Samsung has clearly taken inspiration from its closest competitor, Apple, in the realm of wearable devices. At its annual Unpacked event in Paris, the world’s leading phone company showcased a range of new products, emphasizing their advancements in the wearable tech space.

New Watches and Earbuds

Samsung introduced five new wearable devices: two watches, two pairs of earbuds, and the Galaxy Ring. The standout is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, which mirrors many features of Apple’s Watch Ultra. This adventure-focused watch includes an extra “action” button for quick access to outdoor features, a durable titanium case, and significantly improved battery life. The Galaxy Watch Ultra can last 100 hours in power-saving mode and 48 hours in regular use. It also has a non-standard watchband attachment and bands similar to Apple’s designs. At $1,299, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is $100 cheaper than Apple’s version but lacks exclusive adventure apps found on the Apple Watch Ultra.

Additionally, Samsung launched the more affordable Galaxy Watch7, which lacks the titanium case and offers a 30% longer battery life than its predecessor, the Watch6.

In the earbuds category, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. These new models have a shape more akin to Apple’s AirPods. The non-Pro versions are “non-occlusive,” allowing ambient sound, while the Pro versions offer active noise cancellation (ANC) by fitting into the ear canal. Samsung’s new earbuds feature a live “voice to voice” translation capability, compatible with Galaxy AI on recent Samsung phones, enabling real-time language translation directly through the earbuds. This feature is currently not available in Apple’s offerings.

Galaxy Ring Health Tracker

Samsung’s long-awaited Galaxy Ring health tracker made its debut, though it won’t hit Australian markets until later this year. The ring is equipped with a pulse monitor, an SpO2 sensor for measuring blood oxygen levels, and an ECG sensor to track heart activity. Data from these sensors syncs with a paired Samsung phone, utilizing AI to provide insights on sleep and exercise. Unlike the Oura ring, which requires a monthly subscription for health data, Samsung’s Galaxy Ring does not. However, it only works with Samsung’s Health app on Samsung phones. The ring also features a “double-pinch” gesture, similar to Apple’s “double-tap,” allowing users to control devices by pinching their thumb and the finger wearing the ring.

Additional Features and Market Position

The Galaxy Ring’s “double-pinch” feature allows for device control, similar to Apple’s “double-tap” gesture. Samsung advises against wearing the ring on the thumb or toes as it might affect functionality.

Samsung’s new product lineup underscores its strategy to compete aggressively with Apple in the wearable market. While some designs and features are clearly influenced by Apple, Samsung continues to innovate with unique functionalities and competitive pricing. As the rivalry between these tech giants heats up, consumers stand to benefit from the advancements and improvements in wearable technology.

This year’s Unpacked event highlights Samsung’s commitment to leading the market not only through innovation but also by enhancing user experience and design. As Samsung and Apple push the boundaries of wearable tech, consumers can look forward to more advanced and integrated devices in the near future.