Samsung Galaxy SmartTag hands-on: Good match with Samsung ecosystem and average functions

      On the morning of March 8, Samsung announced the launch of the SmartTag series of trackers in January. They are small, portable Bluetooth devices that can be placed together with keys, backpacks, etc. to help find products.

　　This product has not yet been released in China. Currently, foreign media have obtained the test product from gsmarena. Let’s take a look at their evaluation.

　　What is SmartTag

　　The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag is a low-power tracker that connects via Bluetooth, and it’s the only one the brand is currently selling. There are two versions of the product, SmartTag and SmartTag+, and Samsung will release the more powerful SmartTag+ with ultra-wideband technology later this year (it will be compatible with phones like the Galaxy S21 Ultra and Note20 Ultra).

　　The Samsung Galaxy StartTag is a small square object that measures 39.1x39.1x9.9mm and weighs only 13 grams. It only works with Samsung Galaxy smartphones and Samsung devices and connects to Samsung's SmartThings app via Bluetooth 5.0 low energy.

　　The Galaxy SmartTag has a simple design with a button in the middle and a hole on the top so users can attach it to a key ring, backpack or pet collar.

The product cannot be stored in a wallet because it bulges in the middle

　　The process of connecting the Galaxy SmartTag to a Samsung smartphone is simple: open the SmartThings app on your phone and add the Galaxy SmartTag from the menu.

　　Function: Tracking

　　With Samsung's SmartThings app, users can use the basic function of Galaxy SmartTag to locate: for example, use the mobile phone to check the location, or double-click the SmartTag button to find the mobile phone.

SmartTag User Interface

　　Users can also use SmartTag to communicate with IoT devices around the home. For example, if the user has an air conditioner or lights supported by the Samsung SmartThings app, they can turn them on or off using the button on the SmartTag. The button can also be set to notify to achieve automation functions, such as turning on lights and curtains with one press.

　　If you want to find a SmartTag, you have three options. You can search for it, which has a nifty signal strength meter that gets stronger as you get closer to the tag (useful for finding your dog in a park). You can also navigate to the tag on a map, which is accurate to about 20 meters, which isn't very practical.

　　The Galaxy SmartTag rings very loudly - about 100 decibels when you're near it - and you can choose from 10 different ringtones that are both powerful and reminiscent of old cell phone ringtones.

　　Galaxy SmartTag is well integrated into the system of Samsung mobile phones. There is a SmartThings app

　　I was able to see the Galaxy SmartTag up to 30 meters away, so this determines that it is only placed on the user's daily items as a location finder, rather than as a security tracker for valuable items that users worry about being stolen. After all, by the time you find it has left your sight, it is already 30 meters away, and the positioning accuracy is limited.

　　The battery inside the Galaxy SmartTag is a standard CR2032 coin cell rated at 220mAh. It should power the tag for about 300 days without needing replacement.

　　To access the battery, simply use a coin to pry the tag off by inserting it into the opening on the bottom of the product. If the user needs to reset the Galaxy SmartTag, first remove the battery and then reinsert it while holding down the button.

　　Who is it suitable for?

　　Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag is a direct competitor to Tile trackers, the most common third-party tracker product currently, and also a competitor to Apple's upcoming AirTags. Apart from rumors about their size, there is little information about Apple's AirTags, or even when they will be released.

Samsung SmartTag

　　At present, Tile's product line spans a lot, which can meet the needs of a wider range of people, and their products support any mobile phone with Bluetooth function, but SmartTag products are only suitable for Samsung phones. However, if users have invested heavily in Samsung's Internet services and smart home, that is, Samsung ecosystem users, then Galaxy SmartTag is also a good choice.

Common scenes are placed on the backpack

　　Unfortunately, the more promising SmartTag + has not appeared yet, we will look forward to it.