The Samsung SmartTag3 will soon be here to give Apple AirTags a run for their money. This is especially true since Samsung’s upcoming smart trackers now offer cross-OS support. That level of universality should make them more appealing no matter your preferred platform.
First Impressions
During a recent Samsung event, I went hands-on with the SmartTag3 and was impressed by its new features and compact design. It also didn’t hurt that a cute dog was at the event to show how the tags benefit pet owners. But whether it’s your fur baby or your luggage, SmartTag3 should help you keep track of your precious items.
Here’s what I think of the Samsung SmartTag 3.
Availability and Pricing
Just in time for the holiday season, the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag3 will be available in the U.S. in early November. A one-pack will cost $29, and a four-pack will be $99. Tags will be available in White and Black.
Additionally, Samsung will offer new official accessories for its tags. These include a Silicone Case with a keyring and a Loop Case. Pricing has yet to be announced.
Compact and Durable Design
Instead of a key fob design like the Galaxy SmartTag 2, the new SmartTag3 resembles a small puck. It’s now about 35% smaller by volume and 33% lighter than the previous model. That makes it easy to attach the tags to keys, small bags, luggage, or even your pet’s collar.
The rounded tag also features an aluminum-decorated button, giving it a more elegant look and a durable feel.
I like how the tags are elegant yet unobtrusive. Whether you place them on your backpack or your dog’s collar, they won’t look out of place. They also feel nice to hold thanks to their smooth texture.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
One of the biggest new features, and a first for the Galaxy SmartTag lineup, is cross-OS compatibility for Galaxy and iOS devices. Samsung says this will make it easier for families and groups to access core finding and sharing features across platforms. In other words, if you’re an iPhone user, the SmartTag3 will work with your phone.
Via SmartThings Find, you can check and share a tag’s location and use Search Nearby across supported devices. So if a family member borrows your bookbag, you can check its location and use supported finding features from your Galaxy or iPhone.
Enhanced Tracking Features
If you’ve lost track of something in your home, you can use Compass View to help find it. Acting like one of the trackers in the Alien movies (minus the monsters), Compass View provides distance and directional guidance from up to 60 meters away, which is about three times farther than the previous model. As you get closer, you’ll see a circle on the app begin to fill, and it will fill when you’re in the target location.
What happens when the SmartTag3 moves outside the connection range? That’s where the Galaxy Find Network kicks in to keep the search going. As Samsung explained, more than 900 million participating Galaxy devices worldwide can act as finding nodes to detect the SmartTag3 and update its location beyond your phone’s reach.
Samsung’s smart tags also tell you when objects or pets move from their usual areas via the Place Notification feature. This saves you from constantly checking whether something has moved. If it does, you’ll be notified. Location History also lets you review where your tag has been, while the Movement Detection Alert feature notifies you when movement is detected.
Lastly, the SmartTag3 promises up to 550 days of battery life under normal use and up to 790 days in power-saving mode. Since Apple’s Smart Tags last about a year (365 days), this is another reason for Apple users to consider Samsung’s SmartTag.
Outlook
Samsung has stepped things up with the SmartTag 3, making it more useful for tracking the things you don’t want to lose. Cross-OS support is arguably the biggest new feature, as it opens up these trackers to folks outside the Samsung ecosystem.
As an iPhone user myself, I’m impressed by what I saw and would gladly give these smart trackers a shot. You all can too, as November is just around the corner. Stay tuned for more!
