ZDNET’s comprehensive review emphasizes that the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic, now available for purchase at $499, represents the latest evolution in Oura’s line of intelligent wearable rings. This new iteration mirrors the technological capabilities of the existing Oura Ring 4 but introduces an elevated aesthetic through its zirconia ceramic exterior and a palette of four refined new colors. Despite its enhanced elegance, the Ceramic version comes with a slightly bulkier form factor than its metallic predecessor and a modestly higher price tag.
In an era where functionality often outweighs form, most technology tends to prioritize performance over design. No matter how insistently manufacturers describe their devices as sleek or beautiful, the reality is that many gadgets — particularly wearables like smartwatches — remain unapologetically utilitarian, more mechanical than artful. Their cold metallic casings, illuminated sensors in red and green, and overall bulk serve as constant reminders that convenience, not beauty, has long been the defining characteristic of consumer tech. Yet, users continue to overlook these aesthetic shortcomings because the utility they gain — whether drafting an article on a laptop or tracking a morning run with a smartwatch — far outweighs any visual dissatisfaction. Still, one cannot help but imagine a world where our digital accessories combine elegance with functionality, merging the sophistication of fine jewelry with cutting-edge technology.
This vision lies at the heart of Oura’s newest release, the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic. Departing from the brand’s previous reliance on dense metallic materials, the Ceramic model reimagines wearable technology through a softer, more refined lens, presenting a selection of subdued pastels and rich, deep tones that evoke a sense of polished restraint. The range, priced at $500, includes four distinct shades—Petal, a gentle pastel pink; Tide, a tranquil light blue; Cloud, a creamy and timeless white; and Midnight, a bold and shimmering navy. Each color has been devised to capture a unique style personality, turning what was once a purely functional device into an accessory of deliberate self-expression.
Described as an understated gesture of quiet luxury, the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic represents an intersection of high design and practical engineering. Priced at $150 more than the original titanium-based Oura Ring 4, it’s clear that this model intentionally leans into aesthetic appeal, positioning itself as an object of desire as much as a health companion. The brand subtly acknowledges that the Ceramic’s delicate palette appears to cater primarily to a feminine sensibility, offering tones and finishes that echo the grace of fine jewelry rather than the neutrality of everyday tech gear. In essence, it transforms a health-monitoring ring into a wearable style statement—one that allows the wearer’s personal taste to shine through, whether by selecting a luminous white band or a softly tinted blush tone that truly “rings true” to their identity.
Coinciding with the Ceramic’s debut, Oura also rolled out multi-ring support within its companion app, enabling users to alternate effortlessly between different Oura models without tedious manual re-pairing. This convenient update speaks directly to Oura’s recognition of its user base as both technically engaged and stylistically conscious, ensuring that one can match their ring to their outfit or mood without compromising performance.
From a design and engineering perspective, however, there are a few notable physical distinctions. The Ceramic variant carries a slightly larger profile than the standard Oura Ring 4—already a substantial piece in the smart ring market. Crafted from zirconia ceramic, a remarkably durable and scratch-resistant material, the ring manages to blend resilience with elegance. Oura proudly asserts that this composition endures far better than softer metals when exposed to friction and wear. To maintain its surface brilliance, each ring purchase includes a ceramic polishing pad, allowing owners to buff out any fine scuffs that may accumulate over time—an inclusion that reinforces the brand’s detail-oriented approach.
Technologically, the Ceramic model mirrors the titanium Oura Ring 4 flawlessly. Both versions are identical in terms of internal architecture: same sensors, same battery, same processing components, and software systems. The difference resides solely in the external composition and finish, meaning the overall performance—whether in sleep tracking, readiness scoring, or exercise analytics—remains consistent. For those who wish to dive deeper into the software’s functionality, ZDNET’s original Oura Ring 4 review provides extensive commentary on the platform’s accuracy and user experience.
Among the wide array of devices that pass through a tech reviewer’s hands, the Oura Ring consistently distinguishes itself as both wearable and indispensable. Many users, including the reviewer, find themselves wearing it continuously thanks to its wealth of health data — from biomarker trends to detailed visualizations of one’s sleep cycles and recovery rates. It offers depth for dedicated wellness enthusiasts while remaining comprehensible to casual users who simply want reliable, actionable insights into their physical condition. Moreover, its capacity to detect early signs of illness and assist in recovery has established it as a genuinely helpful wellness companion.
Equally impressive is Oura’s continued commitment to user privacy—an essential concern in today’s data-driven health technology sector. The company’s transparent handling of personal information and emphasis on security has earned it a reputation for integrity, making the device not just smart, but trustworthy.
Visually, the zirconia ceramic finish introduces a new aesthetic standard for wearables. Unlike the titanium models, whose metallic surfaces may tarnish or discolor over extended use, the Ceramic version retains its original richness and luster indefinitely because the coloration is fused within the material itself. Smooth, highly polished, and tactilely pleasant, the surface invites touch and admiration. It’s one of the few pieces of wearable tech that doesn’t immediately declare its digital nature—a quality that will resonate deeply with those who have long wished for more beautiful integrations of technology into their everyday lives.
While its metallic predecessor could be appreciated for subtle elegance, the Ceramic model shifts focus toward fashion and personal stylistic presence, positioning the ring as an accessory that gracefully blurs the line between high-tech wellness gear and contemporary jewelry. Through this repositioning, Oura broadens its demographic appeal, making biometrics and health monitoring feel as natural and stylish as accessorizing for the day.
Nevertheless, Oura continues to confront one unresolved issue: gradual battery degradation over time. Many long-term Ring 4 users have noticed a noticeable decline in longevity—falling short of the model’s estimated eight-day lifespan after about a year of continuous wear. To its credit, Oura appears proactive in tackling this problem, offering replacement units to affected users and implementing a recycling program designed to reduce waste from older models.
Ultimately, ZDNET’s buying advice clarifies that the essential distinction between the standard Oura Ring 4 and the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic lies in material choice, color range, and cost. The added $150 functions less as a surcharge for performance and more as a premium for craftsmanship and aesthetic refinement—a ‘fashion tax,’ so to speak. The Ceramic ring thus emerges as a luxurious statement at the intersection of wellness and design, a piece that symbolizes technological sophistication dressed in elegance. For those seeking a health-tracking device that harmonizes practical intelligence with visual beauty—and for whom the $500 investment aligns with their lifestyle—the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic stands as an impeccable choice, a wearable that feels as good to look at as it is to rely upon.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/oura-ring-4-ceramic-review/
