In today’s increasingly digital landscape, wearable technology has become commonplace. Smartwatches that track activity levels, monitor vital signs, and provide notifications are now integrated into daily routines. However, for individuals who prefer the aesthetics and tradition of analog timepieces, yet still desire health monitoring capabilities, smart rings offer a compelling alternative.
Smart rings, as the name suggests, are rings equipped with smart technology. Numerous models are now available across a wide spectrum of price points, ranging from premium options costing thousands of kronor to more budget-friendly alternatives priced at just a few hundred kronor. This review focuses on a pair of smart rings sourced from Temu, positioned within the lower price bracket at approximately 400 SEK each. This begs the question: can such affordable devices deliver acceptable performance?
The review units consisted of two rings, differing in design but offering identical functionality. Somewhat unusually, they are marketed under the name “Little meatball”. Initial impressions of the black version reveal a lightweight construction, resulting in a somewhat plasticky feel. However, the surface finish is aesthetically pleasing, and the ring presents acceptably on the finger. A range of sizes are offered, facilitating a comfortable fit for most users.
As someone who does not typically wear rings, this review process presented a novel experience. The included quick start guide features a QR code that links to the companion app, Smart Health. Pairing the ring with the app proved straightforward. The application allows customization of measurement frequency and daily step goals. The ring is advertised to measure number of steps, calories, pulse, blood oxygen saturation, sleep patterns, and, surprisingly, blood pressure (more on this later).
The black ring was worn continuously during the review period. Given the reviewer’s profession as a greenhouse installer, daily activity levels are typically high. The integrated pedometer exhibited good agreement with actual step counts, and the heart rate monitoring function also demonstrated satisfactory accuracy. During the review period, a medical event provided an opportunity to assess the accuracy of the blood oxygen saturation measurement, which proved to be correct.
However, the blood pressure measurement functionality is fundamentally flawed. It is not possible to accurately measure blood pressure without occluding blood flow, a procedure employed during standard clinical measurements. Comparative testing against a dedicated blood pressure cuff revealed significant discrepancies in the ring’s readings. The reviewer, currently experiencing elevated stress levels, found that the ring initially provided misleadingly optimistic blood pressure readings. This inaccuracy could have potentially serious consequences, raising concerns about the inclusion of this feature.
In contrast, the sleep analysis feature proved to be considerably more reliable, accurately tracking sleep duration, sleep stages, and instances of wakefulness. The resulting data provides valuable insights into sleep patterns and their impact on daytime fatigue levels. Furthermore, the rings are waterproof, enabling worry-free wear during handwashing, showering, and even swimming, with a stated water resistance of 4 ATM (approximately 40 meters).
The silver-colored ring was also evaluated. Functionally, it is indistinguishable from the black variant, delivering comparable performance across all measured parameters. With measurements configured to occur every half hour – the highest frequency setting – the rings achieved a battery life of 82 hours, a respectable result considering their continuous operation.
A notable drawback is the susceptibility of both the silver and black rings to scratching. After a period of active use, the surface finish degrades noticeably. While this is a cosmetic issue, it detracts from the overall user experience, although it is perhaps understandable given the budget-friendly price point.
In conclusion, the “Little Meatball” smart rings from Temu offer surprisingly good functionality for their price. They perform adequately in most areas, providing reasonably accurate step tracking, heart rate monitoring, and sleep analysis. However, the inclusion of a demonstrably inaccurate blood pressure measurement feature and the rings’ limited resistance to wear and tear prevent a full recommendation.
Product samples for this review were provided by Temu’s PR agency. The provision of review materials does not influence our editorial independence or testing procedures.
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