Samsung’s new Galaxy Ring, part of the latest wave of finger-worn wearables, has garnered attention for its sleek design and health tracking features. However, a recent teardown by iFixit reveals a significant drawback: the Galaxy Ring, like other smart rings, is essentially disposable tech, with a non-replaceable lithium battery that limits its lifespan.
The teardown highlights that the Galaxy Ring’s battery, once depleted, cannot be replaced without destroying the device. This means that the $400 investment has a shelf life, after which the only option is to discard the ring. According to iFixit, the lithium-ion battery in the Galaxy Ring is typically good for around 400 charge cycles, translating to about two years of regular use. Beyond that, any additional life should be considered a bonus.
iFixit doesn’t recommend purchasing disposable tech like the Galaxy Ring, but for those who do, the hardware offers some interesting, though not groundbreaking, features. The iFixit team, working with engineers from Lumafield, used a CT scanner to examine the ring’s internal structure without dismantling it. The scan revealed a press connector linking the battery to the circuit board, a puzzling design choice given that the battery is non-replaceable. A soldered connection might have made more sense, but it’s possible Samsung opted for a press connector to streamline the assembly process.
Determined to explore further, iFixit used heat and a dental pick to break open the Galaxy Ring, removing the resin and plastic coating to reach the interior. Inside, they confirmed the presence of a press connector joining the battery and inductive coil to the circuit board. While the battery was too damaged to accurately determine its capacity, Samsung’s website states that a size 11 ring contains a 19.5 mAh battery, with capacity varying by ring size.
This teardown serves as a reminder that while wearable tech like the Galaxy Ring may be appealing, it comes with limitations—particularly when it comes to longevity. Consumers should be aware that these devices are not built to last much beyond a couple of years, making them a potentially short-lived investment.
