It’s been another solid year for smart rings, despite some worrying issues for the Samsung Galaxy Ring, but I’m still waiting for one brand to join the party – Google.
I’ll be honest, this article was first published 12 months ago, but my feelings remain the same, so I’ve repurposed it.
We didn’t see a Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 in 2025, but the original did stop a YouTuber from boarding a flight due to a swollen battery and had to be removed at hospital (and other users reported similar problems). This happened at the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit, which I was also at – now feeling quite glad Samsung took my Galaxy Ring sample back.
What we did get in terms of new smart rings were some improved models from the likes of Circular and RingConn. And Oura launched the Ceramic Edition of the Ring 4.
This is actually the closest thing to a Pixel Ring we’ve seen yet – at least my imagination of a Google smart ring. I’ve been testing it for a couple of months now and it’s the nearest thing to a perfect smart ring to date, in my opinion.
The green ‘Tide’ colour I’ve got actually looks remarkably like the AI-generated image of a possible Pixel Ring at the top of the article (insert raised eyebrow emoji).
Chris Martin / Foundry
However, it’s very expensive and that doesn’t even factor the monthly subscription that Oura effectively demands. This is just one area where Google could do better.
The Android maker already has a proven track record of making excellent wearables. The Pixel Watch, now three generations in, has been my personal pick of the market with its gorgeous design, usability and features.
Let’s not forget that Google owns Fitbit so there are years of wearable pedigree to bring to the table. I’ve no doubt Google can take the great things about the Pixel Watch and Fitbit IP (intellectual property) and craft it into a desirable smart ring.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Being late to the game gives Google the advantage of learning from the mistakes of others and understanding what users want.
A couple of key things Google needs to get right to succeed (not just win me over) include an attractive design that, unlike most rivals, doesn’t scratch within days. The images in this article were generated by Google’s AI and I particularly like the one at the top – imagine it in various other fun Pixel colours – a smart ring with a tiny screen could also be interesting though.
It also needs to get battery life sorted, as that’s been the main downside of the Pixel Watches. Google could also mirror Samsung so that users wearing a Pixel Ring and Pixel Watch get better battery life from the smart ring (Sammy offers up to 30% extra with the two working in tandem) as well as more accurate data.
Price will also be a factor, of course. Smart rings so far are expensive, and perhaps surprisingly so when you consider how simple they are – essentially sensors and a battery – but packing them into such a small device isn’t easy.
Chris Martin / Foundry
As mentioned, a key thing I’d be looking for in price is not undercutting rivals like Samsung and Oura but not requiring users to pay a monthly subscription to access all the data and features.
This is the main downside of Oura and it seems unlikely for Google, considering the existence of Fitbit Premium but I hope this will be optional rather than necessary.
Sadly, there is very little in the way of leaked information or rumours about a possible Pixel Ring, but that doesn’t mean Google won’t launch one in 2026 and I truly hope it does.
I also think Google should launch a Pixel Watch A-series – find out why.