At first glance, both trackers do the same thing—attach to items, and help you find them via your phone. But under the hood, there are key differences:
| Feature | AirTag (Apple) | SmartTag (Samsung) |
|---|---|---|
| Ecosystem | Apple only (iPhone) | Samsung Galaxy only |
| Network Range | Find My network (huge reach) | SmartThings Find (smaller network) |
| Precision Finding | Yes (U1 Ultra-Wideband) | Only on SmartTag+ |
| Battery | CR2032 (replaceable) | CR2032 (replaceable) |
| Price | ~$49 AUD | ~$45–$55 AUD (SmartTag+) |
| Sound Alerts | Yes | Yes |
So, right away, we’re talking about two very siloed experiences: one for iPhone users, and one for Samsung Galaxy owners. If you're not using the “right” phone, neither of these devices will be worth your time.
AirTag takes the win—barely.
With Apple’s U1 chip (available in iPhones 11 and newer), you get Precision Finding. It uses ultra-wideband tech to guide you with an on-screen arrow, showing exactly where your lost item is. SmartTag+ does the same—but only if you have a UWB-compatible Samsung phone, like the Galaxy S21+ or newer.
For basic Bluetooth tracking, both perform similarly indoors. But AirTags edge ahead outdoors and in crowded places, thanks to Apple’s massive Find My network—it’s like having millions of iPhones acting as passive locators for your stuff.
AirTag wins for simplicity.
Setup is a breeze. You unbox it, hold it near your iPhone, and you’re done. Everything’s managed in the native Find My app. SmartTags, meanwhile, require setup via the SmartThings app. It’s not hard—but it’s not as smooth.
Also, the interface on Apple’s side feels more polished. Clean, minimal, and with fewer steps to find your gear.
This is where SmartTag shines.
It’s not just a tracker—it can double as a smart home remote. Press the button on the tag to trigger routines: turn on lights, start your coffee machine, or lock the front door (if you’ve got the gear). AirTags don’t have this feature.
So if smart home control matters, SmartTag gives you extra bang for your buck.
Apple’s got more aggressive anti-stalking measures in place. AirTags alert you if an unknown tag is moving with you, and they beep after a certain time away from their owner. Samsung has similar protections, but they’re less robust—and more Android-centric.
AirTag—if you’re using a purpose-built airtag wallet. Its round, coin-like shape tucks nicely into dedicated wallet slots made just for it. SmartTags are chunkier and more squared off, making them awkward to fit in most slim wallets.
If portability and low-profile design matter, AirTag is the winner here.