AirTag vs Galaxy Smart Tag: Comparison of Accessories to Locate Objects

AirTag vs Galaxy Smart Tag

Locators have burst onto the market with a lot of different options. Both Samsung and Apple have opted for their own locators such as the AirTag and the SmartTag +. Although they do practically the same function as they are really simple devices, the truth is that there are some differences that must be taken into account when choosing between one and the other. In this article we put them face to face comparing them.

Important technical differences

Although they are teams that are quite similar as we will see below, the truth is that there are some relevant technical differences. In the following table you can check all these differences that you should take into account.

Apple AirTag Samsung Galaxy SmartTag
Technology Bluetooth and UWB technology. Bluetooth and UWB technology.
Tracking distance 61 meters. 120 meters.
Does it make sound? Yes. Yes.
Drums Replaceable CR2032 battery. Replaceable CR2032 battery.
Endurance IP67 IP53
Colour Silver. Black
Price 35euros.
Pack of 4: 119 euros.
39.91 euros.

Design very different in resistance

Both the Apple and Samsung devices are similar in having a reduced design that makes it easy to transport. To this is added that the Galaxy SmartTag has a much more square design with rounded edges while the AirTag are completely round as if it were a large coin. The only problem is that in the latter there is no possibility of using a hook for transport as there is no hole in the body of the device. This is something that can be done in the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag that has a hole in one of its tips to be able to transport it easily.

samsung galaxy smarttag

Although the big difference lies in the construction material that each of the manufacturers has used. Samsung has opted for a tough and rubbery material in order to avoid scratches. Keep in mind that these devices are always going to be kept in compromised places where it can interact with keys or any other object that ends up scratching it.

In the case of an AirTag the materials are much weaker built mostly in aluminum. This makes scratching much easier when it is being transported alongside keys or in any other location. This means that you always have to resort to protective accessories of which there are several available in the Apple Store. This is something that Samsung’s option does not have for sale, as it does not have any type of accessory for sale to personalize its SmartTags. At Apple, it can be personalized with different covers as well as accessories so that it can be transported in bags or keys in a comfortable way.

AirTag

UWB, the great similarity between Apple and Samsung

If you want to specify the type of operation that AirTags and SmartTags + have, the truth is that there are many similarities. Both devices use Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology for much more accurate tracking. In this way, you do not always have to resort to Bluetooth technology to be able to track since the objective of these accessories is to achieve the best possible precision.

This does not mean that in some situations Bluetooth low latency technology is also used in the event that the object is really close. This means that energy consumption can be reduced to a minimum in many of the situations. Although they use similar technologies whose protagonist is UWB, the operation can change between both devices as we are going to comment.

smarttag

Most advanced tracking system on AirTags

As we have commented, in both cases Ultra Wideband technology is included. This translates into practice in being able to have a visualization of the device wherever it is. In the case of AirTags, when it is lost in a remote place that is not on your sofa or near you, you can find it through the ‘Search’ application. This is achieved through the connection that AirTags can have with any device in the ecosystem such as a Mac, an iPad or an iPhone. In this way the AirTag acts as a simple beacon that emits a signal when it is lost that is picked up by the devices of other users. It is important to note that this information will always be encrypted and will reach your ‘Search’ application.

AirTags

In order to visualize the location of one of these accessories, there is a very intuitive interface on the iPhone. This will show where you should go in terms of location, as well as the distance that separates you from the. To this is also added the possibility that the device emits a sound to be able to locate it.

In the case of Samsung, they have also opted for a system very similar to the one we have previously discussed. The difference that exists is the infrastructure that is used, which is not as consolidated as that of Apple, which has been implemented in the devices of all users for many years. To this is also added the difference that exists in the interface of the application that shows a vision in augmented reality, something that Apple does not do. In this way you can clearly see the image through the camera and a system of arrows to always guide you. This is where the differences come in at the user level since it will depend on each of the tastes what is preferred to be able to find the equipment although in both the same objective is achieved and it is the same philosophy.

samsung smarttag

Another advantage of the Samsung option is that it is compatible with home automation. In this way, through the Samsung applications, certain household devices can be activated in a simple way. This is something that is not decisive obviously but without a doubt it should be noted that it is not a function present in an AirTag.

Differences in price

One of the points that can undoubtedly interest people the most is the price of both devices. There is an important difference between the two models of around 10 euros. In the case of AirTags, the price of a single device is 35 euros. In the event that the 4 AirTag pack is chosen, the price is 119 euros, assuming a very good price to be able to have several units available. Samsung, on the other hand, does not offer a pack of 4 AirTags, offering in Spanish stores the possibility of getting a Galaxy SmartTag for 39.91 euros. In addition, it should be noted the AirTags are available only in silver and the Samsung option only in black.

Which one should you buy?

The choice between one device and another must be decided by the ecosystem that is being used. The AirTag only works with Apple branded devices while the Galaxy SmartTag works with Samsung devices. This is undoubtedly vital beyond the price or any other factor, although it should not be ruled out that in the future it will end up being compatible on multiple platforms.

AirTags

To this are also added some relevant differences as we have commented throughout the post. Resistance is one of Samasung’s strengths thanks to the choice of construction materials. This cannot be said of the AirTags that can be scratched quite easily as it has been possible to verify something that is not optimal since being almost always with other objects such as keys or wallets means that it has not been the best option to choose. . Regarding other characteristics, both devices are quite similar since they perform a tracking through a beacon technology that will allow to find any object easily.