Samsung's new Galaxy SmartTag 3 introduces hardware refinements including a 35% smaller footprint, 550-day battery life, and cross-platform support for Android 12+ and iOS 17+, though features vary depending on the host operating system.
It's 35% smaller and 33% lighter than the SmartTag 2. It comes in black and white and is dustproof and can withstand being submerged in up to a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Samsung sells separate cases and rings, which cost about $15 to $20.
How it detects objects
When the object is nearby, the SmartThings app can show which direction the SmartTag 3 is facing. In testing, the direction indicators worked out to about 283 feet, while the connection to the phone was lost at 310 feet. In the same test, the AirTag 2 reached 479 feet before losing direction indicators and the connection.
Samsung lists a maximum range of 200 feet for guidance. For longer range, you'll need one of the following phones: Galaxy S26+, Galaxy S26 Ultra, or Galaxy Z Fold 8 series device. Directional cues may initially point in the wrong direction, but will correct as you move toward the object. Once you're within about a foot, the app will show that the object is right there.
If the object is out of range of your phone, nearby Galaxy phones can help update its location. Samsung says there are 900 million Galaxy devices worldwide. The app can also show the locator's previous locations and provide directions via Google Maps.
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On iPhone, the SmartThings app shows the location of the SmartTag 3 on a map, but does not offer direction cues, pinpointing, or turn-by-turn directions. To use with iPhone, you must install the Samsung app from the App Store and sign in to a Samsung account. SmartTag 3 supports Galaxy devices running Android 12 or later and iPhones running iOS 17 or later.
Battery, sound and notifications
Samsung estimates the battery will last 550 days with normal use, compared to 500 days for the SmartTag 2. With power saving, it can last up to 790 days. When it runs out, you can replace it.
Through the app, you can make the SmartTag 3 make a sound. In a test from a distance of six inches, the sound reached 73,5 decibels. In the same test, the AirTag 2's sound reached 84,3 decibels and the Tile Pro's sound reached 86,3.
The app can alert you if you move away from your SmartTag 3, if it moves, or when it returns to a location you have set. You can set up to five locations. The motion alert works when the tracker is completely disconnected from your phone. Nearby Galaxy devices are required to detect its movement.
If you lose your item, the lost feature can display a message and contact information to anyone who scans the SmartTag 3 with a compatible phone. The app can also locate unknown locators that are compatible with SmartThings Find. It does not locate AirTags or Tiles.
Samsung says it encrypts location information on the Galaxy Find network so only the owner can locate their belongings.
The SmartTag 3 offers more features for Galaxy phone owners. With iPhones, users can see its location on a map, but don't have the other finder options. Also, the accessories needed to attach it to a keychain are sold separately.
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