As consumer electronics get smaller, they become more difficult to repair. The Galaxy Ring is definitely no exception, as a new teardown shows that you have to take the wearable apart to get to it. Unfortunately, that means that with the tiny battery housed inside the health-focused accessory, you can’t expect it to last particularly long.
The teardown team finds that the Galaxy Ring is not designed to last longer than two years, indicating a problem with disposable technology
Since there are no screws holding the Galaxy Ring’s outer and inner shells together, iFixit found that the only way to get to the circuit board was to take it apart. Frankly, it’s unlikely that anyone who bought the Galaxy Ring ever thought about repairing it to extend its lifespan, since unlike their smartphone, it’s not their primary device. However, iFixit points out that the Galaxy Ring, like Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3, is not designed to last a long time, and mentions that it will only add to the e-waste landfill.
“Compared to other modern electronic devices, this is a pretty simple device. There’s nothing wrong with simplicity, but there is something wrong with irreparability. Just like the Galaxy Buds3, the Galaxy Ring is a disposable tech accessory that’s not meant to last more than two years. Having more of them is seen as a bonus, but there’s no doubt that each of these rings will ultimately contribute to our ever-growing e-waste problem.”
While it’s impressive that Samsung has successfully managed to take on Oura with the Galaxy Ring and its cutting-edge technology, consumers will need to think long and hard about making a purchase. If their main goal is to have a health-focused device on their finger that they can replace after a few years, then this is the product for you. And even if the battery can no longer hold a charge, you can still carry the Galaxy Ring around like a fashion accessory.
News source: iFixit
