Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 represents a significant overhaul from its predecessor, introducing Bluetooth Low Energy and ultra-wideband technology to aid in locating lost items or triggering smart home routines. With an enhanced design, it is now more compact and durable, boasting an IP67 rating for protection against dust and water.
Featuring a larger, metal-reinforced cutout, it easily attaches to items such as luggage, bikes, or even pet collars. It's worth noting that this tracker is exclusively designed for Samsung users, functioning solely with Galaxy devices and Samsung's SmartThings Find network. If you fall into this user category, the SmartTag 2 proves to be an excellent choice, excelling in performance as a top pick for a Bluetooth tracker.
And today I am going to share a detailed review of the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 for all the readers of Geeky Stuffs sharing all the pros and cons of the product.
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 Bluetooth Tracker - Detailed Review
Design and Build Quality
The SmartTag 2 adopts a pill-shaped design, featuring a significantly larger cutout with a reinforced metallic insert for added durability. This design enhancement facilitates easy attachment to clips or keychains. Notably, the SmartTag 2 is equipped with a user-replaceable battery (CR2032), accessible through a concealed coin cell tray.
While ejecting the tray may pose a slight challenge and requires a pin tool, the convenience of self-replacement of the battery is appreciated. Samsung claims that the SmartTag 2 boasts a 500-day battery life, extendable to 700 days with the power-saving mode activated.
With an IP67 rating, the SmartTag 2 is dustproof and can withstand submersion in up to one meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. A discreet button is concealed beneath the front surface, positioned below the logo. When pressed, the SmartTag emits a chirping sound, providing an audible cue for feedback. The small speaker grille is located on the back of the tag.
How does the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 Work?
The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 serves as a Bluetooth tracking device, aiding users in locating various items such as keys, wallets, bags, and even pets. To utilize this tracking feature, you attach the tag to the item of interest, pair it with your Samsung Galaxy smartphone or tablet, and configure settings within the SmartThings app.
If the item is within Bluetooth range, you have the option to ring it for easy location or use the "Search Nearby" feature, providing directional guidance (left, right, up, down, forward, backward). When the item is beyond immediate proximity, the SmartTag can discreetly communicate its location through other Samsung Galaxy devices linked to the SmartThings Find network, assisting in the retrieval of lost possessions.
It's important to note that the SmartTag 2 exclusively functions with Samsung phones running Android 9.0 and above. The SmartThings app is not only a required companion but must be specifically installed on a Samsung phone, thereby excluding over half of Android's global users from utilizing the tracker. Moreover, the SmartTag 2 relies solely on other Samsung devices within its SmartThings Find tracking network, which may result in a less extensive network compared to Google's Android-wide Find My Device. The device's performance may vary depending on the popularity of Samsung or Apple in a given country, and its compatibility may be affected when Google launches its own tracking system.
Features and Performance
When my phone is within Bluetooth range of the SmartTag 2, I can ring it, and the tracker's built-in Bluetooth and Ultra WideBand (UWB) capabilities allow for precise navigation. On the display, arrows indicate the correct direction, or for enhanced precision, the Augmented Reality mode with the camera offers height-specific (up or down) directions. This feature proved exceptionally reliable and effective within my apartment, never failing.
Although the Galaxy SmartTag 2 theoretically maintains connectivity at a distance of 120 meters, my practical experience, considering walls and obstacles, capped it at around 30 meters. The SmartTag 2 introduces support for automations, customizable through the Settings menu. For instance, you can define actions for a press or a press-and-hold, ranging from simple tasks like toggling a smart light to orchestrating complex sequences through IFTTT. Personally, I repurposed the SmartTag 2 button as a remote for my air conditioner, and it consistently delivered reliable performance. It's easy to envision using it as a quick way to turn off all lights upon leaving home.
Additionally, the tracker features a new Lost Mode, allowing users to include contact information and a message for potential tag recovery. Importantly, Lost Mode can be remotely deactivated if you prefer to keep that information private.
Conclusion
I appreciate the additional features that Samsung has integrated in the Galaxy SmartTag 2. The option to customize ringtones, adjust ring volumes, and access location history adds valuable functionality. The built-in keyring hook and the dedicated button, allowing you to ring your phone from the tracker, silence the ringing when you locate the tracker, or initiate a smart home routine, are notable enhancements.
Samsung presents a compelling offering with the SmartTag 2, proving equally adept at locating nearby misplaced items and remotely tracking lost possessions. The reliability of the Samsung SmartThings Find network stands out, particularly in urban areas. In less populated regions, the effectiveness of the SmartTag 2 as a lost-item tracker may depend on the popularity of Samsung's Galaxy lineup.