Samsung SmartTag2 Review

The Samsung SmartTag2 is a welcome addition to our Bluetooth tracker lineup. This device won the top spot as our favorite for Samsung users for a variety of reasons, including its massive network, large range, replaceable battery, and a plethora of features that are easy to use.

Performance Comparison

Network

Although the SmartTag2 only works on Samsung phones, this Bluetooth tracker still has a massive network, including over 300 million registered and opted-in devices. SmartThings recently tripled in size and has become one of the largest crowd-sourced networks out there. This tracker utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, which dramatically helps pinpoint your lost items. When your phone stays within the Bluetooth reach of the SmartTag2, you have the option to ring it or utilize the tracker's integrated Bluetooth Low Energy and Ultra Wideband functionality for navigation. The display shows directional arrows that guide you toward its location, or you can opt for the augmented reality mode using the camera for more precise guidance, including height-related directions (up or down). No matter the location, whether bustling city or quiet town, every user of a Samsung Galaxy phone inadvertently serves as a silent locator, aiding anonymously in the effort to help you locate your lost item.

The primary issue with the SmartTag2 is its compatibility limitation—it solely functions with Samsung phones operating on Android 9.0 and higher. Users are required to download the SmartThings app, which is exclusively available for Samsung phones. This restriction prevents a considerable number of Android users worldwide from accessing the tracker's impressive features. Additionally, the network's scope falls short compared to the vastness of Apple's Find My network. Nevertheless, if you own a Samsung phone, we believe it remains the top choice for a Bluetooth tracker tailored to your needs.

Features and Ease of Use

Samsung's SmartTag2 has a bunch of extra features that set this tracker apart from the rest. You can customize ringtones to your liking, choose different ring volumes, and set up automations. This allows you to turn on and off smart devices connected to the SmartThings app. Lose your phone? This device has you covered. Press the button in the center of the SmartTag, and your phone will alarm so you can find it. In addition to viewing the live location of your tag, you can also view the location history and track where your item has traveled. All these features are really easy to use and set up.

The SmartTag2 has a long battery life and can last up to 500 days on normal mode and up to 700 days with its battery-saving power mode. And, if over time, the battery dies, you can replace it instead of having to toss the tracker and buy a new one. The battery is a standard CR2023, similar to a watch battery and easy to find. Samsung also made some updates to the SmartThings App, which now boasts a full-screen view map to help you navigate to your lost item.

Noise

One of the cool things about this tracker is you can choose from ten different ringtones on the SmartTag2 to suit your liking. You also have volume level options including low, medium, and high. However, the low setting is pretty tough to hear, especially when the tag is shoved in the couch cushions. In our testing, we recorded the noise level at 60.84 decibels, slightly disappointing as it falls below the levels of most other Bluetooth trackers we tested.

As we stated above, one of our primary concerns regarding this tracker revolves around its noise volume. It was pretty quiet and we had a hard time hearing it in a noisy room. Optimal conditions with minimal background noise are recommended when searching for your tag. Luckily, the SmartThings App does a good job at navigating you close to the tag so you have a chance of hearing it ring.

Range

At up to 390 feet, the SmartTag2 has one of the largest out-of-sight ranges of any Bluetooth tracker we tested. To locate your device, open the SmartThings app and activate the Find function to pinpoint the tag's location. The app will display all your connected Samsung devices on the map. From there, it's super easy, and you have a few different options to locate your tag. The primary two methods include Search Nearby and Navigate. The app will show you how far away you are from your tracker. Opt for Search Nearby when you are currently situated at the same location as the SmartTag 2. Use Navigate when you are at a distance from it. You can use the ringer and find it that way or operate the camera to guide you via arrows to the tag's location.

Keep in mind that if there are a lot of obstacles in the way, the SmartTag2 might fall short of its maximum advertised range of 120 meters. Throughout our testing, we were able to locate the tracker anywhere 200-387 feet depending on where we were. However, this is not unique to this device, and all of the other Bluetooth trackers we tested didn't always consistently perform and produce the same outcome.

Physical Attributes

The SmartTag2 boasts several enhanced features from the prior model that significantly increase its value. Firstly, it now carries an improved IP67 rating, a step up from the original tags IP53 rating. This enhancement offers peace of mind in case your Bluetooth tracker inadvertently finds its way into the laundry. Additionally, we appreciate the refined oval design of the tracker, departing from its previous square shape, and the addition of a built-in keyhole, enabling effortless attachment to your keys without requiring extra accessories.

The new design has a loop which boosts the product's durability by incorporating metal within the ring for increased robustness, capable of accommodating accessories like clips and keyrings. These add-ons can easily fasten onto bags and luggage as well. You can purchase the tracker in two different colors, black or white.

Should You Buy the Samsung SmartTag2?

With a massive network and the use of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, the likelihood of precisely locating your lost items with the SmartTag2 is very high. This tracker is easy to use, super durable, and a great product for Samsung Galaxy users.

What Other Bluetooth Trackers Should You Consider?

Considering the Apple AirTag is not compatible with Samsung devices, another great option would be any of the Tile products, including the Tile Pro, Tile Slim. Tile Mate and the Tile Sticker. All these Bluetooth tracking devices operate with the Tile Network, which is pretty substantial, and they are easy to use.