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.

Finding Keys

This is one of the best trackers for finding lost keys. It utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, which significantly helps pinpoint lost items. When your phone stays within the Bluetooth reach of the SmartTag2, you can ring it or use 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 a bustling city or a 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.

You can choose from ten different ringtones on the SmartTag2 to suit your liking. You also have volume level options, which include 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, which is 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 difficulty 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 of navigating you close to the tag so you have a chance of hearing it ring.

Finding Luggage and Bags

Finding your luggage and bags is all about the size of the network. Although the SmartTag2 only works on Samsung phones, it still has a massive network, including over 400 million registered and opted-in devices. SmartThings has become one of the largest crowd-sourced networks out there.

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.

Unlike Apple's network, which just shows the last location, the SmartTag2 gives you location history so you can follow an item on its journey.

Finding a Pet

At up to 390 feet, the SmartTag2 has one of the largest out-of-sight ranges of any Bluetooth tracker we tested. This is ideal when tracking a pet. It also has a design that can easily fit on a collar. However, many users will want a more custom way to attach the device.

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 numerous obstacles in the way, the SmartTag2 may fall short of its maximum advertised range of 120 meters. Throughout our testing, we were able to locate the tracker anywhere from 200 to 387 feet away, depending on our location. However, this is not unique to this device, and all of the other trackers we tested didn't always consistently perform and produce the same outcome. Also, once your pet is out of range, you are out of luck until it passes another Samsung device. This is why GPS trackers are often so much better for pets, especially in rural areas.

Finding Bikes and Vehicles

The SmartTag2 performs reliably when tracking vehicles and bikes, just as it does with luggage. Its design is practical, allowing you to easily attach it to your bike frame or car using a zip tie. Additionally, it's useful for monitoring the journey of each bike or vehicle.

Usability

The SmartTag2 has many 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 widely available. 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.

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Should You Buy the Samsung SmartTag2?

If you're a Samsung user, we say yes. 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 incompatible with Samsung devices, another great option would be any of the Tile products, including the Tile Slim Card, 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.