We’re still reeling from the Google Pixel 8 launch event. But Samsung must not be too impressed. It announced a ton of new Galaxy FE products on the same day as Google’s event. And, one day later, it revealed the long-awaited SmartTag 2 tracker. This thing is a serious upgrade from the original SmartTag—it offers both Bluetooth LE and UWB connectivity, improved IP67 durability, and a maximum 700-day battery life. At $30, the SmartTag 2 really seems like a no-brainer, although it requires a Samsung smartphone.
The original SmartTag and SmartTag+ launched in 2021. If you bought the standard SmartTag, you got Bluetooth LE connectivity and a 300-day battery life. The more expensive SmartTag+ added ultra-wide band (UWB) for precise location-tracking, but its 165-day battery life was pathetic. Frankly speaking, the SmartTag 2 is leagues above its predecessors, and the same-old $30 price tag comes as a pleasant surprise.
According to Samsung, the SmartTag 2 lasts 500 days on a coin-cell battery. Enabling the Power Saving Mode grants you a 700-day battery life—Samsung hasn’t explained exactly how Power Saving Mode works, but Samsung says that it’s a good option for items that must be “continually” tracked, which is reassuring. Power Saving Mode can be enabled or disabled at any time from your smartphone.
And, unlike the original SmartTag, the SmartTag 2 includes both Bluetooth LE and UWB connectivity by default. It also has a new Lost Mode, which allows you to compose a message for any SmartTag 2 that’s gone missing. If someone finds the SmartTag 2 and scans it with their phone, they’ll see your message and contact information. (Why this feature wasn’t included in the original SmartTag is beyond me.)
SmartTag 2 also has a nifty redesign. It’s now shaped like an oval instead of a rectangle, and it has a metal keyring to reduce wear and tear. Plus, an improved IP67 dust and water resistance rating (up from IP53) ensures protection against sand, rainstorms, or an occasional dip in the pool. The IP67 rating is also great for pet owners who want to stick a SmartTag 2 on their furry friend’s collar—it sounds like an odd idea, but it totally has the Samsung seal of approval. Samsung will alert you if your pet strays too far from home, and it even created a Pet Walking Mode that turns SmartTag 2 into an animal exercise tracker.
Samsung will begin selling the SmartTag 2 on October 11th. It costs just $30 and uses a replaceable coin-cell battery. The only problem is that SmartTag 2 requires a Samsung phone. It doesn’t work with other brands.
Source: Samsung
