Samsung Health : BIA Sensor, Is it Accurate?

Samsung has always been a frontrunner when it comes to innovative technology, and their new Galaxy Watch 4 is no exception. This smartwatch is equipped with Samsung’s groundbreaking BioActive Sensor, which boasts a smaller and more compact design that doesn’t detract from measurement accuracy. This new 3-in-1 sensor uses a single chip to precisely run three powerful health sensors — Optical Heart Rate, Electrical Heart and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. In this article I will explain in more detail about the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis.

1. What is Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis?

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a method of estimating body composition. BIA works by passing a small electrical current through the body. The resistance to this current is used to estimate body fat percentage.

BIA is generally considered to be safe and reliable when performed by a trained professional. However, there are some limitations to this method. BIA may be less accurate in people who are obese, have a lot of body hair, or are pregnant.

2. Samsung Designs a New circuit with Small BIA Sensors.

Larger the electrodes, the more accurate the analysis will likely to be. However in this case, Samsung are challenged to create a stylish watch without sacrificing accuracy. With relentless dedication by the team at Samsung they have provided a unique solution that can achieve this and devised a new hardware solution.

Samsung created a new circuit with multiple switch’s which can open and close in 16 different combination per tenth of a second. In a space of 15 seconds the Galaxy Watch can measure 2400 electrical currents to estimate body composition.

What it lacks in electrode size, they make up for in generating enough electrical current. With minimal skin connection, the Bio Active Sensor is still able to deliver reasonable results. All thanks to Samsung’s new hardware solution.

3. How Does the Bio Active Sensor Measure Your BMI?

The Bio Active Sensor on the Galaxy Watch uses impedance plethysmography (IP). IP is a method of estimating body composition that is based on how water conducts electricity.

The body is made up of two main types of tissue: lean tissue and fat tissue. Lean tissue, which includes muscle, bone, and organs, contains a high percentage of water. Fat tissue contains a lower percentage of water.

Because lean tissue conducts electricity better than fat tissue, the amount of current that flows through the body can be used to estimate the percentage of fat vs. lean tissue.

The Galaxy Watch uses a low-frequency electrical current (50kHz) to estimate body composition. The current flows from one electrode on the watch to another.

The Galaxy Watch uses four electrodes: two on the bezel (the metal ring around the watch face) and two on the back of the watch case.

When the current flows through the body, it encounters resistance. The amount of resistance is affected by a number of factors, including the amount of water in the tissue and the size and type of cells.

The Galaxy Watch uses algorithms to interpret the data from the Bio Active Sensor and estimate body composition. The watch can estimate body fat percentage, muscle mass, and water weight.

4. Should You Consider Buying a Galaxy Watch 4 with BIA?

It’s a good feature. Samsung really wanted to provide a health feature that is reliable and useful. Did it hit the mark? Yes and No. Its a great feature to get a general idea of you BMI.

If you are looking for a health feature that is going to give you very specific data, this might not be the best option.

There are other devices out there that use BIA and are more accurate. However, they also tend to be more expensive and less convenient.

The Galaxy Watch is a good middle-of-the-road option. It is more accurate than some other devices on the market, but it is also less expensive and more convenient.

If you are looking for a health feature that is affordable and convenient, the Galaxy Watch with BIA might be a good option for you.