Since the Galaxy S5, Samsung has included an optical heart rate sensor at the back of its flagship smartphones. Over the years, they added new features to measure oxygen saturation and stress levels. On the Galaxy S9 and S9+, there’s a hidden new feature and it allows you to measure your current blood pressure.
Before you start checking on your phone, do note that this new feature isn’t available out of the box. You’ll need to install an My BP Lab app which is available officially for US users. The app allows users to monitor their blood pressure and stress levels with personalised insights to improve your daily health. It was introduced in partnership between Samsung and UC San Francisco.
When setting it up for the first time, they would recommend that you have an actual blood pressure cuff with you in order to set a baseline reading. If you don’t have one, you can still proceed but they will only record the differences of your blood pressure without giving its actual Systolic and Diastolic BP readings. So all you’ll get is the percentage difference which is quite pointless.
However, the readings aren’t 100% accurate according to PhoneArena’s testing. They compared it to a blood pressure cuff and the Galaxy S9 showed about 5 points discrepancy. After all, this optically based feature is still in its early stages but they would need more testing to improve its accuracy. If it becomes accurate over time, Samsung might include this feature into the Samsung Health app and we that it could work without having to set a baseline with actual blood pressure cuff.
To take part of this program, you’ll need to measure your blood pressure and answer questions 3 times a day for 3 weeks. If you’re interested, you can download the app via APK Mirror. Take note that this isn’t a link from Google PlayStore so proceed only if you’re aware of the risks.
