SamsungvsGarmin
Samsung Galaxy Ring vs Garmin Forerunner 965: comparison
Samsung Galaxy Ring vs Garmin Forerunner 965 using the data from our reviews: score, who each one is for, and their strengths and weaknesses.
Summary of both reviews
| Samsung Galaxy Ring | Garmin Forerunner 965 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 78/100 | 84/100 |
| Who it is for | Android users who want a ring to keep an eye on sleep and recovery without paying a monthly fee to see their data. | Runners and triathletes who want a watch with multi-band GPS, maps and HRV and readiness metrics for training, and who prefer weeks of battery to phone features. |
| Skip it if | You use an iPhone, because the ring only works with Android phones, or you need a ring with at least one published accuracy study on the device itself. | You want a watch with voice calls, ECG or the brightest display in the range, or you would rather use a ring or band for sleep with nothing bulky on your wrist. |
| Check price | Check price on Amazon | Check price on Amazon |
Each score comes from its full review, with its sources and criteria. The two scores are only comparable within the same type of product.
Samsung Galaxy Ring
Pros
- • No subscription: Samsung's official page mentions no paid subscription for the ring's features.
- • Very light: between 2.3 g (size 5) and 3.0 g (sizes 12 and 13), 7 mm wide and 2.6 mm thick, according to Samsung.
- • Official battery life of up to 6 days (sizes 5 to 11) and up to 7 days (sizes 12 and 13), with a charging case that shows the battery level.
Cons
- • Only works with Android phones (the Spanish product page states Android 11 or later); there is no official iPhone compatibility.
- • No published studies have been found that validate its sleep, HRV or temperature readings.
- • There are user reports of sharp battery loss and a high-profile case of a swollen battery, with no confirmed cause.
Garmin Forerunner 965
Pros
- • Battery of up to 23 days in watch mode and up to 31 hours of GPS, according to Garmin's manual, although the figure drops with multi-band GPS and the always-on display.
- • Multi-band GPS with SatIQ, which switches modes to save battery; in DC Rainmaker’s test the running and cycling tracks came out clean.
- • Overnight HRV and a daily training readiness score with no mandatory fee: existing Garmin Connect features remain free, according to Garmin.
Cons
- • It is the previous model: the Forerunner 970 adds a brighter sapphire display, flashlight, speaker and microphone, and ECG.
- • No ECG sensor, and in specialist tests the optical HR failed in very short intervals.
- • With the always-on display, battery life falls well below the advertised 23 days, and Garmin also offers an optional subscription (Connect+) that covers new features.
Samsung Galaxy Ring
What the Samsung Galaxy Ring measures, how well its accuracy is backed, how long it lasts, which phones it supports and how much you save versus Oura's fee.
Garmin Forerunner 965
What the Garmin Forerunner 965 measures, how long its battery really lasts, what remains free in Garmin Connect and whether it beats the Forerunner 970.