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Android needs its own trackers, and Samsung’s SmartTag 2 integrates seamlessly with the SmartThings app. Their network isn’t quite as large as Apple’s at the moment but with new devices joining it’s rapidly growing. If you’d like to buy one for yourself, you can check out the link below to Amazon.
Galaxy SmartTag2: Our Verdict
Pros
- Replaceable battery
Cons
- Fairly bulky
- Samsung network not as large as apples
- Angles are not ideal for content viewing
- Location seems to move when out of range
Technical Details
Main Materials
Plastic
Dimensions
28.8mm x 52.44mm x 8.0mm
Weight
13.75g
Battery Life
500 days
Range
120m
Available colours
Black / White
Galaxy SmartTag2: The Review
Trackers are everywhere nowadays, starting with the Tile, which exploded in popularity with the release of the Apple Tag. As an Android user, I’ve always been excluded from using one as I’m not part of the Apple network. Eventually, the batteries died in the Tiles I had and I didn’t even notice. And being Bluetooth only they are only useful if you are close by. So when I lost my car keys for two whole weeks, it prompted me to get them replaced, and I opted for the Galaxy SmartTag2.
First Impressions
It arrived in a small box. It looks quite stylish, it’s a bit bigger than the Airtag and thicker than my old Tile Pro. But it does come with a handy loop making it easier to put on keys. Although this look is fairly thick so wouldn’t fit on bag zippers without a split ring or carabiner.
Setting Up the Galaxy SmartTag2
To get your SmartTag2 registered and set up was really easy. Just remove the plastic tab so it powers on. Hold the button to connect and click the notification on your phone and it’ll open up the SmartThings app.
Tracking
The Samsung SmartTag 2 is reliant On a Samsung Device bring nearby. I’ve checked it on a few occasions to make sure my other set of keys is at home and noticed it does hop around. For some reason, it was saying my keys at the end of my street, when I knew for a fact they were tucked in a drawer at home. As soon as I got back into range though it resets. I’ve noticed this happen a few times, and whenever I go to the area shown it immediately resets to the correct location.
This is frustrating, and if you were sending someone to collect your keys it could cause some issues. Honestly, this is the main reason I can only give the SmartTag2 three as it’s the main function of the device. It is useful and I would buy it again just in case I lost it around the house again. But any further away I would be doubtful of the reliability.
Packability
The Galaxy SmartTag2 isn’t the smallest of trackers, but it’s not cumbersome. It isn’t anywhere near as slim as the Aircard so I can’t fit it in my waller. But a feature I like is the integrated look for hooking onto your keys or onto a bag loop. It means you don’t have to fork out more money for a case like the Apple Tag. Handy as to be honest there aren’t as many options for cases as there are with the Apple Tag.
I have two, one on each set of keys, and I’m considering a third to put inside my bag. Directly comparing the size of the SmartTag2 to the Apple Tag and Tile, there isn’t a huge amount of difference between the three. The main concern is going to be functionality.
Battery Life
Samsung claims that the battery life for the SmartTag2 is 500 days. This can be extended up to 40% if it’s in battery-saving mode. I think this is pretty reasonable considering the price of the trackers. And the battery is replacable which gives it an edge in the market.
Replacing the battery
So a big advantage of the SmartTag2 over the Apple Tag is its replaceable battery. You can use a sim card remover or a paperclip to release the battery tray, and then just pop in a new battery. It would be better if it was rechargeable, but it’s not a huge inconvenience and it’s better than discarding it entirely.
Galaxy SmartTag2: Final Thoughts
Being the only android user in the family it’s good to have a comparison. If I’m honest, I am a bit jealous of the AirTag. Although the Galaxy SmartTag2 is better in terms of form the Apple Tag is better in function, which ultimately is what it’s all about. I would say that for Samsung users it’s still worth the investment. Although the tracking isn’t perfect as Samsung continues to invest in and update the trackers this will improve over time.
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