Samsung recently launched the Galaxy SmartTag2. You can easily attach this small device to your backpack, key ring or dog leash, for example, so that you can easily and conveniently find your valuables.
Bram Veldt
Samsung releases a number of different devices under the Galaxy banner. There are of course the well-known Galaxy smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, but also tablets, laptops such as the Book3 Pro and smart watches such as the Watch6. Samsung also releases the small and handy Galaxy Smarttags, small devices that you can attach to valuables and that you can quickly find using your smartphone. This week, Samsung launched the Galaxy SmartTag 2, the successor to the SmartTag and the SmartTag+. This new model is also nice and small with a height of 52.44 and a width of 28.8 mm. This ensures that you can easily attach it to your backpack, key ring or dog leash and of course also thanks to the handy eyelet.
New Lost Mode
With the new Lost Mode [1] and [2] The Galaxy SmartTag2 allows contact information to be entered via message. Then, anyone who finds an item with a Galaxy SmartTag2 attached can scan the tag with a smartphone and instantly see the owner’s message and contact information. This makes a Galaxy SmartTag2 on a pet’s collar a convenient way to ensure that the pet always has the owner’s phone number with them. Lost Mode works with any mobile device with an NFC reader and a web browser.
In addition, the Galaxy SmartTag2 now has an improved Compass View function, which shows the direction and distance of the Galaxy SmartTag2 relative to the user. This feature is available on any Galaxy smartphone that supports ultra-wideband (UWB), such as the Galaxy S23 Ultra[3].
SmartThings Find app
The SmartThings Find app has also been improved. Newly registered Galaxy Smartags users create a shortcut in the app, which makes SmartThings Find start faster. The app now also has a full-screen map display and an intuitive interface, for an even better user experience. When switching to another Galaxy smartphone, SmartTag2 now automatically re-syncs the current Galaxy smartphone with the user’s Samsung account.
New energy saving mode
Users can now use the Galaxy SmartTag2 for even longer via the new energy saving mode [4] and standard mode. For those who want to track items over longer periods of time, power saving mode is the right way to extend battery life without losing track of the items. With power saving mode, the Galaxy SmartTag2 battery now lasts up to 700 days, twice as long as previous Galaxy SmartTag models. In normal mode, battery life has now been extended to 500 days, a 50% increase over previous models. The ability to switch between these two modes allows valuables to be tracked for longer.
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The Galaxy SmartTag2 retains many of the features of the Galaxy SmartTag and SmartTag+. The device has both Bluetooth Low Energy and UWB capabilities and uses Augmented Reality Find technology. This visually guides users to their item using their Samsung Galaxy smartphone’s camera. In addition, the Galaxy SmartTag2 works within a maximum Bluetooth range of 120 meters and can control home appliances via the SmartThings app.
Privacy and security
Samsung protects the privacy of Galaxy users and only makes the device location available with the owner’s permission. Samsung Knox provides an extra layer of security. Contact details are also immediately hidden as soon as lost mode is disabled.
For Samsung Galaxy users, SmartThings Find can also provide security via Unknown tag alerts. This feature warns of unauthorized tracking by sending a notification when SmartThings Find detects an unknown SmartTag tracking the user. This protects the user and prevents misuse of location tracking.
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Price and availability
The price of 1 SmartTag2 is 39.99 euros and can be purchased in various (online) stores.
[1] Galaxy SmartTag2 requires logging into a Samsung account and registering on SmartThings Find. Galaxy SmartTag2 must be paired with ultra-wideband (UWB) Galaxy smartphones running Android 11 or later to fully function. Accuracy may decrease if there is an obstacle between the user and the tag, such as when the tag is in a drawer, behind a wall, or in a car.
[2] Contact information and messages displayed in Lost Mode must be pre-registered in the SmartThings app.
[3] Current Galaxy products that support UWB include the Galaxy Note20 Ultra, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S22+, Galaxy S22 Ultra, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold2, Z Fold3, Z Fold4, Z Fold5.
[4] Battery life is based on results of internal laboratory testing for typical usage pattern scenarios conducted by Samsung. Tested using results from a pre-release version of the device with a CR2032 battery in the box. Actual battery life may vary depending on different usage patterns, device model or battery manufacturer.
[5] Galaxy SmartTag2 has an IP67 rating. Based on laboratory test conditions for immersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Not recommended for use on the beach, in the pool or in soapy water. The water and dust resistance of the device is not permanent and may decrease over time.