A Smarter, Sleeker Smart Ring
When I first laid eyes on the Oura Ring 5, my initial thought was, "Wow, that's tiny." The Ring 5 is 40% smaller than its predecessor, measuring 6.09 mm wide and 2.28 mm thick, making it the world's smallest smart ring. This significant reduction in size dramatically improves the ring's comfort and makes it more aesthetically pleasing compared to its predecessor.
Oura describes the Ring 5 as designed to look and feel like any other ring, and I think the company has achieved that.
The Ring 5's smaller size makes it more comfortable to wear at night for tracking sleep and health metrics. I found that the ring's smaller design lets it be even less noticeable at night, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer to wear a smart ring without drawing attention to it.
Improved Battery Life
The Ring 5 boasts improved battery life, lasting between six and nine days, compared to the five to eight day range on the Ring 4. In my experience, the improvement seems to hold up, and I've been able to wear the ring continuously for five days without needing to recharge it.
Enhanced Features
The Oura Ring 5 is being launched alongside new software features, including Blood Pressure Signals and Nighttime Breathing. These features are also coming to the Oura Ring Gen3 and later products, making the Ring 5 an exciting addition to the Oura ecosystem.
Durability and Aesthetics
The Ring 5's new physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating process ensures the wearable retains its premium look for longer. The ring comes in six finishes, including a redesigned Gold with a truer gold tone, an updated Deep Rose with a copper-like look, and other stylish options. While the Gold finish is priced at $499, exactly $100 more than the standard finishes, I think the new design is well worth the investment.
Conclusion
The Oura Ring 5 is a significant upgrade over the Ring 4, offering a sleeker design, improved comfort, and enhanced features. This smart ring is poised to appeal to a wider audience, including those who previously shied away from smart rings due to their bulkiness. Whether you're a seasoned Oura user or new to the world of smart rings, the Ring 5 is definitely worth considering.
