Tips from China: A Pair of Smart Rings for a Few Hundred!

In the next installment of Tips from China, we delve into a category that was science fiction just a few years ago – smart rings. While the Samsung Galaxy Ring costs over 10 thousand CZK and the Oura Ring will set you back a similar amount, you can get Chinese alternatives for hundreds.

What can a smart ring actually do?

A few years ago, it was a luxury for early adopters with money to spare. Today? China has taken the concept of premium rings and ground it into affordable versions. COLMI or Uhoofit offer basic health tracking for a fraction of the price.

A typical smart ring tracks heart rate, SpO2, steps, sleep, and sometimes temperature. Better models add a display, 5ATM water resistance, and 5-7 days of battery life. Worse ones just blink an LED and last a day. The key is that it’s an inconspicuous alternative to smartwatches – you wear a ring, not a paddle on your hand.

I’ll warn you right away: smart rings from Aliexpress are not certified medical devices. Use the data for an overview of trends, not for diagnosis.

COLMI R12

COLMI R12 is the most interesting model from Aliexpress. For 608 CZK, you get a ring with an OLED display that activates with a touch. One tap shows the time, a second shows steps, a third shows pulse, and a fourth shows battery. The display is tiny but readable.

Technically, it features a Realtek RT8762 ESF processor, ST LIS2DOC (steps) and Vcare VC30F (pulse) sensors. The 14-18 mAh battery lasts 4-5 days, which is decent for a ring with a display. IP68 and 5ATM water resistance means you can easily get it wet.

What surprised me? Gesture control. The ring recognizes hand movements and allows you to scroll through Facebook Reels or YouTube Shorts. Does it work? Yes, but according to reviews, it’s not a game-changer. Another trick is the remote camera shutter – set up your phone, flick your wrist, and you have a selfie.

And then there are games. Yes, the QRing app includes seven mini-games controlled by gestures. Is it a gimmick? Definitely. Sleep tracking works better than with smartwatches – the ring is so light that you don’t notice it at night.

Price: 608 CZK

Uhoofit R10

Uhoofit R10 is for those who don’t need a display and just want basic tracking. For 814 CZK, you get a ring with an RTL8762 ESF chip, Bluetooth 5.2, and sensors for pulse, SpO2, and temperature.

Battery life is 5-7 days, charging is done via a wireless station. 5ATM water resistance is the same as with COLMI. What’s missing? Display, gestures, games. What remains? A light, comfortable ring for everyday tracking.

Reviews warn about the QRing app, which requires regular updates. Without it, the ring doesn’t work, so expect to have another app on your phone. Sleep tracking is basic – you’ll see phases, but don’t expect any in-depth analysis.

For whom? For people who want an inconspicuous tracker without unnecessary features. If you’re only interested in sleep monitoring and basic activity, the R10 is sufficient. If you want a display and more features, rather pay two hundred less for the COLMI R12.

Price: 814 CZK

How to correctly measure ring size

Don’t cheat here. A poorly chosen ring size = an unusable piece of metal. The ring must fit precisely – not so tight that it pinches, but also not so loose that it spins freely.

Measurement procedure:

• Take a narrow strip of paper
• Wrap it around the finger on which you want to wear the ring
• Mark the spot where the paper overlaps
• Unroll the paper and measure the length with a ruler (in cm or inches)
• According to the seller’s size chart, select the corresponding number

What to watch out for

First problem – the app. QRing works, but it’s not perfect. Sometimes it requires an update, sometimes it loses connection. Without it, the ring is useless, so expect another app on your phone.

Second problem – sensor accuracy. These are not medical devices. Use the data for trends, not for diagnosis. If you have health problems, go to a doctor, not to Chinese electronics.

Third problem – battery life. Manufacturers promise a week, the reality is 4-5 days with a display, 7-10 without it. Expect a decrease in capacity after two years.

Conclusion: Smart rings are no longer a luxury

A few years ago, smart rings cost tens of thousands. Today, you can get a decent model for six hundred. COLMI R12 is the clear winner – display, gestures, solid tracking, and the lowest price in the test.

Uhoofit R10 only makes sense for those who truly don’t want a display. My recommendation? Start with the COLMI R12. For 608 CZK, you’ll find out if the smart ring concept is for you. If so, you can later upgrade to a Samsung Galaxy Ring, Oura Ring, or UltraHuman Ring Air. If not, you’ll only lose six hundred instead of ten thousand.

Do you wear a smart ring, or are classic watches enough?