Oura Ring 4 Review: Is the Titanium Upgrade Worth It?
For years, Oura dominated the smart ring market almost unchallenged. However, the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy Ring changed the landscape, forcing the pioneer to evolve. The Oura Ring 4 is the answer to that challenge. It doesn’t just add features; it systematically dismantles the most common complaints about its predecessor: comfort, sensor bumps, and sizing limitations.
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Bumps Are Finally Gone
If you’ve worn an Oura Gen 3, you know “the bumps”—the three plastic domes housing the sensors that could occasionally dig into your finger. With the Oura Ring 4, those are a thing of the past. By moving to a fully recessed sensor design, Oura has achieved a perfectly smooth interior. This isn’t just an aesthetic win; it represents a fundamental shift in how the ring captures data without compromising the wearer’s comfort.
Design & Comfort: A Full Titanium Masterpiece
The Oura Ring 4 has transitioned to a full titanium construction, encompassing both the exterior shell and the inner molding (replacing the epoxy plastic of Gen 3).
- Profiles: The ring is now exclusively available in the “Horizon” style—a perfectly circular band without the flat “Heritage” edge.
- Comfort: The recessed sensors make the ring feel like traditional jewelry. It is slightly thinner and lighter than Gen 3 (weighing between 3.3g and 5.2g depending on size).
- Sizing: Oura has expanded its range significantly, now offering sizes 4 through 15. This is a major win for users with smaller or larger fingers who were previously locked out of the ecosystem.
Accuracy Data: The Smart Sensing Revolution
Oura’s new Smart Sensing technology is the “brain” upgrade. While Gen 3 relied on a fixed signal path, the Oura Ring 4 features a more robust sensor array that increases signal paths from 8 to 18.
Why This Matters:
- Rotation Compensation: As a ring naturally rotates on your finger, signal quality usually drops. Smart Sensing dynamically switches to the best available signal path to maintain accuracy.
- Gap Reduction: In internal testing, Oura reported a 31% reduction in nighttime heart rate gaps and a 7% reduction in daytime gaps.
- Blood Oxygen (SpO2): The new algorithm provides a more stable reading of blood oxygen levels, which is critical for identifying breathing disturbances during sleep.
Battery Life: Real-World Longevity
Oura claims up to 8 days of battery life. In my real-world testing (with all features active, including SpO2 and 24/7 heart rate):
- Average Performance: 6 to 6.5 days (Size 10).
- Charging Time: A full charge from 10% to 100% takes approximately 80 minutes.
- Pro Tip: If you use the “Airplane Mode” feature during the day or disable SpO2, hitting that 8-day mark is achievable, especially on larger ring sizes (12-15) which house physically larger batteries.
Comparison: Oura 4 vs. Oura 3 vs. Galaxy Ring
| Feature | Oura Ring 4 | Oura Ring 3 | Samsung Galaxy Ring |
| Material | All Titanium | Titanium + Epoxy Inner | Titanium + Epoxy Inner |
| Sensor Design | Recessed (Flat) | Raised Domes | Raised Domes |
| Sizes | 4 – 15 | 6 – 13 | 5 – 13 |
| Subscription | $5.99/month | $5.99/month | None |
| Ecosystem | iOS & Android | iOS & Android | Android Only (Samsung optimized) |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 Days | Up to 7 Days | Up to 7 Days |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unrivaled Comfort: The flat interior is the best in the industry.
- Superior Accuracy: Smart Sensing handles ring movement better than any competitor.
- Broadest Sizing: Fits almost any finger (Size 4-15).
- Detailed App: Still the gold standard for sleep and recovery insights.
Cons
- The Subscription: The $5.99/month “paywall” remains a hurdle compared to Samsung.
- Price: High entry cost ($349+), plus the ongoing subscription.
- Charging Dock: Still uses a proprietary puck rather than a portable charging case.
Verdict: The Best Just Got Better
The Oura Ring 4 is the most refined wearable on the market. If you are a current Gen 3 user, the upgrade is worth it specifically for the comfort of the recessed sensors and the improved signal reliability.
For new buyers, the choice is clear: if you are on iOS, Oura is your only (and best) premium choice. If you are on Android and value a subscription-free experience, the Galaxy Ring is a strong contender—but for the absolute best data accuracy and design, the Oura Ring 4 remains the King.
Would you like me to compare the specific Oura 4 finishes (like Stealth vs. Brushed Silver) to help you decide which one looks best?
Oura Ring 4 vs Galaxy Ring Comparison
This video provides a direct visual and functional comparison between the Oura Ring 4 and its biggest rival, the Samsung Galaxy Ring, to help you decide which ecosystem fits your lifestyle.
