Samsung’s Antioxidant Index on Galaxy Watch8 transforms what once seemed like science fiction into everyday technology. In five seconds, a thumb scan returns carotenoid levels – the industry’s first measurable nutrition index[1].

By miniaturizing lab-grade sensor technology, it turns your diet into an actionable metric for healthier aging. Establishing this new benchmark in wearable health tracking required years of intensive R&D, countless prototypes, and unwavering grit.

Breaking New Ground in Nutrition Tracking

Back in 2018, Samsung saw a critical gap in wearables: we could count every step and calorie, yet there was no simple way to measure how our diet impacted our health. Deeper nutritional insights were locked behind expensive and time-consuming lab tests, out of reach for many people.

As people live longer, the focus is shifting from simply increasing lifespan to improving the quality of those additional years.

“In this context, antioxidation naturally gains attention as a method to slow down aging,” explains Dr. Hyojee Joung, a Seoul National University public health nutrition expert who guided parts of the tech’s development. “If antioxidant management is neglected, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) accumulate in the body, increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.”

This realization made antioxidants the cornerstone of Samsung’s mission. Engineers and scientists focused on carotenoids – key antioxidants and indicators of fruit and vegetable intake – to create a device small enough to sit on your wrist, yet powerful enough to turn complex antioxidant data into simple, actionable insights for everyone.

The first prototype of the spectroscopy-based antioxidant sensor

A clinical-ready version of the sensor

A prototype designed for use in skincare products

Challenge #1: How to Shrink the Lab-Grade Sensor Technology

From day one, the dream of a nutrition-tracking wearable hit an immediate snag: traditional methods for measuring carotenoid levels like Raman spectroscopy are laser-based, non-invasive and precise, but rely on bulky machines that are far from wearable. So the team’s first mission was to shrink the lab-grade tech into a coin-sized sensor.

1. The first prototype of the spectroscopy-based antioxidant sensor
2. A clinical-ready version of the sensor
3. A prototype designed for use in skincare products

After seven years of rigorous testing and optimizing since the first prototype, the team developed the BioActive sensor, a groundbreaking tech that combines multi-wavelength LEDs with a custom photodetector array to provide – carotenoid readings in a compact design.

“Our breakthrough was integrating reflectance spectroscopy with LEDs, which allowed us to miniaturize the technology while maintaining a high level of accuracy,” explains Jinyoung Park, a developer from Digital Health team at Samsung Electronics.

Antioxidant sensor LED-PD sensor modules

Unlike lasers, which emit a sharp, narrow wavelength, LEDs emit a broader wavelength range. By analyzing how much light is absorbed by the skin at multiple wavelengths through photodiodes, the watch estimates carotenoid levels. The advanced algorithms that continuously calibrate in real-time also support precision while delivering personalized insights to each user.[2] 

The LED-PD Watch prototype testbed

Challenge #2: How to Ensure the Tech Reaches Everyone

Creating a coin-sized carotenoid sensor was a major milestone, but the next challenge was ensuring it could work accurately and reliably across diverse skin types, making it truly accessible to everyone.

To overcome challenges like melanin interference in darker skin tones, Samsung’s engineers opted to use the fingertip for measurements since it has the least melanin across all ethnic groups. They also added simple tweaks, like light fingertip pressure during scans, which helps temporarily reduce blood flow and hemoglobin interference.

Extensive trials conducted at Samsung Medical Center, included hundreds of participants, validating the sensor’s performance. This paved the way for a feature that seamlessly transitioned from the lab to users worldwide, offering an inclusive solution designed for everyday life.

How it Works:

Carotenoids are the natural red, yellow, and green pigments found in fruits and vegetables. Since our bodies can’t produce carotenoids on their own, the levels stored in the body offer a snapshot of how much fruit and vegetables someone has been eating.

This is where your Antioxidant Index score comes in, reflecting your carotenoid levels based on these categories:

• Very low: Less than 50% of the daily WHO recommendation of 400g per day.
• Low: Between 50%–100%.
• Optimal: 100% or more.

“Skin carotenoids metabolize and accumulate in tissues gradually, so short-term changes in fruit and vegetable intake won’t immediately appear in the score,” explains Dr. Hyojee Joung. “Our research shows that increased carotenoid intake leads to a meaningful rise in skin carotenoid levels after about one to two weeks, making the Index a valuable tool for tracking consistent, long-term dietary habits.”

Lifestyle factors like sleep quality, stress levels, and physical activity also influence the Index, making it a well-rounded indicator of overall wellness. Paired with other Galaxy Watch8 features like sleep coaching[3], activity tracking and Vascular Load monitoring[4], the Antioxidant Index offers a holistic view of your wellness, empowering smarter decisions.

The Antioxidant index feature measures carotenoid levels in seconds with the sensor on the back of the Galaxy Watch8 and provides additional nutritional insights on paired Galaxy smartphones.

Your Wellness, Reimagined

“New wearable sensors can play a role in helping people build healthy eating habits by tracking and encouraging sufficient daily intake of fruits and vegetables,” says Professor Yoonho Choi from Samsung Medical Center.

Antioxidants are an emerging area of focus, and research has been limited due to the challenges of accurate measurement. But Galaxy Watch8’s Antioxidant Index goes beyond current industry developments and delivers meaningful innovation.

Samsung’s ability to measure antioxidant levels is a game-changer in health monitoring. By helping users identify risks early and take proactive steps towards improving their wellness, Samsung is paving the way for a smarter, more proactive approach and reimagining what role wearables can play.

[1] To measure, place the center of your finger on the sensor at the back of the Watch and hold it for 5 seconds. While Anti-oxidant index can be measured using any finger, the thumb is recommended for most accurate result. Repeat measurement if there is uneven placement of finger. Requires Samsung Account login and Samsung Health app 6.27 or later. Available on devices with Android OS 10 (Q OS) or later. AGEs is supported in Samsung Galaxy Watch7 and later released Samsung Galaxy Watch models only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition. Anti-oxidant monitoring is for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.

[2] Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or diseases. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[3] Sleep tracking features are intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or sleep disorder. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice. Sleep Coaching requires sleep data of at least 7 days, including 2 days off. Requires the latest version of the Samsung Health app (version 6.27 or later).

[4] Vascular Load is available on Android phones (Android 10 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app (V6.30 or above). Samsung account login is required. To measure vascular load, it is required to wear Galaxy Watch (Galaxy Watch Ultra, Watch8 and later release Galaxy Watch series) when sleeping for at least 3 days out of recent 14 days. Vascular load monitoring is for fitness and wellness only. If you have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or are recovering from surgery, be sure to follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or diseases. This is a Labs feature that you can preview before its official launch. If you don’t want to use this feature, you can turn if off in Samsung Health settings.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that Galaxy Ring is introducing two new larger sizes of 14 and 15, increasing its sizing range to sizes 5 to 15[1]. Starting today, Samsung is also updating the Samsung Health app to provide advanced features that help you achieve a good night’s sleep, going beyond analyzing sleep patterns from the previous night. These updates include the Sleep environment report, Sleep time guidance, and Mindfulness tracker. With this expansion, Samsung is reaffirming its commitment to improving sleep wellness through innovative technology, ensuring more people can benefit from its innovative solutions.

Galaxy Ring, built for comfort with a lightweight fit and [2], simplifies everyday wellness with a particular emphasis on sleep. Since its global launch in July 2024, Galaxy Ring has expanded to 38 markets, including Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, UAE, U.K. and USA. Galaxy Ring will soon be available in 15 additional markets, including Cyprus, Czech, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Zealand, , Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Taiwan, Vietnam and Zambia. Galaxy Ring is available in three colours: Titanium Black, Titanium Silver, and Titanium Gold.

In addition to the Galaxy Ring expansion, new updates to the Samsung Health app will provide more personalized and comprehensive wellness capabilities[3], supporting better sleep and daily habits.

•  Together with SmartThings, Samsung Health analyzes your sleep environment, assessing factors such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and light intensity in the room. In the morning, you will receive a Sleep environment report[4] with suggestions on how to optimize the conditions of your surroundings.
• Sleep time guidance[5] suggests an optimal bedtime routine  based on unique sleep patterns, habits, and conditions. Going beyond simple sleep analysis, Samsung Health provides actionable insights for better sleep, recommending the most suitable sleep times based on a combination of your sleep quality and daily routines.
• In addition, the new Mindfulness tracker[6] empowers you to achieve a better night’s sleep. You can monitor your moods and follow Samsung Health’s guides for breathing exercises and meditations, all easily accessible within a single tracker.

New sizes of Galaxy Ring will begin to roll out for purchase starting January 22. Find your fit at home with a free sizing kit from Samsung.com or visit a nearby Samsung store.

Sleep Apnea feature is now available on Galaxy Watch in Canada

The Sleep Apnea feature[7] has obtained a Medical Device License from Health Canada and this feature is now available on the Samsung Health app. This feature, will detect signs of sleep apnea using a compatible Samsung Galaxy watch and phone. The sleep apnea feature will enable users over the age of 22 who have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) over a two-night monitoring period, a common and chronic sleep condition that often goes undiagnosed and untreated. To utilize the feature, users will be able to simply track their sleep twice for more than four hours within a ten-day period. With the sleep apnea feature, Samsung is taking the next step in its ongoing commitment to provide Galaxy users with the best possible sleep tools to improve their sleep health habits.

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[1]Availability of Galaxy Ring sizes and colors may vary by market.

[2] Battery life is based on results from internal lab tests for typical usage pattern scenarios conducted by Samsung. Tested with results from a pre-release version of the device under the following conditions: Sleep Tracking for 6 hours, Work Auto Detection for 1 hour and 30 minutes, and  invoking several specific events (reconnection after disconnection, Samsung Health app setting change, Find My Ring execution, gesture execution), assuming 24 hours of Ring use per day. Actual battery life may vary depending on different usage patterns, device model, or the battery manufacturer. Typical battery capacity is 18mAH for sizes 5, 6, 7 (battery life of up to 6 days on a single charge), 19.5mAH for sizes 8, 9, 10, 11 (battery life of up to 6 days on a single charge), and 23.5mAH for sizes 12, 13 (battery life of up to 7 days on a single charge). Testing conducted by Samsung using Fast Charging USB C Cable, and Samsung 25W USB C Power Adapter. Charge time varies with settings, usage pattern and environmental factors; actual results may vary.

[3] Availability may vary by market, carrier or model. The features are intended for general wellness purposes only. Certain features may vary depending on paired devices.

[4] The feature will be available sometime  in the first half of 2025.

[5] The feature will be available sometime in the second half of 2025. Requires wearing either Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring for a minimum of three consecutive nights of sleep data tracking.

[6] Mindfulness tracker is intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition, sleep disorder, or diseases. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[7] The Sleep Apnea Feature is an over-the-counter (OTC) software-only, mobile medical application operating on a compatible Samsung Galaxy Watch and Phone. It is intended for on-demand use, to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in the form of significant breathing disruptions over a two-night monitoring period. Not intended for use by people under 22 years or, or who have previously been diagnosed with sleep apnea, are pregnant, or have any of the following conditions: Parkinson’s, tremor, Periodic Leg Movement During Sleep, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or pulmonary fibrosis. Users should not interpret or take clinical action based on the device output without consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment, and the data provided by this feature is not intended to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders. Results displayed are for informational purposes only. Please consult a medical professional for advice. UI may vary depending on the software version, country, or region. For full terms and conditions of use, please refer to the Instructions for Use on your device.

Samsung Electronics Canada announced today a brand-new Group Challenge feature in the Samsung Health app^[1] so you can now open a 10-people friendly health competition and see who can move the farthest or the fastest.

While sheltering at home or holiday feasting may have gotten in the way of your fitness goals, getting back on track does not have to feel daunting. Since January 12th^[2], Galaxy users can simply create a challenge in the ‘Together’ section of the Samsung Health app to see who can either take the most number of steps in a set amount of time or who can be the first to reach a certain number of steps. Once a challenge is created, you can then invite up to 9 friends to join, even if they are not existing Samsung Health users.

Go to ‘Together’ Tab and click ‘Challenge’ Button in Samsung Health app. You can select between ‘Get the first’ and ‘Go the farthest’ types.

Find Your Fitness Motivation

Motivation and competition can be key factors in achieving your fitness goals. This is why Samsung continues to add new features and capabilities to help you have fun while staying fit.

Group Challenge is the latest expansion of the Samsung Health Challenge features, which you can access via the Together tab on the bottom of the Samsung Health app. There is Global Challenge, the most popular type of Challenge, which enables you to enter monthly step count competitions against all Samsung Health users around the world. Samsung also introduced 1:1 Challenge, allowing you to invite one of your close friends or family members to work with you to achieve your step count goals. And now, 1:1 Challenge has evolved into Group Challenge. While you still have the option to create a one-on-one competition, you can now invite anywhere between 1 to 9 of your friends so you can work out and keep each other motivated to achieve your fitness goals, even when you’re apart. You can even create multiple Group Challenges so you can simultaneously compete with family, friends and co-workers.

Improve Your Overall Wellbeing

Since its launch in 2012 as a simple fitness tracker, Samsung Health has grown into a comprehensive wellness and fitness platform with a wide variety of features, ranging from virtual exercises and mindfulness videos to the ability to track sleep patterns and heart rate.

“In our fast-paced world – particularly in these times – achieving a healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy,” said TaeJong Jay Yang, Corporate SVP and Head of Health Team, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “That’s why we are continuously improving Samsung Health and adding more capabilities to give the users even more ways to stay healthy, wherever, whenever.”

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[1] Available on Galaxy smartphones and tablets running Android M OS or above, and Galaxy smartwatches and fitness trackers. Availability may vary by market and device.

[2] Requires the latest version of the Samsung Health app, which will be released on a rolling basis via the Samsung Galaxy Store and Google Play Store, starting January 12^th.