# Oura Ring 4 Review: A Smart Ring That Remains in the Spotlight, Yet Confronts Tough Rivals
The Oura Ring 4 represents the latest version of the well-liked smart ring from Oura, a Finnish firm known for its innovations in the wearable technology domain. Enhancing the achievements of its earlier model, the Oura Ring Gen 3, this updated version features various enhancements, such as a polished design, better sensor precision, and a more user-friendly experience through its revamped app. Nevertheless, as the smart ring market grows increasingly fierce, the Oura Ring 4 encounters fresh hurdles, chiefly its dependence on a subscription model.
In this analysis, we will delve into the major features, advantages, disadvantages, and whether the Oura Ring 4 remains a leading choice in 2024.
## **Android Central Verdict**
**Rating: 4 out of 5 stars**
The Oura Ring 4 builds upon the achievements of its predecessor with a polished design and enhanced accuracy. The fresh app experience solidifies this, providing simpler navigation and quicker access to essential metrics and features. However, the Oura Ring 4 arrives during a time of escalating competition, which highlights its subscription model—not in the best light.
### **Pros**
– Elegant and resilient design
– Enhanced sensor accuracy
– Heart rate monitoring with activity recognition
– Excellent battery longevity
– Refined app experience
### **Cons**
– Ongoing reliance on a subscription
– Absence of a charging case
– “Find My Ring” feature unavailable on Android
– No options for official ring covers
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## **Price and Availability**
The Oura Ring 4 was revealed on October 3, 2024, with pre-orders available immediately. It officially launched in stores on October 15, 2024, starting at **$349**. The ring comes in six distinct colors and finishes, with prices varying by finish:
– **Silver, Black**: $349
– **Brushed Silver, Stealth**: $399
– **Gold, Rose Gold**: $499
When ordering online, Oura provides a sizing kit to ensure proper fit. The ring is also **FSA/HSA eligible**, making it a viable option for health-conscious consumers looking to utilize their flexible spending accounts.
Alongside the hardware expense, there is a **$6 monthly subscription** for the Oura Membership, which unlocks many of the ring’s advanced functionalities. An annual subscription is also available for **$69**.
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## **What I Appreciate About the Oura Ring 4**
### **Design and Durability**
The Oura Ring 4 retains the sleek, minimalist appeal that made its predecessors popular, but with several notable enhancements. The all-titanium construction feels sturdier, and the sensors have been redesigned for enhanced comfort. The ring no longer sports the three pumps found in the Gen 3 model, ensuring greater comfort for prolonged wear.
The **Brushed Silver** variant I evaluated features a matte surface that offers better scratch resistance compared to the shiny finishes of previous models. However, Oura still does not provide official ring covers, which could protect the ring during more vigorous activities.
### **Battery Life**
Oura claims up to **8 days of battery life**, and while I only achieved about 7 days per charge, this is still commendable for a smart ring. The charging duration is about **80 minutes**, which hasn’t significantly changed from the prior model, but the new metal charger appears and feels more premium than its plastic predecessor that accompanied the Gen 3.
### **Enhanced App Experience**
The Oura app has received a substantial redesign, cutting down the number of tabs to three for easier navigation. The **Today** tab gives a complete overview of your daily metrics, including readiness, sleep, and stress levels. The **Timeline** feature automatically records activities throughout the day, which is a nice addition for those preferring not to track everything manually.
The **My Health** tab emphasizes long-term metrics such as heart health and sleep patterns, providing insights into your body’s performance over time.
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## **Health Tracking Features**
The Oura Ring 4 excels in health monitoring, thanks to its new **Smart Sensing** platform, which enhances sensor performance for improved accuracy and battery life. Here’s a look at some of its standout features:
### **Sleep Tracking**
Sleep tracking remains one of the Oura Ring’s strongest attributes. The ring offers detailed insights into various sleep stages, including REM, deep sleep, and light sleep. Additionally, it monitors your heart rate, body temperature, and blood oxygen levels during sleep, providing a comprehensive overview of your sleep quality.
### **Automatic Activity Detection (AAD)**
The Oura Ring 4 makes advancements on its predecessor’s **Automatic Activity Detection** (AAD) by
