Samsung smart rings can’t be repaired – and other manufacturers are having the same issue

The experts at iFixit actually admire the new Samsung Galaxy Ring’s design. As repair specialists typically do, they bought a Ring and disassembled it.

The battery, processor, charging coil, sensors, you name it – all of it’s housed on a movable circuit board. A little technological miracle cast in resin and plastic for the shape of the ring. iFixit had to melt the material away to get to the innards.

Every smart ring manufacturer’s having the same issue

Admiration for the tech aside, experts have drawn a clear conclusion: the Samsung Galaxy Ring can’t be repaired, nor can its battery be replaced. If the battery’s old or defective, you’re forced to throw the ring away.

The same goes for other manufacturers. Smart-ring producers such as Oura, Ultrahuman and RingConn are in the same boat. When it comes to small gadgets, the problem isn’t new. AirPods are almost impossible to repair; their battery is glued in, and can’t be replaced. If the worst happens, the in-ears simply have to be replaced.

It’s the same story when it comes to smart rings. In response to my press enquiry, RingConn confirmed that if the situation calls for a warranty claim or repair, the ring has to be replaced.

It’s a concern that the battery can’t be replaced

Given that smart rings can set you back several hundred francs or euros, customers are probably concerned about the lithium-ion batteries’ limited service life. iFixit anticipates that they’ll deteriorate noticeably after just two years.

On the other hand, that might be overly pessimistic. At least when it comes to lifespan, the iFixit experts are probably basing their predictions on their experience with in-ear headphones or smartphones. These devices are usually charged daily – or several times a day if the headphones have a charging case. Smart rings, however, are only hooked up to the power every five to seven days depending on the model.

According to iFixit’s calculations, smart rings go through 400 charge cycles, meaning the battery’s fully discharged 400 times. Making a pessimistic calculation of five days’ battery life, total battery life span would be 2,000 days – well over five years.

Responding to my enquiry, RingConn said its product is designed for 500 charge cycles and a five-year service life, confirming my own calculations.

Nevertheless, knowing they’ve bought a throw-away product will likely leave a bad taste in many customers’ mouths. Ring manufacturers desperately need to work out a solution. Not only so that the gadgets can be repaired effectively and their service life extended with a replacement battery, but also so that the rings can be recycled.

Samsung hasn’t yet responded to my enquiry. If that changes, I’ll update you here.