Samsung SmartTag+ vs SmartTag 2: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Disclosure: HotAirTag is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Samsung's Bluetooth tracker lineup has evolved significantly since the original SmartTag family in 2021. The SmartTag+ was the "premium" tier, the only Samsung tracker with UWB precision finding, but everything changed with the SmartTag 2. This guide compares both head-to-head so you can decide whether an upgrade makes sense, or whether to skip the used SmartTag+ market entirely.

Samsung SmartTag Plus vs SmartTag 2: Full Specs at a Glance

Before diving into the details, here's a full spec comparison between the two models:

Bottom line: SmartTag 2 costs $10 less than the SmartTag+ did at launch, yet wins across every spec category. There is no metric by which the SmartTag+ still wins.

4 Key Differences That Matter

1. Battery Life: 180 Days vs Up to 700 Days

This is the biggest practical improvement. The SmartTag+ drained its CR2032 battery in roughly 5–6 months under normal use, which meant two battery changes per year. The SmartTag 2 stretches the same battery type to 500 days under normal use, nearly three times longer. Enable Power Saving Mode (which reduces detection frequency slightly) and you get up to 700 days, almost two full years per battery.

If you've been frustrated by the SmartTag+'s battery consumption, this difference alone justifies the upgrade.

2. Water Resistance: IP53 vs IP67

The SmartTag+ carried an IP53 rating, which means it could handle a light splash or rain but was not safe for submersion. Drop it in a sink or leave it outside in a downpour and you risked water damage.

The SmartTag 2 has a full IP67 rating: it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This means you can attach it to a dog collar without worry, leave it in outdoor luggage, or attach it to sports gear without a second thought. For a $29 tracker, IP67 is a notably impressive rating.

3. Design: Round Disc vs Ring with Metal Loop

The SmartTag+'s disc shape required a keyring holder or lanyard; the small hole could strip over time with heavy use, and no accessory was included. The SmartTag 2 redesigned around a built-in metal loop that clips directly onto keys, bags, or carabiners. The ring-shaped form is also lighter at 7.5g vs 14g, and slimmer.

The metal loop is a genuine quality-of-life improvement. It's more durable than the single hole on the SmartTag+ and attaches to virtually anything instantly.

4. Price: $39.99 vs $29

The SmartTag+ launched at $39.99, a $15 premium over the base SmartTag specifically because of UWB. The SmartTag 2 made UWB standard across the whole lineup at a $29 launch price, $10 cheaper than the SmartTag+ was at release, while being dramatically better. There is no longer a price-versus-features tradeoff to navigate.

UWB Precision Finding: What Actually Changed?

Both trackers have UWB, but there's nuance. The SmartTag+'s UWB AR Finder worked only with a narrow set of Samsung Galaxy phones that included a UWB chip: the S21+, Note 20 Ultra, Z Fold3, and Z Flip3. If you had any other Galaxy model, UWB didn't work; you were using Bluetooth only.

The SmartTag 2 still requires a compatible UWB-capable Samsung device for precision finding, but the pool of compatible phones has grown significantly. Every Galaxy S22, S23, and S24 series flagship supports UWB with SmartTag 2. The practical result: if you've upgraded your Galaxy phone in the past two years, UWB precision finding almost certainly works now even if it didn't with your SmartTag+.

UWB precision finding in SmartThings shows a directional arrow and distance to guide you within a ~10–15 meter range, similar to Apple's Precision Finding for AirTags. Both trackers deliver the same core UWB experience, though SmartTag 2 reaches more users with it.

If you're an iPhone user comparing Samsung trackers to Apple's ecosystem, see our full AirTag 2 vs SmartTag 2 comparison for a deep-dive on cross-ecosystem differences.

SmartThings Network: Has Anything Changed?

Both trackers use Samsung's SmartThings Find network for crowd-sourced tracking. When your tag is out of Bluetooth range, any nearby Samsung device can anonymously relay its location back to you, all encrypted and location-invisible to the relay device.

The network has grown substantially since 2021. SmartThings Find now covers over 500 million Samsung devices globally (up from around 200 million at SmartTag+'s launch), meaning your SmartTag 2 has significantly better crowd-sourced coverage in real-world lost scenarios than a 2021 SmartTag+ did. This is a passive benefit of upgrading: no hardware change required, the network improvement comes from the expanded Samsung install base.

One thing to note: SmartThings Find is Samsung-only. AirTag uses Apple's Find My network (~1 billion+ devices). If you're in a heavily iPhone-dominant region, a cross-platform tracker like the Pebblebee Clip 5 (which works on both Find My and Find Hub simultaneously) might be worth considering.

Should You Upgrade from SmartTag Plus to SmartTag 2?

Upgrade if:

• You're replacing your SmartTag+'s battery for the second time and want to break the cycle
• You've got a new Galaxy phone and want UWB Precision Finding to actually work reliably
• Your SmartTag+ is showing hardware wear (the small attachment hole cracking, case yellowing)
• You want to attach the tracker to gear that gets wet—dog collar, outdoor bags, sports equipment
• You're buying additional trackers and want consistency across your setup

No need to rush if:

• Your SmartTag+ was purchased within the last 6 months and the battery is still healthy
• You don't own a UWB-capable Galaxy phone (the UWB upgrade isn't relevant to your setup)
• You mainly use the tracker for crowd-sourced location, not proximity finding

The one scenario where waiting makes sense is if you expect Samsung to release a SmartTag 3 in 2025–2026. Samsung has roughly followed an 18–24 month release cadence (SmartTag: Jan 2021, SmartTag 2: Oct 2023), so a SmartTag 3 in mid-to-late 2025 is plausible. As of February 2026, no official announcement has been made. At $29, upgrading now is still a reasonable call; SmartTag 2 will remain supported regardless.

For a broader look at top Android trackers including SmartTag 2, see our best luggage trackers for Android guide.

Is a Used SmartTag+ Worth Buying?

With the SmartTag+ discontinued, the only way to get one is used on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, typically at $10–20. The answer is almost always no, don't buy used SmartTag+.

Here's why:

• Unknown battery life: A used CR2032 may have months of charge left—or weeks
• No warranty or return protection
• SmartTag+ is older hardware with IP53 vs the SmartTag 2's IP67
• Price difference is minimal: SmartTag 2 at $29 is at most $10–15 more than used SmartTag+ pricing, and far superior

The only exception: if you find a SmartTag+ for under $5 in mint condition with fresh battery, it's a functional tracker. But at that price, you're essentially getting a disposable item, not a tracker you'd trust with expensive luggage or a pet collar.

If budget is the constraint, also consider the Tile Mate (~$25) or Chipolo ONE Point; both are current-generation, sold new, and offer comparable network coverage for Android users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the SmartTag+ connect to the SmartThings Find network?

Yes, the SmartTag+ still works with SmartThings Find as of 2026. Samsung has not discontinued app support for older SmartTag models. However, the crowd-sourced network has grown since 2021, so SmartTag 2 benefits from more relay devices than SmartTag+ does in practice.

Does the SmartTag 2 use the same battery as SmartTag+?

Yes—both use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery. The difference is efficiency: SmartTag 2's BLE 5.3 and power management extends that same battery type from ~180 days (SmartTag+) to up to 500–700 days (SmartTag 2).

Is the SmartTag 2 compatible with non-Samsung Android phones?

For basic Bluetooth tracking, the SmartTag 2 requires a Samsung Galaxy device running One UI 3.1 or later. Non-Samsung Android phones cannot pair with SmartTag 2 directly. If you need a cross-Android tracker, consider the Tile Mate or Chipolo ONE Point, which work with any Android phone.

Can I use SmartTag 2 UWB Precision Finding with Galaxy S21 (non-Plus)?

No. The base Galaxy S21 does not have a UWB chip; only the S21+ and S21 Ultra do. UWB Precision Finding requires a UWB-capable Samsung device. From the S22 series onward, all Galaxy S flagship models include UWB.

Is a SmartTag 3 coming soon?

As of February 2026, Samsung has not officially announced a SmartTag 3. Based on Samsung's previous release cadence (SmartTag 2 launched October 2023), a third generation could arrive in late 2025 or 2026. If timing flexibility isn't an issue, waiting to see an announcement makes sense. Otherwise, SmartTag 2 at $29 is an excellent current-generation buy.

Is upgrading from SmartTag+ to SmartTag 2 worth it?

Yes, for virtually all SmartTag+ owners. SmartTag 2 delivers better battery life (up to 700 days vs ~180 days), improved water resistance (IP67 vs IP53), a built-in metal ring attachment, and broader UWB compatibility at a lower price ($29 vs the SmartTag+'s original $39.99). The upgrade is especially compelling given that SmartTag+ is discontinued and will not receive future firmware updates. If your SmartTag+ is still functioning, there is no urgency, but replacement is a clear improvement when the battery eventually dies.

How does SmartTag 2 compare to Apple AirTag 2?

Both trackers feature UWB precision finding and crowd-sourced location via their respective networks (SmartThings Find vs Apple Find My). AirTag 2 gains the advantage in precision finding range (60m UWB range vs SmartTag 2's ~10–15m) and network scale (~1 billion Apple devices vs ~500 million Samsung devices). SmartTag 2 wins on battery life (500–700 days vs ~12 months for AirTag 2) and offers a built-in metal ring loop vs AirTag's add-on holder requirement. See our full AirTag 2 vs SmartTag 2 comparison for the complete breakdown.

Prices and availability accurate as of February 2026. SmartTag+ is discontinued; used availability varies. SmartTag 2 firmware updates may affect battery life estimates over time. Always verify compatibility with your specific Samsung Galaxy model before purchase.