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| The Soxai Ring 2, pictured in a matte black finish on the edge of a rock against a dark background. |
In the competitive world of miniaturized health tech, a new contender is stepping onto the finger. Japanese startup Soxai has officially launched the Soxai Ring 2, a refined smart ring that aims to carve out its space alongside established players like Oura and the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Ring. Promising enhanced accuracy and a sleek, subscription-free experience, the Ring 2 represents Soxai's bid to win over wellness enthusiasts focused on sleep and long-term health trends.
What’s New Under the Hood? The "Deep Sensing" Advantage
At the core of the Ring 2 is a complete overhaul of its sensing system. The company has introduced a proprietary optical PPG sensor, branded "Deep Sensing," which it developed in-house. Soxai claims this new sensor, built on its own optical and algorithmic expertise, significantly improves the accuracy of measuring key vitals. This includes heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2) levels, detailed sleep stages, and even indicators linked to the risk of sleep apnea.
The ring doesn't rely on optics alone. It complements the PPG sensor with an AI-assisted 3D accelerometer for precise movement tracking and a skin temperature sensor to provide a comprehensive picture of the body's nightly rhythms and daily recovery.
A Sleeker, Lighter Design for Unnoticed Wear
Recognizing that comfort is king for 24/7 wear, Soxai has made the Ring 2 notably slimmer than its predecessor. The dimensions come in at a slender 6.7 mm wide and 2.7 mm thick, with a featherlight weight ranging from 2.1 to 2.7 grams depending on the ring size. The build quality aims for durability and comfort: a titanium alloy outer shell houses an inner section made of skin-friendly synthetic resin. Buyers can choose from five finishes to match their style: silver, matte silver, matte black, pink gold, and gold.
Battery Life and Everyday Usability
For those tired of daily charging rituals, the Soxai Ring 2 offers a respite. Battery life is rated for up to 14 days on a single charge, varying by ring size and usage patterns. When it’s time to power up, the ring uses contactless NFC wireless charging, with a full charge taking between 60 to 120 minutes. With Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0 and a 100-meter water resistance rating, it’s built to handle showers, swimming, and the rigors of daily life without a second thought.
The App Experience: Insights Without the Ongoing Fee
All the data collected by the ring finds its home in the companion smartphone app. Here, users can view detailed sleep scores, duration, and nightly sleep patterns, alongside broader lifestyle insights. A standout feature is the app’s sleep improvement tips, which are generated by algorithms supervised by experts affiliated with the Japanese Society of Sleep Research. It's important to note that, unlike some competitors, the Ring 2 does not support blood pressure measurement. However, Soxai emphasizes a major selling point: no subscription fee is required to access these insights and historical data.
Pricing, Availability, and a Key Limitation
The Soxai Ring 2 is priced at ¥39,980 (approximately $257) and is available now in Japan. Prospective buyers can order a sizing kit or select a known size directly from Soxai’s online store and major Japanese retailers. For those interested in the current market leader, you can also buy the Oura Ring on Amazon.
A significant caveat for international customers: Soxai explicitly states that, for now, the Ring 2 will not ship outside of Japan. This positions it as a strong regional alternative but limits its immediate global reach against its multinational rivals.
