Wednesday, 2 April 2025
26.8 C
Singapore
29 C
Thailand
20 C
Indonesia
26.6 C
Philippines

Samsung’s Galaxy Ring: A disposable device with a limited lifespan

Samsungโ€™s Galaxy Ring is revealed to be a disposable device by iFixit, raising concerns about e-waste in the burgeoning wearable tech market.

Last month, Samsung made waves in the tech world when it unveiled the Galaxy Ring at its Unpacked event in Paris. This new addition to Samsung’s wearable lineup is designed to monitor your health, sleep, energy levels, and more, packed into a sleek, ring-shaped device. However, recent findings from iFixit, a site known for its expert teardowns and repair guides, have revealed a significant downside to this innovative product: itโ€™s a disposable device.

The Galaxy Ring teardown reveals a design flaw

If youโ€™re interested in the technical details, iFixit recently conducted a teardown of the Galaxy Ring to see how it was built and whether it could be repaired. What they discovered was disappointing for those who value sustainability. The teardown revealed that there is no way to open the Galaxy Ring without destroying it. This means that once the battery reaches the end of its lifespan, the entire device is rendered useless and must be thrown away.

A lithium-ion battery, a common power source in many modern gadgets, powers the Galaxy Ring. However, like all batteries, it has a limited lifespan. iFixit estimates that the Galaxy Ring’s battery could last around five years, assuming it is charged once a week and the battery can handle approximately 300 charge cycles. Five years seems like a reasonable lifespan, but the inability to replace the battery without destroying the device adds to the growing issue of electronic waste.

Comparing e-waste concerns: Galaxy Ring vs. TWS earbuds

The e-waste problem is common, and the Galaxy Ring is far from the only culprit. True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, which have become extremely popular in recent years, also contribute significantly to electronic waste. Like the Galaxy Ring, most earbuds are not designed to be repaired. They, too, have a limited lifespan due to their small batteries, which typically only last about five hours per charge. Given that TWS earbuds often see more intensive daily use, their batteries tend to wear out faster, usually within a year or so.

If you compare the two devices, the Galaxy Ring is less wasteful than earbuds, given its longer battery life and less frequent charging needs. However, this does not negate the fact that both types of devices contribute to a more significant environmental problem. With the rise in popularity of wearable technology and other small electronic devices, the issue of e-waste will only grow unless manufacturers start considering more sustainable designs.

The future of wearables and sustainability

As consumers, you should be aware of your devices’ environmental impact. While Samsungโ€™s Galaxy Ring offers advanced health monitoring features, its design raises important questions about the sustainability of such devices. The same goes for other small electronics, like earbuds, which are equally difficult to repair or recycle.

Companies like Samsung need to start considering the entire lifecycle of their products, from production to disposal. Whether through offering battery replacement services, designing more durable products, or even creating devices that can be easily disassembled for recycling, there are ways to mitigate the impact of e-waste.

For now, if youโ€™re in the market for a Galaxy Ring or similar wearable tech, itโ€™s important to consider the benefits and potential environmental costs. The hope is that as awareness grows, so will the push for more sustainable tech solutions.

Hot this week

Fitbit users now have until 2026 to migrate to Google accounts

Fitbit users now have until February 2, 2026, to migrate their accounts to Google accounts or risk losing their data and service access.

Apple Intelligence now supports English (Singapore) with the latest update

Appleโ€™s latest update brings Apple Intelligence support for English (Singapore), making AI features more accessible without needing US English settings.

POCO launches F7 Series in Singapore with high performance and affordability

POCO launches F7 Ultra and F7 Pro in Singapore, offering flagship features, strong performance, and early bird gifts from 27 March.

Krafton strengthens presence in India with Nautilus Mobile acquisition

Krafton acquires a controlling stake in Indian gaming studio Nautilus Mobile for US$14M, strengthening its foothold in Indiaโ€™s growing gaming market.

Global tech leaders to explore the future of enterprise at ATxEnterprise 2025

ATxEnterprise 2025 in Singapore will bring together global leaders to explore AI, cybersecurity, and the future of enterprise technology.

These robot vacuums are getting smarter with Apple Home support

Appleโ€™s iOS 18.4 update adds Matter support for robot vacuums, enabling control via Apple Home. Roborock, iRobot, and Ecovacs are updating their devices.

Gmail introduces easier encryption for business emails

Google introduces a new encryption model for Gmail, making it easier for businesses to send secure emails without special software or certificates.

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro review: A mid-range marvel with standout zoom

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro blends standout design, powerful zoom camera, and smart features, making it a top choice in the mid-range segment.

Vivo challenges iPhone 16 Pro Max with X200 Ultraโ€™s video stability

Vivoโ€™s X200 Ultra teaser compares video stability with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, promising top-tier camera upgrades and advanced stabilisation.

Related Articles