Let’s face it, the majority of tech wearables are large and not exactly what you’d call attractive. However, if you’re frequently wearing something on your fingers, you probably want it to be visually pleasing and perhaps even coordinate with your other jewelry. That’s the thinking behind Oura’s latest smart ring, the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic.
The Ring 4 Ceramic marks Oura’s debut collection of smart rings that do not include metallic finishes. Instead, they are crafted from zirconia ceramic, a more durable ceramic, which Oura claims allows for both style and comfort.
I have evaluated the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic for the last three weeks, and here is my experience with it.
However, before we delve into the specifics, it is worth mentioning that because the software underlying the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic mirrors that of the Oura Ring 4, I will not be going too deeply into the software and hardware aspects. For that, you can refer to our Oura Ring 4 review.
Appearance and feel
The Oura Ring 4 is available in four shades: Midnight (dark blue), Cloud (white), Tide (light teal), and Petal (light pink). The ring is priced at $150 above the base price of the standard Ring 4, carrying a $500 price, and comes in sizes 4-15.
I selected Midnight. Although that hue is technically dark blue, it can give the impression of being black from a distance — or even a dark green hue, I have been told. The ring does not initially resemble a tech wearable, which is advantageous if your priority is aesthetics without giving up functionality.
When pitted against the original Ring 4, the Ceramic variant is slightly thicker, though it is not particularly apparent. The titanium version has a thickness of 2.88 mm, whereas the ceramic version is 3.51 mm thick.
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Regarding weight, the ring can range from 5.1 to 8.1 grams, contingent on the size selected, making it heftier than the Titanium Ring 4, which weighs between 3.3 and 5.2 grams.
In spite of being thicker and heavier than its predecessor, I perceived the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic to be comfortable and light, even in comparison to a typical metal band. It gives the impression of a fairly standard ring, just marginally thicker.
The ring is smooth and not as susceptible to gathering fingerprints as the titanium Rings 4. Since the zirconia ceramic is warmer and less smooth than the titanium rings, the Ring 4 Ceramic might occasionally feel a bit “sticky,” implying that the outside of the ring may feel like it’s adhering or clinging to the sides of your fingers, but I did grow accustomed to the ring’s feel relatively quickly.
Oura states that the color in the rings originates from natural minerals within the ceramic itself, allowing it to remain vibrant and not fade with time. (Naturally, I have only had the ring for three weeks, so I cannot attest to how it would hold up over an extended period, but thus far, the color is the same as it was on day one.)
Durability
Oura indicates that Ring 4 Ceramic is susceptible to marks from softer metals, like those found in cookware or dumbbells. The company suggests that these marks can be remedied with the Polishing Pad included with the ring. (The review unit I got from Oura did not have the Polishing Pad, though.)
While there were instances when I thought I could spot marks on the ring, they turned out to be smudges that I was surprisingly able to wipe off using the edge of my shirt or sweater.
The company also advises wearing the ring on your non-dominant hand to prevent unnecessary impact. However, the ring simply felt right on my dominant index finger, so that is where I wore it for the past three weeks. This subjected it to a higher potential for damage in a shorter timeframe than a typical consumer might experience.
On its first day, I exposed the ring to a hectic travel day en route to TechCrunch Disrupt, our yearly conference held in San Francisco. I was not certain how well the ring would fare with me carrying my luggage around, inadvertently banging the ring against several counters (I’m clumsy!), or letting it graze against the airplane window as I leaned in for a nap.
As things played out, the ring survived all of that without a scratch. There were even numerous instances when I was sure I had scratched it — such as when I was hanging onto a rusty railing while climbing the steps of the Point Arena Lighthouse, forgetting that I was wearing the ring, or when I neglected to remove it before washing dishes. Yet, the ring did not end up with any marks or lasting damage.
It’s important to mention that while the ring is water-resistant up to 100 meters, implying that you can keep it on while washing dishes or showering, I personally removed it while washing dishes because Oura cautions that the ring may scuff upon contact with softer metals.
Since I have had the ring for less than a month, I would not be surprised if, further down the line, the ring were to accumulate at least some marks or dents, especially considering its location on my dominant hand.
Final reflections
Aside from aesthetics, I found the ring quite valuable in aiding my understanding of my heart health, sleep patterns, and stress levels via the Oura app. Each morning, I anticipated seeing my “readiness score,” which is determined using both short-term and long-term data to demonstrate your preparedness for the day ahead.
Furthermore, the battery life is maintaining well, as I have only been required to charge it once per week, which is consistent with Oura’s promise of a battery life ranging between 5-8 days.
Selecting between a titanium and a ceramic ring hinges primarily on your aesthetic preferences and your desired price range. With color and material being the sole distinctions between the two, it truly boils down to whether you desire a streamlined, modern finish or the typical metal smart ring aesthetic.
If you are after that burst of color and style, then the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic might be the smart ring that suits you best.
