Samsung has unveiled its new location tag, the Galaxy SmartTag 3, a generation that comes in a smaller form factor and is lighter than its predecessor, the Galaxy SmartTag 2. The accessory maintains its purpose of helping find keys, backpacks, luggage, or even a pet's collar, but it features several important changes in design, connectivity, and functionality.
The company has confirmed that the product will soon arrive in Spain in black and white finishes, although it has not yet specified an exact date or price in euros. In other markets, such as the United States, the announced price starts at $29,99 per unit and $99,99 for a four-pack.
More compact and lighter design
The physical change is one of the most noticeable. Compared to the previous model, the SmartTag 3 is about 35% smaller and 33% lighter. This makes it easier to carry in a small pocket, wallet, or compact case without adding too much bulk.
Samsung has opted for a rounded shape with an aluminum-finished button , a decision intended to convey a more robust and refined feel. It no longer includes the integrated clip found in previous generations, so to attach it to keys or a strap, you'll need to use official accessories such as a silicone case with a keyring or a case with a strap, which are sold separately.
This approach lends itself to more discreet use: storing it in a suitcase, backpack, or purse and forgetting it's there until needed. For pets, the brand offers cases that allow it to be attached to a collar, although not all solutions are included in the box.
Compatibility with iOS and Android via SmartThings Find
One of the most talked-about new features is that it's no longer exclusive to the Galaxy ecosystem . For the first time, the SmartTag 3 can also be used with iOS devices, making it easier for families with iPhones and Androids to share the location of common objects, resolving the question of whether an AirTag can be used with Android or vice versa.
Integration is handled through SmartThings Find , which allows you to view your location, share it with others, and use compatible nearby search features. However, the experience isn't identical across all platforms: on iPhone, advanced options like compass view, ringing the phone, and forgotten item alerts are missing.
The idea is to solve a fairly common situation: a household with phones from different brands where a single label can serve multiple members. Even so, Samsung still reserves some of its most advanced features for its own Galaxy phones.
Further and more precise location
The technical aspects also take a leap forward. The SmartTag 3 incorporates Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to improve directional search and accuracy as the user gets closer to the object.
According to data provided by Samsung, the compass view extends its range to approximately 60 meters , roughly three times greater than the previous generation. At longer distances, it helps orient the search; as the person approaches, the system switches to UWB to refine the position.
When the tag goes out of direct range of the phone, the Galaxy Find Network comes into play . This network relies on over 900 million participating Galaxy devices worldwide to detect the tag and update its location, which can be crucial if a suitcase or backpack is lost while traveling.
Proactive alerts, privacy, and home controls
In addition to location tracking, the SmartTag 3 aims to provide notifications without requiring the user to constantly check the app. The Location Notification feature allows users to define a zone and receive an alert when the tag enters or leaves it, useful for knowing if a pet has left the yard or if a bicycle has moved from its designated spot.
Tools such as location history and motion alerts are also included . These allow you to see where the tag has been or receive an alert when it moves, provided the device and settings allow it.
In terms of security, Samsung retains Lost Mode with NFC , which displays a message or contact information if someone finds the tag and brings it close to a compatible phone. This is complemented by control of SmartThings routines via the physical button and an alert when the phone loses its connection to the tag.
The company insists that location data is encrypted to protect privacy. This is a crucial point for a product that, when used properly, helps recover lost items, but also requires clear limits against potential unauthorized use.
Autonomy and resistance
The battery remains one of its strongest selling points. Samsung claims a battery life of up to 550 days with standard use and up to 790 days with power-saving mode activated, a figure that surpasses the previous generation. The phone uses a CR2032 coin cell battery, making it easy to replace when it runs out.
This power-saving mode has its drawbacks: some advanced features are disabled to conserve battery life, although basic Bluetooth Low Energy location tracking is maintained. For items that travel for months, like a suitcase, this can be a useful feature; for something that gets misplaced at home, it might be better to keep more features active.
In terms of durability, it retains its IP67 certification for water and dust resistance. This doesn't mean it's completely submersible or suitable for any environment, but it does offer protection against splashes, light rain, or accidental drops in puddles.
Price and availability in Spain
Samsung has indicated that the Galaxy SmartTag 3 will soon arrive in Spain in black and white. Currently, there is no specific date or official price in euros, so it's best to wait for information from the company to find out the final price in the European market.
In the United States, the advertised price is $29,99 for a single unit and $99,99 for a four-pack. If a similar pricing strategy is adopted in Europe, the product will compete directly with other popular trackers, although the cost of the mounting hardware may add to the overall price.
The new generation also arrives at a time when compact trackers have become commonplace as everyday accessories. However, their actual usefulness will depend on the density of compatible devices in each area, the features available in each operating system, and the privacy with which the data is managed.
With this move, Samsung updates its location services catalog with a more discreet design, greater range, automatic alerts, and iOS compatibility, expanding its potential user base. The SmartTag 3 isn't just a tag for finding keys: it also offers a way to track everyday items like luggage, pets, or bicycles, though this is subject to price, availability, and platform limitations.
