The evolution of Samsung mobile phones has allowed users to access advanced health features thanks to the integration of increasingly precise and sophisticated internal sensors. Blood oxygen monitoring, in particular, has become popular as one of the most valued features, allowing for closer and more accessible monitoring of overall well-being from the palm of your hand.
Samsung, at the forefront of innovation, has included this technology in several of its most iconic models. Although the trend in recent releases has been to dispense with certain sensors, such as the oximeter, it is still possible to find devices from the brand capable of measuring SpO2, or blood oxygen saturation. This article explains this in detail. How to measure blood oxygen with your Samsung mobile phone, which models include this function, how to use it correctly, and what alternatives you have both inside and outside the Samsung ecosystem.
What is SpO2 and why is it important to measure it?
La SpO2 (peripheral oxygen saturation) is an essential indicator that shows the percentage of oxygen carried by hemoglobin in the blood. Normally, healthy values range from 95% and 100%. When this value falls below these limits, it may indicate respiratory, cardiac or circulatory problems, so a regular monitoring specially in older people, athletes, or those who suffer respiratory diseases.
Until recently, the SpO2 measurement It used to be performed exclusively through a medical device called a pulse oximeter. Now, thanks to the technology built into some mobile phones and wearables, this measurement is accessible from home or anywhere. However, it's essential to understand that These results should be interpreted with caution and never replace professional diagnosis.If you persistently detect abnormal measurements, you should consult your medical center.
How does blood oxygen measurement work on Samsung phones?
Samsung models that incorporate SpO2 sensor use light pulses on the back of the terminal to analyze blood oxygen saturation. When you place your finger on the sensor, a red light and an optical sensor measure how much light passes through the finger, and from that information, the percentage of oxygen carried in the blood is calculated.
Although this mechanism is similar to that of medical oximeters, mobile devices can be affected by external factors such as sensor cleanliness, finger position, movement during measurement, or the presence of nail polishTherefore, it's important to follow the recommendations to ensure maximum accuracy and take multiple measurements if you get results outside the normal range.
Samsung Health App: The Health Center on Your Mobile
Samsung health is the official tool offered by Samsung to monitor different aspects of your health and physical activity. This free application allows you to record from the daily steps and exercise performedUntil the body weight, water intake, sleep and other data. Notably, on compatible models, it adds the option to measure blood oxygen directly from the app.
Key benefits of Samsung Health:
- Native integration with Samsung hardware: ensures greater stability and precision in SpO2 measurement on compatible models.
- Centralization of health data: In addition to blood oxygen, you can keep track of your overall daily well-being.
- Personalized Recommendations on nutrition, rest and sports, based on the data recorded by the application.
- Simple to use: Intuitive interface and ability to manage visible elements on your home screen.
It's important to remember that while Samsung Health allows you to record and manage key values such as oxygen saturation, does not replace the advice of a medical professionalThe results should be interpreted responsibly and serve as a personal reference.
Which Samsung models have a blood oxygen meter?
The integration of the SpO2 sensor in Samsung phones has been gradual and limited to certain ranges. You should know that Not all Samsung devices can measure blood oxygen, and that the most recent models have stopped including this sensor to give priority to other features.
Samsung devices with built-in SpO2 sensor:
- Samsung Galaxy S5
- Samsung Galaxy S6
- Samsung Galaxy Edge S6
- Samsung Galaxy S7
- Samsung Galaxy S8
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Galaxy S10
- Samsung Galaxy S10 +
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5
- Samsung Galaxy Note 6
- Samsung Galaxy Note 7
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9
According to various forums and sources, The SpO2 sensor is no longer integrated starting with the Samsung Galaxy S10 and Note 9. and later, so the S20 series and higher only allow you to manually record values, but not directly measure them. If you have a newer model, you'll need to resort to smartwatches or alternative apps.
Recommendations for accurate measurements on Samsung phones:
- Carefully clean the sensor with a soft cloth before use.
- Keep your nails clean and free of polish.
- Place your finger in the position indicated by the app and avoid moving it during the measurement.
- Take multiple measurements at different times of the day for greater reliability.
How to measure blood oxygen with your Samsung phone (Step-by-step guide)
If your Samsung phone has an SpO2 sensor, you can take your measurement from the Samsung Health app. Here's the detailed procedure to obtain your blood oxygen level:
- Opens Samsung health on your device.
- Scroll down and look for the option “Manage items”.
- Choose "Blood oxygen" and press the “+” button to add it to your home screen. Then, save your changes.
- On the main screen, tap "Blood oxygen".
- Place a clean finger on the rear sensor of your phone and hold it steady while the measurement is taken.
- When prompted, remove your finger and check the results on the screen.
The information is automatically stored in the app so you can review the progress of your values and share them with your doctor if necessary.
What to do if your Samsung phone doesn't have an oxygen sensor?
If you have a device that does not have a SpO2 sensor, there are equally useful alternatives To record your blood oxygen:
1. Samsung smartwatches and smart bracelets
Samsung has focused on its wearables, allowing most of its premium smartwatches and wristbands to incorporate pulse oximeters. Models such as:
- Galaxy Fit
- galaxy fit 2
- Galaxy Watch, Watch Active, Watch Active 2 and Watch Active 3
- Galaxy Watch 4 Series and above (includes more advanced health analytics)
These devices automatically sync with Samsung Health, making it easy to monitor and analyze your health metrics without having to have the sensor on your phone.
2. Wearables from other compatible brands
You can also choose to third-party sports watches and bracelets These devices integrate SpO2 measurement and can be synchronized with health apps like Google Fit, Apple Health, or apps from their respective brands. Some of the most notable for their reliability include:
- Amazfit GTS 2, GTR 2, X and Band 5
- Garmin Vivosmart 4, Venu SQ, Vivoactive 4/4S, Forerunner 245, 745 and 945
- Xiaomi Mi Watch
- Honor Band 5, Magic Watch 2, Watch GS Pro, Watch ES
- Huawei Band 4 Pro, Band 4, Watch GT2 and Watch GT2e
Always check the device's spec sheet to ensure it includes blood oxygen measurement and is compatible with your smartphone.
3. Mobile apps to measure blood oxygen using the camera
If your mobile does not have a dedicated sensor, there are applications that estimate oxygen saturation using the rear camera and LED flashThey work like this: you place your finger over the lens and the flash, the app analyzes the changes in color and brightness produced by the blood pulse and provides an estimate of the SpO2.
Some of the most used applications are:
- CarePlix Vitals: Available on the Google Play Store, it allows you to measure heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate. Simply register, access "Record Vitals," start the scan, and place your finger on the rear camera. The measurement takes about 30 seconds and provides a rough guideline result. It's recommended to take several measurements for more accurate references.
- blood oxygen: Also available on iPhone and some Android devices. It allows for quick measurement with your finger on the camera. It's easy to use and, in some cases, doesn't require creating a user account.
Warning: These apps offer a rough estimate; they do not replace the accuracy of a medical oximeter or dedicated sensors and should be used only as a personal reference. If the measurements are abnormal, consult a professional.
Limitations and recommendations for measuring blood oxygen from a mobile phone
SpO2 measurement technology in mobile phones and wearables is very useful, but it has certain limitations. limitations:
- The data is indicative and may be affected by movement, poor finger placement, cold, poor circulation, nail polish, or dirt on the sensor.
- Not all apps or sensors offer the same precision as professional medical devices.
- Abnormal measurements should be confirmed with approved equipment, and if they persist, it is important to consult a doctor.
- App and sensor versions may vary by country, device model, and system updates.
Samsung Health and similar apps recommend using the data for personal reference only., not for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
Remember that regular SpO2 monitoring is especially beneficial for athletes, people with respiratory conditions, the elderly, or any user who wants to better understand their health. Although the current trend is moving away from integrating SpO2 sensors into high-end Samsung smartphones, alternatives thanks to wearables and mobile apps make it very easy to access this information and keep a more comprehensive check on your well-being from anywhere.
Hello, the latest S.Health update does not allow me to measure SpO2 .. Can you tell me which is the latest version that allows it?