial eight.
The Finland-based health tech innovator revealed that these cutting-edge sensors harness Smart Sensing technology, powered by an algorithm that synergizes with the advanced sensors in the Oura Ring 4 to adapt to each user's unique finger characteristics.
In essence, depending on your skin tone, BMI, and age, the Oura Ring 4 can calibrate to your individual physiology, ensuring a personalized experience tailored to your needs.
Unparalleled precision
The additional 10 signal pathways on the Oura Ring 4 lead to unparalleled precision, according to Oura. As a result, users can expect more accurate readings.
Oura asserts that its precision claims are substantiated by research. In a study comparing the Oura Ring 4 to the Oura Ring 3 with an external research group, it recorded a 30 percent improvement in blood-oxygen sensing accuracy and better breathing disturbance monitoring (up by 15 percent). Furthermore, there are fewer gaps in its daytime and nighttime heart-rate graphs (7 percent and 31 percent fewer gaps, respectively).
The sensors integrated into the Oura Ring 4 include the following:
Red and infrared LEDs
Green and infrared LEDs
Digital temperature sensor
Accelerometer
Oura explained that the Ring 4 utilizes a “multi-wavelength photoplethysmography (PPG) system.” In simpler terms, the Oura Ring employs lights (such as green and infrared LEDs) that shine through your skin to detect certain health metrics (like how your blood is flowing in your body).
The PPG method tracks your heartbeat, breathing rate, and even sleep patterns throughout the day and night.
The Oura Ring 4 can monitor the following health and wellness metrics:
Pulse Rate
Heartbeat Irregularity
Detection of Sleep Onset
Analysis of Sleep Cycles
Oxygen Saturation Levels (SpO2)
Cardiovascular Wellness Index
Aerobic Endurance
Tolerance to Diurnal Stress
Circadian Rhythm and Chronotype Insights
Menstrual Cycle Analysis
Automated Activity Tracking
Notably, the Oura Ring 4 eliminates the need for precise finger placement, unlike its predecessors, the Galaxy Ring and Oura Ring 3, which require sensors to face the fleshier parts of the finger for optimal readings. The enhanced sensors in the Ring 4 make this less of an issue.
Extended Power Reserve
The Oura Ring 3, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Ring, boasts a battery life of approximately seven days. (In my experience, the latter lasted around six days on a single charge.)
According to Oura, the Ring 4 features improved power efficiency, allowing it to last up to eight days on a single charge. We’ll put this claim to the test in our upcoming review.
Expanded Size Range
Oura received numerous requests to accommodate a broader range of sizes.
Young women, particularly teenagers, and stocky athletes have expressed interest in a wellness-focused wearable, prompting Oura to expand its size range.
The Oura Ring 4 now offers sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.
I inquired about the ideal finger placement for the Ring 4 and was told it’s the index finger. Interestingly, my index finger is a size 7, two sizes larger than my ring finger.
When shopping for the Oura Ring 4 online, you can take advantage of a complimentary sizing kit, ensuring a precise fit with complete assurance.
The gold Oura Ring 4 exudes luxury
The Oura Ring 4's predecessor, the Oura Ring 3, was available in two distinct designs: Heritage and Horizon.
Now, the Oura Ring 4 is exclusively available in the sleek Horizon style.
I’ve often joked that the Heritage style resembles a washer due to its ridged design, whereas the Horizon style boasts a streamlined, uninterrupted, and rounded aesthetic.
The Oura Ring 4 is available in six premium finishes:
Black Onyx
Stealth Black
Silver Lumin
Brushed Silver
Rose Gold
Gold
However, it’s the Gold ring that has truly captured my heart. I can envision receiving numerous compliments while wearing this stunning piece. In contrast, my matte-black Samsung Galaxy Ring has not only failed to impress but has also been candidly described as “unattractive” by my brutally honest best friend.
A revamped app experience
The Oura app is undergoing a significant transformation, featuring a revamped design and exciting new features. I’m particularly enthusiastic about Oura Labs, which offers an AI-powered Oura Advisor that seamlessly integrates with your Oura health data.
You can initiate a conversation with the Oura Advisor, and it will provide personalized advice and tailored health objectives based on its in-depth analysis of your data.
The latest iteration of the Oura Ring, the Oura Ring 4, is now available for pre-order at a range of retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and the official Oura website.
Priced from $349, the Oura Ring 4 comes with a complimentary one-month subscription. Following the trial period, membership fees will be $5.99 per month or $69.99 annually.
The official launch date for the Oura Ring 4 is set for October 15.
