Samsung Unveils Compact, Long-Lasting SmartTag Compatible with iPhones

Samsung has unveiled its latest Bluetooth tracker, the Galaxy SmartTag 3. This new iteration features a more compact design and enhanced battery life, along with several new tracking capabilities and software improvements, including cross-platform support aimed at simplifying the sharing of tracking data with friends and family.

The SmartTag 3 sports a squircle shape, reminiscent of its predecessor, but with a notable change: it lacks a key ring cutout. To attach it to keys or a carabiner, you’ll need to purchase one of Samsung’s protective cases. It also boasts an IP67 rating, ensuring it can withstand various environmental conditions.

The updated design brings some advantages, as the SmartTag 3 is 35% smaller and 33% lighter than the SmartTag 2. Additionally, it’s 10% more power-efficient, allowing its replaceable CR2032 battery to last up to 550 days under normal usage, or 790 days in power-saving mode.

Unlike earlier models that were limited to Samsung devices, the SmartTag 3 now supports iOS as well. While Samsung doesn’t anticipate converting AirTag users, it positions this tracker as a tool for sharing tracking information with friends, family, or dog walkers to assist in locating lost items or pets. There’s also an inquiry into whether it will support other Android devices.

New features include customizable notification alerts that activate when a SmartTag 3 enters or exits a designated area, movement detection alerts for minor shifts, and location history to track a tag’s movements. Tracking is managed through Samsung’s Galaxy Find Network, rather than Google’s Find Hub, which was introduced after the SmartTag 2. When within 200 feet of the tracker, ultra-wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding work together on compatible devices for more accurate detection.

The SmartTag 3 will be available in black and white, launching in South Korea on October 7th. A US release is set for early November, with a price of $29.99 for a single tracker and $99.99 for a four-pack, matching the pricing of the SmartTag 2, Apple’s latest AirTag, and Google’s new Pixel Tag.