It is common knowledge that batteries deteriorate and expand when they grow old or if they are overcharged. Though this is deemed a fire hazard, this is simply the nature of lithium-ion batteries, and it can’t be helped. However, the last thing you want is to have said fire hazard attached to your finger.
This was an actual scenario experienced by X user @ZONEofTECH with his Galaxy Ring. According to the user’s report, the wearable’s battery was slowly expanding and tightening around his finger, preventing him from removing it.
As a result of the Galaxy Ring’s swollen battery, the user was barred from boarding his flight. ZONEofTECH had no choice but to go to a hospital where the device was successfully removed.
9to5Google notes that, due to the concave outer layer of the wearable, the battery does not have enough room to expand. Adding on to the fact that the ring’s outer metal body is made of titanium, you can see how the ring can essentially bite down on a user’s finger.
Image: @ZONEofTECH, via X
Image: @ZONEofTECH, via X
Image: @ZONEofTECH, via X
The reason we say “bite” is that the wearable’s battery sharply peaks in concentrated areas, as per the images above. This is completely different from traditional phone batteries that often “pillow” up when they swell.
9to5Google reached out to Samsung about the incident, to which the tech giant said, “The safety of our customers is a top priority and we are in direct contact with this user to learn more about their concerns. While experiences like this are extremely rare, there are a few ways to attempt removing a stuck ring, including soap and water or submerging your hand in cold water. If these methods do not work, additional information is provided on our Samsung Support page.” The company has also made contact with the affected user via social media.
(Source: 9to5Google, X [1], [2], [3], [4])
