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Freedom251 › Blog › Apple AirTag

Samsung’s Answer to Apple’s AirTag: Galaxy SmartTag2 vs. AirTag (2nd Generation)

By Freedom251 Team · · 6 min read

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Samsung’s answer to Apple’s AirTag is the Galaxy SmartTag2, a Bluetooth tracker with UWB precision finding on compatible Galaxy phones. It is designed for Samsung’s ecosystem, not as a universal tracker: setup requires a compatible Galaxy device, a Samsung account and SmartThings Find. Apple’s current comparison is the second-generation AirTag, introduced in 2026, which relies on Apple devices and the Find My network. The practical choice is usually the phone and finding network you already use.

What is Samsung’s answer to AirTag?

It is the Galaxy SmartTag2. The tag uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to help locate nearby belongings and can use ultra-wideband (UWB) for directional precision finding when paired with a compatible Galaxy phone. When the tag is beyond the owner’s direct Bluetooth connection, its location can be reported through Samsung’s Galaxy Find Network by opted-in Galaxy devices nearby. That network-assisted reporting is not a promise of a fresh location everywhere or at all times.

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Samsung’s cited product page is its U.S. listing. There, setup requires a compatible Galaxy smartphone or tablet running Android 11.0 or later, at least 3 GB of free RAM, a Samsung account, registration in SmartThings Find and user opt-in. Check Samsung’s current U.S. SmartTag2 listing for device compatibility and regional details.

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Does Galaxy SmartTag2 work with iPhone?

SmartTag2 is built around Samsung’s Galaxy and SmartThings Find services; it is not an iPhone-compatible alternative to AirTag. If you use an iPhone, Apple’s Find My network and AirTag are the relevant ecosystem. If you use a Galaxy phone, verify that the exact model supports the functions you want: basic finding and UWB precision finding do not have identical hardware requirements.

#1 Best Overall
Samsung SmartTag2 (2023) Bluetooth + UWB, IP67 Water and Dust Resistant, Findable via App, 1.5 Year Battery Life (4-Pack) - Black/White (Global Edition, No US Warranty)
  • Find your things with ease: The SmartThings Find app uses Bluetooth and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to locate and keep track of your stuff
  • Water and Dust Resistant: IP67 rating offers protection against dust and water immersion between 15 cm and 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
  • Compatible with Galaxy Devices Only

How does SmartTag2 locate an item?

Nearby finding: Bluetooth and UWB

Bluetooth provides the nearby connection. Samsung states a Bluetooth range of up to 120 metres without obstacles on its U.S. product page and warns that obstacles can reduce accuracy. This is a manufacturer specification under an unobstructed condition, not a guaranteed working distance through walls, inside a bag or in a crowded environment.

UWB-enabled Galaxy phones can offer Compass View/Search Nearby precision finding. The feature depends on the phone, so a SmartTag2 owner should check Samsung’s compatible-device list rather than infer UWB support from the Galaxy name alone. Samsung’s product information describes the tag’s supported features and example compatible devices.

Rank #2
Samsung SmartTag2 (2023) Bluetooth + UWB, IP67 Water and Dust Resistant, Findable via App, 1.5 Year Battery Life - Black (International Version)
  • Find your things with ease: The SmartThings Find app uses Bluetooth and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to locate and keep track of your stuff
  • Water and Dust Resistant: IP67 rating offers protection against dust and water immersion between 15 cm and 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
  • Compatible with Galaxy Devices Only.

Out-of-range finding: Galaxy Find Network

When the tag is outside the owner’s direct Bluetooth range, opted-in Galaxy devices within range can help report its location through Galaxy Find Network. The usefulness of that update depends on participating devices being near the tag. A stated Bluetooth range does not measure crowdsourced coverage, update frequency or the likelihood of recovering an item in a particular place.

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How does the 2026 AirTag compare?

Apple’s second-generation AirTag, introduced in 2026, also combines Bluetooth proximity finding, UWB-based Precision Finding on supported devices and crowdsourced reporting through the Find My network when the tag is away from its paired iPhone. The appropriate comparison is between two ecosystems, not a controlled test of range or recovery performance.

Rank #3
SAMSUNG SmartTag2 (2023) Bluetooth + UWB, IP67 Water and Dust Resistant, Findable via App, 1.5 Year Battery Life - White
  • Find your things with ease: The SmartThings Find app uses Bluetooth and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to locate and keep track of your stuff
  • Water and Dust Resistant: IP67 rating offers protection against dust and water immersion between 15 cm and 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
  • Compatible with Galaxy Devices Only.
Decision point Galaxy SmartTag2 AirTag (2nd generation)
Phone ecosystem Compatible Galaxy phone or tablet, Samsung account and SmartThings Find setup, according to Samsung’s U.S. listing. Apple Account and supported Apple device/software, according to Apple’s specifications.
Nearby finding BLE; Samsung states up to 120 m without obstacles. UWB Compass View requires a compatible UWB Galaxy device. Bluetooth and second-generation Apple-designed UWB. Apple says Precision Finding works up to 50% farther than on the prior AirTag; this is a generation-to-generation Apple claim, not a comparison with SmartTag2.
Out-of-range location Galaxy Find Network reporting depends on opted-in Galaxy devices being in range. Find My network reporting depends on nearby Apple devices; Apple describes the resulting location as approximate.
Battery Replaceable CR2032. Samsung estimates up to 500 days under typical usage conditions and up to 40% longer in Power Saving Mode. User-replaceable CR2032. The cited Apple specifications do not state a directly comparable battery duration.
Water and dust rating IP67, according to Samsung. IP67 under IEC 60529, up to 1 metre for 30 minutes, according to Apple.
Finder-facing contact NFC Lost Mode can display contact details entered in advance, according to Samsung. NFC Lost Mode; Apple also documents location sharing with participating airlines.

Apple’s 2026 announcement says the new AirTag’s Precision Finding reaches lost items from up to 50 percent farther away than the previous generation. That figure is not a SmartTag2-versus-AirTag range result. Apple also says it has partnered with more than 50 airlines for Share Item Location links that can help participating airline personnel find delayed luggage. Apple attributes to SITA reports of 26 percent fewer baggage delays and 90 percent fewer truly lost or unrecoverable bags through use of that location-sharing workflow; those are attributed company-reported figures, not an independent head-to-head tracker test. See Apple’s 2026 AirTag announcement.

Battery, attachment and durability

SmartTag2 has a built-in attachment loop and a replaceable CR2032 coin cell. Samsung estimates up to 500 days of battery life in typical use, with up to 40% longer in Power Saving Mode; actual life varies with use and settings. Apple’s cited technical specifications confirm a user-replaceable CR2032 battery for the second-generation AirTag but do not provide a duration that can be compared directly with Samsung’s estimate.

Rank #4
Sale
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2, Bluetooth Tracker, Smart Tag GPS Locator Tracking Device, Item Finder for Keys, Wallet, Luggage, Pets, Use w/ Phones and Tablets Android 11 or Later, 2023, 1 Pack, Black
  • REDESIGNED TO DO MORE: The redesigned Galaxy SmartTag2 is made so you can keep calm and keep track; Its design makes it easy for you to tag and carry your belongings
  • EASY TO USE: It's IP67-rated water- and dust-resistant, activates your compatible IoT devices and stays powered for up to 500 days or even up to 40% more on Non-Power Saving Mode
  • RELAX, YOU'VE GOT IT TAGGED: Simply register a new Galaxy SmartTag2 and get started right away with SmartThings Find; With its intuitive tracking experience, you now have a way to keep track of things you love right in the palm of your hand
  • SEARCH NEAR WHEN IT'S NOT FAR: Lose something. Switch on Search Nearby and get guided instructions to your item's location via Compass View; If you still don't see it, just ring your Galaxy SmartTag2 to have it send out an audible signal
  • Type of battery needed: replaceable CR2032 1 ea Lithium battery (not included)

Both products carry an IP67 rating in the cited manufacturer information. Apple specifies testing under IEC 60529 at up to 1 metre for 30 minutes. The rating describes defined test conditions; it is not a reason to deliberately submerge or wash a tracker, nor a guarantee that water resistance remains unchanged as a device ages. Sources: Samsung SmartTag2 specifications and Apple AirTag technical specifications.

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Privacy and unwanted-tracking protections

Use either tracker to find belongings, not to monitor a person without their knowledge. Apple says the current AirTag has cross-platform unwanted-tracking alerts and frequently changing Bluetooth identifiers. Apple also states that AirTag does not physically store location data or history on the device and that communication with the Find My network is end-to-end encrypted. These are Apple’s descriptions of its product and network, not an independent comparison with Samsung.

Best Value
Sale
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2, Bluetooth Tracker, Smart Tag Tracking Device, Item Finder for Keys, Wallet, Luggage, Pets, Use w/ Phones and Tablets Android 11 or Later, 2023, 1 Pack, White
  • REDESIGNED TO DO MORE: The redesigned Galaxy SmartTag2 is made so you can keep calm and keep track¹; Its design makes it easy for you to tag and carry your belongings
  • EASY TO USE: It's IP67-rated water- and dust-resistant², activates your compatible IoT devices³ and stays powered for up to 500 days⁴ or even up to 40% more on Power Saving Mode⁵
  • RELAX, YOU'VE GOT IT TAGGED: Simply register a new Galaxy SmartTag2 and get started right away with SmartThings Find; With its intuitive tracking experience, you now have a way to keep track of things you love right in the palm of your hand¹
  • SEARCH NEAR WHEN IT'S NOT FAR: Lose something? Switch on Search Nearby⁶ and get instructions to your item's location via Compass View⁷; If you still don't see it, just ring your Galaxy SmartTag2 to have it send out an audible signal
  • TAGGED & TRENDY: Cover your Galaxy SmartTag2 with a colorful Silicone Case for protection and a smooth touch – or a Rugged Case with a non-slip pattern on the side and additional bumper on the bottom⁸; Both have a carabiner ring attachment

Apple’s Personal Safety guide says unwanted-tracker notifications for AirTags and Find My accessories are available on supported Apple operating systems. It also describes Google unwanted-tracker detection on Android 6.0 or later and detection for compatible Bluetooth trackers under the relevant industry specification on supported systems. The cited material does not establish SmartTag2’s current alert behavior in enough detail to claim that its protections are either equivalent to or weaker than AirTag’s. For practical safety steps, consult Apple’s Personal Safety guide and current Samsung and Google safety instructions.

Which tracker should you buy?

  • Choose SmartTag2 if you use a compatible Galaxy device and want a tracker integrated with SmartThings Find. Confirm UWB support on your specific phone if precision finding matters.
  • Choose AirTag if you use Apple devices and want a tracker integrated with Find My. Check Apple’s current regional compatibility information for supported operating systems and features.
  • Do not choose on headline range alone. Samsung’s 120-metre figure is an unobstructed Bluetooth specification; Apple’s 50-percent figure compares the new AirTag with the previous AirTag. Neither establishes which tracker performs better in a particular home, street or luggage-recovery situation.
  • Think about where items are lost. Out-of-range updates depend on nearby participating devices in each company’s network. The manufacturer descriptions do not establish equal local coverage, so an advertised network feature cannot guarantee recovery.
  • Check what you need a finder to do. Both products support NFC-based Lost Mode. Apple additionally documents Share Item Location links for participating airlines, which may matter for checked luggage.

Sources and scope

Product specifications and feature descriptions here come from Samsung’s U.S. SmartTag2 listing and official Samsung product information, plus Apple’s 2026 announcement, technical specifications and Personal Safety guide. Battery life and range figures are manufacturer claims with the qualifications given above. No controlled SmartTag2-versus-AirTag test is represented, and no claim is made that one has better real-world range, accuracy, network coverage, battery life or recovery success.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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Apple AirTagBluetooth trackersFind My networkSamsung Galaxy SmartTag2SmartThings FindUWB

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