The Circular Ring Slim is a sleek and modern smart ring that aims to carve its niche in the competitive world of wearable health tech. Designed to be worn around the clock, it promises to deliver a comprehensive suite of health metrics right from your finger. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in with this Circular Ring Slim Review and see what this slender smart ring has to offer.
In the Box
The Circular Ring comes in an attractive box, mainly white with ring images on the outside. It has a magnetic closure, and a nice Orange loop to pull open the box.
Inside is the Ring itself, and the USB-C charging dongle, both in a foam enclosure.
Design and Comfort
The Circular Ring Slim is all about minimalism. Its ultra-slim profile, measuring just 2.2mm in thickness and weighing a mere 2g, makes it one of the lightest and thinnest smart rings on the market. Made from aluminium and carbon fibre, it sports a matte black finish that looks sleek out of the box. However, this design choice comes with a downside: it is prone to scratches, which can quickly mar its appearance.
- Material: Aluminium and carbon fibre exterior, non-allergenic interior
- Weight: 2g
- Dimensions: 2.2mm thick, 8.8mm width
- Water Resistance: IPX8 rating, suitable for showers and hand washing but not recommended for swimming
The ring is available in eight sizes, ensuring a snug fit for most users. Despite its lightweight design, the interior is smooth and comfortable, making it easy to wear throughout the day and night. However, the white Circular logo on the ring’s exterior detracts from its otherwise sleek appearance and has been a point of contention among some users.
Durability
I’ve used my Circular Ring every day for 2 months now. Working out, sports, showering, swimming, it’s been on for everything I’ve removed it only for charging. Unfortunately in that time, it has picked up a few scuffs, mainly on the outer facing edge. Reading online this is not uncommon with other peoples experiences.
Features and Functionality
The Circular Ring Slim is packed with sensors that track a wide array of health metrics, including heart rate, breathing, temperature, SpO2 levels, sleep, and steps. It also features a unique vibration function, allowing users to set alarms and notifications, although this feature might not be essential for everyone. I tried it a few times and it worked, but wasn’t a primary feature I kept using.
- Health Metrics: Heart rate, breathing, temperature, SpO2 levels, sleep, steps
- Vibration Function: Can be used for alarms
- AI Assistant “Kira”: Offers personalised insights after a 14-day calibration period
One standout feature is the AI assistant, Kira, which provides personalised health insights after a calibration period. However, the process is not well-explained, and the app’s wording can be confusing, making it difficult for users to fully benefit from this feature.
Recently Circular announced Kira+ Beta: the next evolution of the AI wellness assistant, Kira. This new advancement introduces a hybrid combination with Open AI, blending the “best of both worlds” to deliver even more accurate and personalized wellness recommendations. With Kira+, your wellness journey will be “elevated to unprecedented heights”, unlocking a world of insights and guidance tailored specifically to you.
In reality, this produces more recommendations on your health and fitness. It wasn’t anything ground breaking but it will undoubtedly improve, and is a useful addition to the app.
Performance and Battery Life
While the Circular Ring Slim excels in data collection, its performance is marred by a few significant issues. The battery life is particularly disappointing, lasting only two days in full-feature mode. This is a major drawback for a device designed to be worn 24/7, especially when competitors offer significantly longer battery life.
You can switch to Eco mode which improves battery life. Heart metrics will have a low-frequency acquisition and you won’t have access to sleep stages. Battery life will be around 5 days.
- Battery Life: 2 days in full-feature mode, up to 5 days in eco mode
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
The app experience is another area where the Circular Ring Slim falls short. Users have reported syncing issues , especially when the battery is low, and the app’s interface is cluttered and confusing. My App received 2 software updates during testing, which improved things, but syncing is still quite slow, and can sometimes fail completely.
Additionally, the lack of iOS notifications on the ring is a notable limitation for iPhone users, reducing its functionality as a smart device. This was billed as a launch feature, but then was moved to the development roadmap. A video blog from the founders elloborates that push notifications was much harder than they originally anticipated, especially on iOS.
Value and Competition
Priced at $264 (about £209/AU$405), the Circular Ring Slim is more affordable than some of its competitors, such as the Ultrahuman Ring Air and the Oura Ring. However, the lower price does not necessarily translate to better value, given the ring’s shortcomings in battery life, app usability, and durability.
- Price: £237 / $264
- Competitors: Oura Ring, Ultrahuman Ring Air
While the Circular Ring Slim does not require a subscription, unlike some of its competitors, this advantage is overshadowed by its performance issues. For those considering a smart ring, it might be worth exploring other options or sticking with a traditional fitness tracker, which can offer similar data collection capabilities at a lower cost.
Final Verdict
In this Circular Ring Slim Review I find the smart ring is a promising device that falls short of its potential. Its slim design and comprehensive health tracking features are commendable, but the execution leaves much to be desired. The poor battery life, app issues, and susceptibility to scratches make it feel more like a prototype than a finished product.
Pros:
- Slim and lightweight design
- Comprehensive health tracking
- No subscription required
Cons:
- Short battery life
- Confusing app interface
- Prone to scratches
- Lack of iOS notifications
In summary, I’d say the Circular Ring Slim is best suited for those who prioritise design and are willing to overlook its shortcomings. However, for users seeking a seamless and reliable smart ring experience, it might be worth waiting for future iterations or considering other options in the market.
>> Official Circular Ring Slim website
This post was written by Rob Gordon, an IT geek, gadget lover and blogger. Rob has been using the internets since 1994 when the only streaming video was that coffee pot in Cambridge (rip)….
Follow Rob on X – @robgordon – about.me/robgordonuk
