Galaxy SmartTag+ is a Samsung Product for Finding Your Lost Items.
Mobile accessories and phone manufacturer, Samsung, announced the launch of the Galaxy SmartTag+ product earlier in April 2021. The SmartTag+, according to Samsung, is described as the “smart way to find lost items”. And has been available since April 16th.
If you have a number of easily lost items like keychains, luggage, bags, and so on, the SmartTag+ will definitely come in handy. Bonus points for it if you’re a naturally careless person. The Galaxy SmartTag+ is an upgraded version of the Samsung SmartTag.
In this post, we’re taking a look at this product and how it works. We’ll also cover the pricing and if we think it’s worth investing in.
READ MORE: Why the Samsung Galaxy S21 series is cheaper than the S20 series.
How Does the Galaxy SmartTag+ Work?
Galaxy SmartTag+ is equipped with both Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. This helps the device pinpoint, with great accuracy, the exact location of whatever item it’s attached to. Both technologies (BLE and UWB) are known for using low-energy levels and having short-range, high bandwidth communication.
It also uses augmented reality (AR) technology. This helps to visually guide you towards where your missing item is located using your smartphone’s camera.
What Exactly Does it Do?
With the Galaxy SmartTag+, you can trace your lost or misplaced items. Your tag can be attached to these items so they can be precisely and easily located using the SmartThings Find service on your Galaxy device.
Quick info: The Galaxy SmartTag+ is IP68 rated. Hence, it is waterproof and dustproof.
What if the Lost Item is Far Away?
You might be wondering if this product will be helpful if your lost item is in a faraway location. Because, normally, the technology that the tag uses has a maximum range of 200m. However, the SmartTag+ will definitely be helpful in such situations. Here’s how it’d work.
Once you report your tag/item as missing in SmartThings Find, any nearby Galaxy device that has opted in will alert the SmartThings server about its location and you will receive a notification.
You should also know that all data in SmartThings Find is encrypted. Hence, be rest assured that the tag’s location isn’t revealed to anyone but you. This looks like a great way to address the range problem of the technology.
SmartTag vs Galaxy SmartTag+: What’s Different
The table below summarizes the major differences between two variants—the SmartTag and Galaxy SmartTag+.
| SmartTag | Galaxy SmartTag+ | |
| Technology | Bluetooth | – Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) – Ultra-wideband (UWB) |
| Compatibility | Compatible with all Samsung phones | Only compatible with Galaxy phones that have UWB |
| Price | $30 | $40 |
| Augmented Reality | No | Yes |
For reference, here are some Galaxy devices that have the UWB chip:
- Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S20
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
How Much is the Galaxy SmartTag+?
The Samsung SmartTag+ currently sells for $40. However, it might be slightly higher than this when it gets to the end-user, majorly due to the involvement of middlemen and retailers.
The Samsung SmartTag+ currently sells for $40. However, it might be slightly higher than this when it gets to the end-user, majorly due to the involvement of middlemen and retailers. You’d need more than one SmartTag+ device to track multiple items.
Battery
First, you should know that the Galaxy SmartTag+ battery is totally replaceable. It uses a CR2032 battery that can last a user for several months.
Is the Galaxy SmartTag+ Worth Buying
The big question – Is the Galaxy SmartTag+ worth buying at that price? From our end, if you have a Samsung Galaxy device with UWB, then we think you should totally go for it. The AR Finder feature makes the experience a lot better with the SmartTag+ and every user should experience that.
