Samsung Galaxy Ring teardown sheds light on disposable tech not meant to last over two years

iFixit teardown of Samsung Galaxy Ring reveals non-replaceable battery lasts under two years, classifying it as disposable tech.

: iFixit's teardown of the Samsung Galaxy Ring exposes its non-replaceable lithium battery, rendering it disposable after roughly 400 charge cycles or about two years of regular use. The $400 device can't be opened without destroying its components, a design highlighted by CT scans showing a press connector inside. Despite its short lifespan, the Galaxy Ring offers appealing, albeit basic, hardware features. Consumers should be aware of these limitations before purchasing.

iFixit's teardown of the Samsung Galaxy Ring exposes a crucial flaw: the non-replaceable lithium battery, meaning the device is essentially disposable. Once the battery dies—after approximately 400 charge cycles or two years of regular use—the ring must be discarded, regardless of its initial $400 price tag.

The teardown, conducted with the help of engineers at Lumafield using computed tomography scanning, unveiled an unusual design choice: a press connector joining the battery to the circuit board, despite the unit's non-serviceable nature. This suggests that the device is built for rapid assembly rather than durability.

iFixit further dismantled the ring with heat and a dental pick, confirming the internal layout but damaging the battery in the process. Samsung's documentation notes that the battery capacity varies with ring size, with a size 11 ring featuring a 19.5 mAh battery. Prospective buyers should consider these constraints before investing in the Galaxy Ring.

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