A Galaxy Ring 2 with All-Solid-State Batteries Sounds Exciting, But It Avoids a Key Issue Regarding Smart Ring Capacity and Repairability
Samsung is said to be gearing up for the launch of the Galaxy Ring 2, with one of its most intriguing rumored features being the “Dream Batteries” — a reference to all-solid-state batteries. These batteries promise enhanced energy density, better safety, and increased flexibility in form factor, making them particularly suitable for compact wearables like smart rings. However, while this technological advancement is impressive, it fails to tackle a more critical concern: the natural limitations of smart ring battery capacity and the almost complete absence of repairability.
Let’s delve into what Samsung’s innovation signifies for the future of smart rings — and why it may not suffice.
The Potential of All-Solid-State Batteries
Classic lithium-ion batteries employ liquid electrolytes, which restrict how compact and safe a battery can be. All-solid-state batteries substitute this liquid with solid electrolytes, paving the way for a denser energy pack. Reports suggest that Samsung’s novel battery technology could elevate energy density from 200 to 360Wh/L — a remarkable increase that might prolong the Galaxy Ring 2’s battery life beyond the existing industry average of 5–7 days.
This is significant for wearables. Smart rings are limited by their dimensions — commonly containing just 20–30mAh of battery capacity. A denser battery could translate into extended periods between charges or even accommodate additional sensors without compromising battery longevity.
But there’s a caveat.
The Challenge of Smart Ring Capacity
Even with a dream battery, the Galaxy Ring 2 will still be constrained by the laws of physics. Imagine if Samsung successfully doubles or even triples the battery capacity to 50–100mAh. That’s still a small fraction compared to what you’d find in a smartwatch (300–425mAh) or smartphone (4,000–5,000mAh). Moreover, because smart rings are so compact, any decline in battery performance has a disproportionately large effect.
Ultrahuman, one of the few smart ring manufacturers to openly discuss battery health, states that its Ring Air lasts about 500 charge cycles before significant performance decline. This equates to approximately 1–2 years of daily usage — after which the ring’s battery life may drop to below acceptable levels. Unlike your phone or watch, though, the battery cannot simply be replaced.
Smart Rings Are Disposable Devices
The underlying issue is that smart rings are fundamentally disposable. Their minuscule, sealed designs render them nearly impossible to open without damaging the device. If the battery fails, the ring is rendered useless.
This lack of repairability poses a challenge for both consumers and manufacturers. For instance, when a user’s Ultrahuman Ring Air ceased working after only three months, the company had to provide a complete replacement under warranty. There was no option to repair or refurbish the original. Multiply that by thousands of units, and the implications — both financial and environmental — become substantial.
Samsung’s curved electrode battery, while pioneering, does not remedy this. It remains a non-removable feature within a sealed device. Therefore, even if the Galaxy Ring 2 outlasts its predecessor, it will ultimately face the same predicament: a dead battery and an ineffective ring.
A More Effective Approach: Modularity
There exists a better method — and Oura, a trailblazer in the smart ring arena, may be on the right track.
A newly published patent (US-12177997-B2) from Oura illustrates a modular smart ring design. Instead of encasing all components within a singular, irreparable shell, the ring would incorporate a detachable top module that contains the battery and other electronics. This module could be exchanged when the battery deteriorates or upgraded with new features like NFC payments or advanced sensors.
Such a design would provide several benefits:
– Repairability: Users could replace a failing battery without needing to discard the complete ring.
– Upgradability: New modules could introduce functionality without necessitating a new ring purchase.
– Sustainability: Fewer rings would end up in landfills, minimizing electronic waste.
– Cost savings: Replacing a module would be less expensive than acquiring an entirely new device.
This strategy could transform the smart ring industry — if anyone dares to adopt it.
What Samsung Should Consider
Samsung’s commitment to all-solid-state batteries is commendable. It could markedly enhance the Galaxy Ring 2’s battery life and set the stage for similar advancements in other devices such as the Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Watch. However, it addresses only part of the issue.
To genuinely excel in the smart ring market, Samsung should look beyond battery chemistry and contemplate the product’s lifecycle. A modular, repairable Galaxy Ring would not only attract environmentally conscious consumers but also foster lasting brand loyalty. Buyers would be more inclined to invest in a $400 ring if they were assured it could be repaired or upgraded rather than needing replacement every couple of years.
Final Thoughts
The Galaxy Ring
