RingConn Gen 2 Smart Ring review: Small in size, big on features & value
RingConn Gen 2
Pros
- Very compact, sleek device
- Incredible 10-12 day battery life, plus portable battery case
- Excellent recovery-type metrics
- No monthly subscription fees
- An ever-expanding smartphone app
Cons
- Struggles with heart rate tracking during high intensity exercise
A year has passed since I published my review of RingConn Gen 1, a compact entrant in the growing field of wearable health tech. Now, with the release of the Gen 2, it’s time to reassess how this technology has progressed and what it offers to those seeking alternatives to wrist-worn trackers.
The smart ring market, while still niche, has been steadily developing. Gone are the days when Oura had no competition. RingConn’s latest offering aims to build upon its predecessor’s foundation, promising improvements in health tracking capabilities, battery life, and design. As wearable tech becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, it’s worth examining whether these finger-worn devices can provide meaningful competition to more established wrist-based options.
In this review, I’ll explore the RingConn Gen 2 and what it brings extra over its predecessor. So let’s not waste any time – let’s slip this ring on and find out if it is deserving of your finger-space.
RingConn Gen 2 can be ordered from Kickstarter, with early-bird prices starting at $209 – significantly down on the $299 it will sell for when it hits retail. RingConn Gen 1 can currently be purchased for $259 on the manufacturer’s website. For $10 off on Gen 1, at checkout use discount code: BFD50EC113.
RingConn Gen 2 Smart Ring review: Design, hardware
Look & feel
Unboxing the RingConn Gen 2 reveals a device that has undergone a nice transformation in the look and feel department. While its predecessor focused on functionality, this new iteration strikes an impressive balance between form and function.
The premium packaging remains, but the ring itself now exudes a more refined aesthetic. Available in an expanded range of color options and boasting a sleek, glossy finish, the RingConn Gen 2 caters to a broader spectrum of personal styles, firmly establishing itself as a unisex device.
A notable improvement lies in its dimensions. Weighing a mere 2-3 grams, with a thickness of 2mm and width of around 6mm, the RingConn Gen 2 is a more lightweight device. While these reductions might seem minor on paper, on the finger they translate to a significantly more comfortable and discreet wearing experience.
Despite the exterior changes, the inner dimensions remain consistent with the first generation. This means users can rely on the same sizing kit. In my case I have a size 11 for both the Gen 1 and Gen 2. And they fit the same. As before, you’ll receive a complimentary sizing kit with nine options (ring sizes 6-14) before the actual ring is shipped.
The RingConn Gen 2 retains the user-friendly aspects of its predecessor, such as the ability to wear it on any finger of either hand. This flexibility is particularly useful if you find the size slightly off, as you can simply switch to a different finger. Also, for exercise you might want to opt for a tighter fit to ensure better capturing of heart rate while you are moving. What I do is I wear the ring on the index finger of my non-dominant hand, but when I exercise I move it to the index finger of my dominant hand.
One minor quibble that persists is the lack of a clear visual indicator for correct orientation. The company maintains its tactile positioning method. While this works, a more obvious marker would be welcome for quick, at-a-glance positioning checks. In an ideal world, the green and red lights need to be on the palm side of your hand. But I rarely checked this and found that the ring still worked perfectly well.
The enhanced water resistance, now up to 100 meters (328 feet), adds an extra layer of durability and peace of mind for active users. Whether you’re washing dishes, swimming, or engaging in water sports, the RingConn Gen 2 is built to withstand it all.
Durability has also seen an upgrade. The glossy finish not only enhances the ring’s aesthetic appeal but also proves more resistant to scratches. This addresses one of the few criticisms of the original model, where some users reported visible wear over time. However, for those seeking extra protection, the company still offers optional ring protectors as an add-on accessory.
A final word of note, the device does not incorporate a vibration motor. In fact, there are hardly any rings that offer this type of functionality due to size constraints.
Under the Hood
Below the surface, the RingConn Gen 2 builds upon its predecessor’s solid foundation. At its core, the device retains the infrared, red, and green sensors, but now features an enhanced PPG sensor for more accurate heart rate monitoring. The accelerometer is a more sophisticated 3D version, promising improved motion tracking.
These enhancements, coupled with the upgraded temperature sensor, enable the RingConn Gen 2 to introduce Sleep Apnea tracking – a valuable feature for users concerned about sleep-related breathing disorders.
So its an iterative upgrade as far as internal components. No new sensors, just improvements in existing ones.
Connectivity remains via BLE 5.2, maintaining the efficient Bluetooth connection of the original model. No Wi-Fi support. The EMF-Safe technology and airplane mode are still present, catering to users who prioritize minimizing electromagnetic exposure.
The week-long on-board storage capacity is still there. I tend to sync the device to the phone every day, but you do have a 7 day window before you start losing data.
More than 10 days between charges!
For me, one of the most impressive upgrades in the RingConn Gen 2 is its significantly extended battery life. It is truly impressive.
While the original model offered a respectable 7 days of use on a single charge, the new version pushes this to an outstanding 10-12 days of continuous operation, depending on settings. This enhancement in battery longevity is attributed to advanced optimizations, including a more efficient MCU chip and improved algorithms, which have reportedly reduced power usage by an impressive 259%.
In real-world testing, the difference is substantial. The RingConn Gen 2 loses approximately 10% of its battery charge per day, making it the ring with one of the longest-lasting batteries in the market. This extended life translates to a more convenient user experience, reducing the frequency of required charges and allowing for more consistent, uninterrupted tracking.
Having said that, I did notice battery life of my Gen 1 device deteriorated somewhat after about a year of use. Unfortunately, this is a common issue with smart rings. In the month that I’ve been testing the Gen 2 device, its capacity remained unchanged. But its still early days for a final conclusion on this.
The charging case, which proved convenient in the first generation, becomes even more valuable with the Gen 2 model. When combined with the ring’s improved battery life, users can now enjoy more than 150 days of use between case charges. Which makes RingConn Gen 2 an excellent choice for frequent travelers or those who prefer minimal device maintenance.
Technical specs: RingConn Gen 2 vs Oura Ring
Now, let’s examine how RingConn Gen 2’s technical specifications compare to a well known name in this space – the Oura Ring. As we’ll see, RingConn Gen 2 has made nice strides, in some areas surpassing its more renowned competitor.
Both rings are crafted from similar materials and share comparable dimensions. However, RingConn Gen 2 has managed to reduce its weight and size, now weighing 2-3 grams compared to Oura’s 4-6 grams. This makes RingConn potentially more comfortable for long-term wear.
In terms of battery life, RingConn Gen 2 has taken a significant lead. While both companies previously advertised similar battery life, RingConn Gen 2 now boasts an impressive 10-12 days of use on a single charge, compared to Oura’s claimed 4-7 days. Moreover, RingConn Gen 2’s portable charging case extends its usability to over 150 days between case charges, a feature Oura doesn’t offer.
RingConn Gen 2 has also improved its water resistance, now matching Oura with protection up to 100 meters. This eliminates the previous advantage Oura held in this area.
Functionally, RingConn Gen 2 maintains its edge with 24/7 tracking of heart rate variability and blood oxygen, features Oura only offers during sleep. RingConn Gen 2 has also added Sleep Apnea tracking, further differentiating itself from Oura.
The cost difference between the two should also be mentioned. While RingConn Gen 2’s price remains competitive, there is no monthly subscription. For Oura, in addition to the purchase coast there’s the on-going addition of its $6 monthly subscription fee. Let’s hope RingConn retains the non-subscription model as I feel this is a big selling point.
Specification | RingConn Gen 2 | Oura Ring |
|---|---|---|
Materials | Aerospace-grade titanium alloy, PVD Coating, Non-allergenic, non-metallic, seamless inner molding | Durable titanium, PVD Coating Non-allergenic, non-metallic, seamless inner moulding |
Water resistance | up to 100m/328 ft | up to 100m/328 ft |
Dimensions | Width: 6.8mm, Thickness: 2mm | Width: 7.9mm, Thickness: 2.55mm |
Weight | 2 to 3 grams (depending on ring size) | 4 to 6 grams (depending on ring size) |
Sensors | Infrared, Red and Green, temperature sensors | Infrared, Red and Green, temperature sensors |
Battery life | Up to 12 days of battery life, Full charge in 90 minutes | Up to 7 days of battery life, Full charge in 20 to 80 minutes |
Charger | Portable charging case | Charging dock USB-C |
Memory | up to 7 days of data | 16 MB |
Connectivity | BLE 5.2, EMF-Safe and Allows Airplane Mode | BLE, EMF-Safe and Allows Airplane Mode |
Price | $299 (early bird offer at Kickstarter starting at $209) | $300 + $5.99 monthly subscription |
RingConn Gen 2 Smart Ring review: Features
Having been such a fan of the first gen device, I was looking forward to testing out its successor. The changes in functionality are not enormous, but there is an important addition.
The journey of RingConn from a crowdfunding success to a established player in the wearable tech market is nothing short of remarkable. Their latest Kickstarter campaign for the Gen 2 model has already raised over $1.1 million from 5,000 backers in less than a day, with more than 40 days still remaining. To remind, the company raised around $1.2 million in its campaign for the original device. So it will easily surpass this.
What sets RingConn apart is not just their great product, but their commitment to continuous improvement. There are no false promises, a common issue with crowded campaigns. There really are some horror stories out there with companies over-promising both in terms of features and delivery dates. No such issues here.
What’s more, RingConn has consistently demonstrated responsiveness to user feedback, regularly releasing software and firmware updates. And they now have a established track-record with the first gen device. Their active presence on social media platforms, particularly their Facebook group, provides a direct line of communication with users.
Using the ring
The setup process for the device remains straightforward. After downloading the app and pairing the ring, you’re ready to go.
The Gen 2 builds upon the strong foundation of its predecessor, focusing on recovery statistics and sleep analysis. However, it now offers slightly better accuracy thanks to upgraded sensors. The device tracks heart rate, heart rate variability, sleep patterns (including nap duration, sleep stages, and efficiency), skin temperature while you sleep, SpO2 and stress levels throughout the day.
The companion app has undergone significant refinements since the original launch. You now have a Wellness Balance chart at the top of the home page. This provides you with an overview of your current state.
Overall, I would say the interface is intuitive, with the ‘Insights’ screen providing a comprehensive view of your daily activities. Detailed information on Sleep, Activity, and Stress is easily accessible, and the ‘Trends’ section offers long-term progress tracking.
A recent addition that I really like is that the device now tracks Vital Sign Abnormalities. It works in the background, and if the algorithms spot something in your data that is amiss – the app will warn you. This can be useful as an early alert, for example, if you’ve caught a fever or another illness. Or are simply too fatigued.
While the wealth of data provided can sometimes feel overwhelming, the addition of “scores” for various metrics helps to quickly gauge your daily performance. The app still presents a multitude of charts for each data point, which might be excessive for some users. However, the company has made strides in making the interface more user-friendly, striking a better balance between comprehensive data and accessibility.
Integration with Apple Health and Google Fit remains, ensuring your RingConn data can be part of a broader health tracking ecosystem.
Sleep Apnea tracking
A standout feature of the Gen 2 model is the introduction of Sleep Apnea tracking, leveraging the improved sensors to provide potentially life-saving insights.
While this feature was in Beta testing for the first generation device, it is my understanding that it will only be available for RingConn Gen 2. So that is an extra over its predecessor.
To use Sleep Apnea tracking you will need to initiate in before you go to bed via the smartphone app. Plus, the app will need to remain open during the night close to your bed in order to function. So this is not something that automatically functions every night. In the morning simply end the sleep session to gain a view of the data. All in all, a useful addition.
Accuracy of activity metrics
The step counting accuracy of the RingConn Gen 2 remains impressive. When compared to both manual counting and data from other reliable devices, the ring’s step count was consistently within a 3-4% margin of error.
However, the device still faces challenges in accurately tracking heart rate during exercise. In my testing, I noticed a significant shift in the heart rate data compared to the first generation device.
While the original RingConn tended to underestimate heart rate during physical activity, the Gen 2 model consistently overestimates both average and maximum heart rates. I conducted several test runs, comparing the RingConn Gen 2 data with a reliable chest strap heart rate monitor, and found that the ring consistently reported higher values.
It’s worth noting that measuring heart rate from the finger during intense physical activity remains a challenge for most smart rings on the market. The constant movement and reduced blood flow to the fingers during exercise can interfere with the optical sensors’ ability to accurately detect heart rate.
Despite the exercise issue, the RingConn Gen 2 still provides valuable insights for general activity tracking and recovery metrics. Its strengths lie in sleep tracking, resting heart rate monitoring, and overall daily activity assessment. For those primarily interested in these aspects of health tracking, the RingConn Gen 2 remains one of the best options in the smart ring market.
Accuracy of recovery stats
Over the past year my wearable tech combination is a Whoop on my upper arm, a Garmin Forerunner 955 on my wrist and a RingConn on my finger. Now I’ve swapped that with RingConn Gen 2.
Below is a table that illustrates the correlation between Garmin/Whoop, Garmin/RingConn, and RingConn/Whoop with respect to nightly resting heart rate and heart rate variability. This is for a three week period.
Similarly to what I found with the first gen ring, the second generation is much closer in its results to Whoop than it is to Garmin. The Garmin, while similar in resting heart rate, significantly differs in heart rate variability.
In terms of sleep length, not much difference between the three devices. While there are day to day discrepancies, they tend to even out in the medium term.
Correlation | RingConn/Whoop | RingConn/Garmin | Whoop/Garmin |
Resting heart rate | 98% | 88% | 89% |
Heart rate variability | 82% | 46% | 50% |
Sleep (length) | 85% | 82% | 84% |
As far as absolute values, Whoop and RingConn pegged me at between 51 and 52 bpm for my resting heart rate. Garmin was a few beats per minute lower.
For average value of heart rate variability during this three week period, RingConn was somewhere in between the Whoop and Garmin. It clocked me at 37 ms, compared to 33ms on Whoop and 46ms on Garmin. This difference is likely attributable to variations in the methodologies employed to calculate this metric.
Average | RingConn | Whoop | Garmin |
Resting heart rate | 52 bpm | 51 bpm | 47 bpm |
Heart rate variability | 37 ms | 33 ms | 46 ms |
Sleep (length) | 380 min | 373 min | 390 min |
RingConn Gen 2 Smart Ring review: The bottom line
The RingConn Gen 2 represents a nice upgrade over the original. Instead of reinventing the wheel, the company opted to make a good device even better, by slapping on some iterative improvements.
The ones I noticed most are the sleaker more lightweight design, along with awesome 10+ day long battery life. Beyond that you get more accurate sensors and the addition of Sleep Apnea monitoring.
While the device still struggles with heart rate accuracy during intense exercise, its strengths in sleep tracking, recovery metrics, and daily activity monitoring are undeniable. The absence of a subscription model and competitive pricing further add to its appeal.
For those new to smart rings the RingConn Gen 2 offers excellent value. It might even be worth an upgrade for those with the original device. Its combination of features, battery life, and user-friendly app make it a worthy alternative to more expensive competitors. As the Gen 1 version has largely the same features, that one might also be a good option as it is likely to see a fall in price in the coming months.
RingConn Gen 2 can be ordered from Kickstarter, with early-bird prices starting at $209 – significantly down on the $299 it will sell for when it hits retail. RingConn Gen 1 can currently be purchased for $259 on the manufacturer’s website. For $10 off on Gen 1, at checkout use discount code: BFD50EC113.
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