The Oura Ring 5 combines comprehensive health monitoring features with a stylish design. Despite its advanced functionality, the device's comfort level marks a significant improvement, addressing a common issue with mobile devices.
According to Oura, the Oura Ring 5 has reduced its internal volume by 40% compared to the previous model, the Oura Ring 4. The width has decreased from 7.9 mm to 6.09 mm, and the thickness has been slimmed down from approximately 2.88 mm to 2.28 mm, with a minimum weight of just 2 grams. Users reported no discomfort even during extensive laptop use.
More crucial than its smaller size is the placement of the sensors. The Oura Ring 5 positions its sensors closer to the skin than its predecessor. While the sensor dome height of the Oura Ring 4 was 0.3 mm, the new model has increased it slightly to 0.7 mm. The top of the sensor is now flat, and the LED and photodetector are positioned closer to the skin. This design allows for a thinner ring that maintains a comfortable fit while enhancing signal strength.
The improvements are reflected in the data. Oura's internal tests show that the accuracy of nighttime heart rate variability (HRV) measurements has increased by an average of 12% compared to the Ring 4. The quality of heart rate signals during exercise has improved by 24%, and the accuracy of heart rate measurements during activities like running, walking, and cycling has risen by 19%. Although the number of sensor pathways has decreased from 18 to 12, stronger LEDs and optimized sensor placement have enhanced signal quality.
Users can immediately notice the difference in the app after a night of insufficient sleep. The app does not merely display the number of hours slept; it also provides a sleep score and readiness status based on deep sleep, REM sleep proportions, resting heart rate, and HRV.
For instance, if a user goes to bed late and wakes up multiple times during the night, they might feel simply tired. However, the app will indicate a decline in sleep quality and recovery status. Conversely, after a good night's sleep, the readiness status will improve.
While sleep analysis was also available in the Ring 4, the Oura Ring 5 offers a more refined data foundation. It reduces signal fluctuations caused by a loose fit on the finger and improves the stability of heart rate and HRV readings throughout the night.
New features have also been added. One of the most accessible in South Korea is the real-time activity tracking. Previously, users could only check their records after completing a workout, but now they can view distance, pace, and route in real-time after starting an activity in the app. This feature applies to walking, running, hiking, and cycling.
Users can track their distance and pace even while walking with just the ring, as long as they have the exercise recording feature activated on their phone. After completing the activity, they can see how it contributes to their overall activity level and its impact on subsequent sleep and recovery.
The enhanced Oura Advisor is also noteworthy. It analyzes users' accumulated sleep, recovery, and activity data to provide personalized advice. For example, if a user’s readiness status is low and they ask whether they should exercise that day, the response will be based on their recent sleep and HRV data rather than general advice.
Another frequently accessed feature in the app is the symptom radar. This function, present in the Ring 4, can be particularly interesting for new users. It monitors changes in baseline metrics such as body temperature, respiratory rate, resting heart rate, and HRV.
However, there are some drawbacks. The 'Health Radar' and insights related to GLP-1 that Oura announced alongside the Ring 5 are currently unavailable in South Korea. While these features allow for long-term monitoring of cardiovascular and respiratory changes and the effects of GLP-1 medications abroad, domestic users will have to wait.
Additionally, the price may be a concern, with the black and silver models priced at 630,000 won and some colors at 780,000 won. Users will also need to pay a separate membership fee to access key health insights.
Despite these issues, the Oura Ring 5 is widely regarded as a top-tier product that combines lightweight design with advanced features. It offers a comfortable fit that allows users to monitor their health in real-time while also serving as a fashionable accessory.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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