ConsFirst / Bluetooth item trackers / Compare
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 vs Motorola Moto Tag
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on precision finding & ring, battery, app & alerts, size & durability. Motorola Moto Tag wins on finding range & network.
The biggest complaint about the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 is samsung galaxy only; for the Motorola Moto Tag it's quiet ringer. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 | Motorola Moto Tag | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in bluetooth item trackers | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Samsung SmartThings | Google Find Hub |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 11% | 22% |
| Overall score | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Finding range & network | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Precision finding & ring | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Battery | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| App & alerts | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Size & durability | 4.0 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $25 · $$ $25–40 · $$$ over $40 (per tag). Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2
- Samsung Galaxy only
PCMag and Tom's Guide both list Galaxy-only support as the main con, and Wirecutter dismissed the SmartTag line for that reason. Amazon's summary says some owners report compatibility issues with Android phones.
- Quiet alarm
PCMag measured just 65.7 dB at six inches, quieter than the AirTag and Tile Pro, and Tom's Guide says the alarm could be louder.
- Mixed accuracy and battery reports
Amazon's summary says accuracy is mixed (some report poor tracking) and battery life varies from about a year to 5 months. Tom's Guide notes cases cost extra.
Motorola Moto Tag
- Quiet ringer
Wirecutter couldn't hear it on a windy day until it was about 30 feet away. Amazon's summary says owners find it not very loud.
- Unreliable for some owners
Amazon's summary reports mixed accuracy, connections that don't always work, frequent location-update failures and battery failures. Wirecutter, by contrast, got several updates a day when it shipped the tag across the country.
- Few phones use its precision finding; needs a holder
Wirecutter says the list of Android phones with ultra-wideband is short. How-To Geek notes no way to attach it without an accessory and two apps needed for all features.
Who should pick which
Pick the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 if
Samsung Galaxy phone owners
Long battery life with a replaceable cell
Keys, bags and luggage (big metal-reinforced loop)
Skip it if: You use an iPhone or a non-Samsung Android phone; You rely on a loud alarm; You'd rather wait for the SmartTag3
Pick the Motorola Moto Tag if
Android phone owners (any brand)
Luggage and bags that travel
Pressing the tag to ring a lost phone
Skip it if: You use an iPhone; You need a loud alarm in noisy places; You'd rather get the newer Moto Tag 2 (not yet tested by Wirecutter)
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