What makes the new Galaxy SmartTag3 different from its predecessor?

Smaller body, longer runtime

The tag measures roughly 35 percent less by volume than the previous generation. It weighs 33 percent less. That reduction lets it sit on a pet collar or slip into a small bag without pulling.

A coin cell CR2032 powers the device. Samsung quotes up to 550 days under standard usage. Power Saving Mode stretches that to 790 days. The mode disables Compass View, volume controls, and ringtones. Basic finding over Bluetooth Low Energy remains active. Actual life varies with usage patterns, environment, and the replacement battery brand.

The casing carries an IP67 rating. That means it survives immersion in one meter of water for thirty minutes. Resistance is not permanent and can diminish over time. Salt water and pool chemicals are not recommended.

Finding from farther away

Compass View now reaches up to 60 meters. That is around three times farther than the previous model. Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding makes the extended range possible.

The feature requires a Galaxy device running Android 12 or later with ultra-wideband or Bluetooth Channel Sounding support. Currently only the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy S26 Ultra, and Galaxy S26 Plus provide Channel Sounding. More devices may follow.

The 60 meter figure assumes line of sight with no obstacles. Walls, electronics, and other obstructions reduce both range and directional accuracy. As the user approaches, ultra-wideband takes over for finer precision. The handoff creates a continuous experience from long range to close range.

When the tag leaves direct Bluetooth range, the Galaxy Find Network continues the search. More than 900 million participating Galaxy devices worldwide act as finding nodes. They detect the tag and relay its location. Faster network updates surface new position data sooner after disconnection. Update timing depends on nearby participating devices, network conditions, device settings, and regional factors. The company does not disclose how many tags are currently in circulation.

Proactive alerts instead of constant checking

Place Notification adds a trial geofence layer. Users define an area and receive an alert when the tagged item moves in or out. The feature uses location data from the Galaxy Find Network. It can notify when a pet leaves the garden or a bicycle rolls out of its usual parking spot.

To enable it, open SmartThings, go to Life, then Find, and turn on Notify when in set place. The displayed location may differ from the actual position depending on surroundings. Location History stores records for up to seven days. Older entries delete automatically.

Movement Detection Alert fires only when the tag is disconnected from the owner's phone. It relies on signals picked up by nearby Galaxy devices that have agreed to Offline finding. Notifications may not trigger depending on the tag's surroundings. Delays or missed alerts can occur based on the availability and status of those nearby devices.

Left Behind Alert works differently. It monitors the direct connection between phone and tag. Obstacles or environmental interference can cause false warnings even when the item remains nearby. This alert is not available on iOS.

Cross-platform sharing and privacy

For the first time in the lineup, the tag supports both Galaxy and iOS devices. Families can check and share a tag's location through SmartThings Find across platforms. A borrowed suitcase becomes trackable by the borrower on their own phone regardless of operating system.

On iOS, Compass View, Ring Phone, and Left Behind Alert remain unavailable. NFC-powered Lost Mode displays registered contact information or a short message when a finder scans the tag with a compatible mobile device. The finder's device must support NFC reading and have an internet connection. Contact details and the message must be registered beforehand in the SmartThings app. Samsung recommends turning Lost Mode off when no longer needed to protect personal information.

Location data is encrypted. The tag button can also trigger preset SmartThings routines for compatible connected devices. Device compatibility is listed on the SmartThings website.

Availability and open questions

Sales start in Korea on October 7, 2026. The United States follows. Additional markets arrive in 2027. Two colors are offered: White and Black. Official accessories include a Silicone Case with keyring and a Loop Case, sold