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Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag3, announced September 30, 2026, is a smaller tracker with longer-range directional guidance and support for core finding and sharing on Galaxy and iOS devices. Its biggest caveat is that features differ by platform: Compass View, Ring Phone, and Left Behind Alert are not available on iOS. Samsung’s range, network, and battery figures are company claims, not independently verified test results.
What changed with Galaxy SmartTag3?
Samsung says SmartTag3 is about 35% smaller by volume and 33% lighter than the previous generation. The reduced size may make it easier to attach to keys or a bag, though the tag still needs a suitable case or attachment point for many belongings. Samsung sells a Silicone Case with keyring and a Loop Case separately. Samsung Electronics America’s September 30, 2026 announcement gives the size comparison; its global announcement describes the weight comparison with the prior model.
The device’s central upgrade is Compass View, which combines Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) on compatible Galaxy phones. Samsung says Channel Sounding can provide directional guidance at up to 60 meters in line-of-sight conditions, roughly three times the previous generation’s range, while UWB is intended to improve precision at closer distances. Walls, electronics, geography, and device compatibility can reduce performance; the 60-meter figure is not a guaranteed everyday range.
How does it find something outside direct Bluetooth range?
When your own phone is too far away to connect directly, Samsung says its Galaxy Find Network can update a tag’s location when a participating Galaxy device detects it. Samsung puts the potential network at more than 900 million Galaxy devices worldwide. That is a count of potential finding nodes, not a promise that a device will be nearby or that a location will update immediately. Timing depends on nearby participating devices, network conditions, settings, and region.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
This is community-assisted finding, not GPS-like continuous tracking. A tag’s location can remain stale if no participating device detects it, so SmartTag3 cannot guarantee recovery of lost keys or luggage.
Does SmartTag3 work with iPhone?
Samsung says SmartTag3 supports core finding and sharing across Galaxy and iOS devices through SmartThings Find, but feature parity is limited. Compass View, Ring Phone, and Left Behind Alert are unavailable on iOS. The announcements do not establish integration with Google’s Find Hub or Apple’s Find My network, so do not assume the tag will appear in either service.
Rank #2
- 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.
Compass View also has specific Galaxy requirements: Samsung says it works on compatible Galaxy devices running Android 12 or later that support UWB or Channel Sounding. The company currently names the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8, S26 Ultra, and S26 Plus for Channel Sounding support. Confirm compatibility for the exact phone and software version before buying, as supported-device lists can change.
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Place and movement alerts
New Place Notification lets users designate an area and receive an alert when the tag moves in or out. Samsung labels this feature a trial. Movement Detection Alert relies on nearby Galaxy devices participating in offline finding, so an alert may be delayed or may not arrive.
Rank #3
- 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.
Location history and Lost Mode
Location History stores records for up to seven days. With NFC Lost Mode, a finder can tap the tag with an NFC-capable device to view contact details or a message that the owner registered in SmartThings. The finder’s device must be connected to the internet. Samsung says location data is encrypted.
How long does the battery last?
Samsung estimates up to 550 days with standard use or up to 790 days in Power Saving Mode. These are simulated internal-test results using a pre-release tag and the included CR2032 coin-cell battery, not a guarantee for every user. Actual life varies with usage and conditions. Power Saving Mode disables some features, so the longer estimate comes with reduced functionality. The battery is replaceable.
Rank #4
- 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)
Can SmartTag3 handle water or be used on a pet?
Samsung describes the tag as IP67-rated: resistance to water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. Resistance can diminish over time, and Samsung advises against beach or pool use. Treat the rating as limited protection rather than permission for regular immersion.
The tracker can help locate an item attached to a pet’s collar, but it is not a substitute for a purpose-built live pet-monitoring system. Securely fasten the tag and inspect the attachment regularly. Samsung warns that the coin cell can be a swallowing hazard if the tag is detached and swallowed by a child or pet.
Best Value
- 📱 Global Cloud Positioning – Works with both Google's Find Hub (Android Only,Not for GPS & ios)
- 📢 Loud Alert Sound – Built-in speaker with up to 85dB for quick locating
- 🔋 Far Superior Battery Life – Up to 2 years battery life on Android
- 💧 IP65 Waterproof – It provides protection against rainwaterand splashes
- 👮 Data Encryption – With the help of Google's technology, all location information is encrypted
Price and availability
As of October 7, 2026, Samsung says availability begins in Korea on October 7. Its U.S. newsroom lists planned U.S. availability by early November 2026 at $29.99 for one tag or $99.99 for a four-pack. Other markets are expected to follow in 2027. These are announced U.S. prices and timing, not confirmation of current stock or availability in every market.
What the hands-on coverage does—and does not—show
Tony Polanco of Tom’s Guide reported handling the tag at a Samsung event on September 30, 2026, and described why he thought it could be a game-changer. That event impression is distinct from a controlled test of range, battery life, recovery speed, or performance across different environments. The product figures above are Samsung’s announced specifications and estimates; the available evidence here does not establish how SmartTag3 compares in independent field testing.
For a buying decision, weigh phone compatibility and feature parity first, then whether the finding network suits where you normally travel, how useful directional precision is on your Galaxy phone, and whether the attachment and water limits fit the item you want to track.
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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.
