SAMSUNG GALAXY SMARTTAG+

Samsung’s trackers are Samsung only – but smart home control and AR finding tech are irresistible if you’ve got the right phone

Not to be outdone by Apple’s proprietary offering, the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+ only works with Samsung phones but has impressive functionality crammed into that tiny square. Just like the AirTags, Samsung’s improved tracker – defined by the + over the regular SmartTag – comes with built-in UWB, which means that you can get ultra-precise directional location on your lost things at home when Bluetooth is a little too vague.

Samsung has even gamified the hunt somewhat with its use of augmented reality tech in the app that will literally point you to your lost items using your phone camera. If you don’t fancy this though, you can always just sound the tag’s ringer and use the audio cue alone.

It’s also possible to use the SmartTag+ in reverse to ring your phone if you’ve managed to lose that instead.

Another nifty trick is full compatibility with Samsung’s SmartThings app, which allows you to control your smart home. If you’ve got your Philips lights set up in the app for instance, you can use the button on the tag to turn them on. You’ll just need to be close to your phone for it to work.

If your precious item is lost out in the world, the SmartThings network is made up of other Galaxy users to help you try and pinpoint the location. Obviously this is only ever as strong as the number of people in the vicinity but a lot of Galaxy phones means you’re far more likely to see a precise location on the map once you’ve reported the item as missing. Easily clippable to a bag or your keys, the SmartTag+ is a must for Galaxy owners. £39/£69 pack of two, samsung.com

BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS

+ Very precise tracking • Slick use of augmented reality • Smart home control - Only for Samsung phones • No separation alert • Not fully waterproof