Traveling can be stressful, especially worrying about losing luggage. I travel often, and my fear has always been misplacing my bags. Recently, Samsung released its new gadget, the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2, designed to help with this exact issue. I decided to take it on a trial run during my recent trip to Barcelona, comparing it with other devices like the Apple AirTag.
The Galaxy SmartTag2 is a small device that easily fits in a suitcase or backpack. It can be attached to various items and is compatible with Samsung Galaxy Smartphones equipped with the SmartThings Find app. Priced at $30, it offers a keyring feature for versatility.
During my trip to Barcelona, where I tested Volvo’s newest EV, the EX30, I placed a SmartTag2 in my suitcase and one in my backpack. Layovers can be tricky, with bags passing through multiple hands and planes. I was concerned about my suitcase reaching Barcelona and also keeping track of my backpack, which held valuable items like my laptop.
Throughout my five days in Spain, I closely monitored the SmartTag2’s location features, comparing it with my iPhone and an Apple AirTag. One standout feature of the SmartTag2 was the mapped-out location history. With a simple click in the SmartThings Find app, I could see every stop my items made, listed with precise addresses and coordinates, pinpointed on a map. Additionally, the tag offered a reverse feature to find my Galaxy phone using the SmartTag2, which proved useful when I misplaced my phone in the hotel room.
Some pros of the Galaxy SmartTag2 include its sleek design, interchangeable silicone or rugged covers in various colors, and an extended battery life. However, being an Apple product consumer, I faced challenges fully utilizing the SmartTag2’s features. Turning on the “notify when lost” feature was difficult, especially after putting my phone in airplane mode abroad. This feature, available in the Apple AirTag, sends alerts not only to my phone but also to my Apple Watch. The inability to get this option to work on the Galaxy Smartphone was frustrating.
