Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
With the launch of its new charging case, Oura finally closed one of the only practical gaps between the brand and its rivals. I’ve been testing the new setup for more than a week, and the upgrade is noticeable. More importantly, it removes one of the few remaining advantages I could point to elsewhere.
Would you purchase an Oura Ring 4 Charging Case? 4 votes Yes! 0 % No, I am fine with the puck-style charger. 25 % No, I don't own an Oura Ring 4. 75 %
Closing the gap
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Until now, Oura’s only charging option involved a puck-style charger with a flat base and a protruding post. The design is perfectly fine for home use, and one has lived almost exclusively on my desk for years, plugged in via USB-C. I drop my ring on it when the charge runs down (or when I need a break from wear), and it’s nice to have a dedicated home base. However, it’s less ideal for travel than other brands’ approaches.
Many smart rings I’ve tested, including RingConn’s, Samsung’s Galaxy Ring, and most recently the Luna Ring 2, already offer portable charging cases. Instead of a simple puck that has to stay plugged in, these designs house their respective rings inside a small clamshell case with its own internal battery. That means I can top up anywhere, without relying on an outlet, and even passively charge while I toss the whole arrangement in my bag.
Oura revealed its own clamshell-style charging case earlier this year, offering the brand’s first portable solution instead of the familiar, cabled puck. The new case is lightweight and compact, measuring 56mm x 55mm x 17mm and just 60g. Its shape looks like a miniature version of my high school retainer case, though a much prettier one. It’s built from dark gray recycled aluminum (instead of neon green plastic) that’s classy, sturdy, and splash-resistant. The interior of the case is matte gray with a post that’s perfectly sized to my size 5 ring for a cozy, secure fit. Like the old puck charger, the build is comfortably pocket-sized.
Oura's new charging case finally adds the portability that rival brands already offer.
The hook is that this one holds enough juice for up to five full ring charges. Considering my Oura Ring 4 regularly lasts around four days per charge, that means I can go weeks without needing to plug in. I can pack it for a camping trip in the wilderness, get lost for a while, and come back with all my stats intact. More realistically, I can bring it on a regular, uneventful trip and charge as needed on the go. I wear my smart ring around the clock and usually adhere to a fairly prescribed charging schedule. With the new case, I can top up everywhere from the airplane to the back of an Uber. The case also acts as a protective storage solution when packing or safely stowing the ring when I’m not wearing it.
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