Which is better for Android users?

Lenovo’s consumer technology brand Motorola has launched its first Bluetooth tracker. Called the Moto Tag, the device connects to Google’s Find My Device network to track a tagged object. It also features ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to help with precise location tracking (similar to Apple’s Precision Finding feature). For a first-generation product, the Moto Tag is packed with all the essentials, but how does it stack up against the Samsung SmartTag2, one of its biggest Android phone rivals?

advertisement

Bluetooth trackers have been around for a while now, helping users find items in seconds. While companies like Tile and Chipolo have been at it for much longer, it was Apple that shook up the portable tracker industry in April 2021 with its UWB-equipped AirTags. Other manufacturers soon followed suit, including Samsung and Tile.

While the inclusion of UWB in the AirTags has certainly motivated other brands to improve their Bluetooth trackers, it has also led to confusion among Android users. In 2024, a Samsung or Moto user can choose from about a dozen options, with Tile and Samsung devices topping the list of the best trackers. However, with Motorola entering the segment, the dynamics are set to change somewhat, especially since the Moto Tag competes directly with the Samsung SmartTag2. While both trackers are built exclusively for Android devices, there are a few key differences that could help buyers decide between the two.

advertisement

Let’s start by comparing how Motorola and Samsung have designed their Bluetooth trackers. For starters, the Moto Tag has a coin-shaped case and a plastic casing that’s IP67-rated against dust and water. It comes in two colors: Starlight Blue and Jade Green. The device measures 31.9 x 8 millimeters and weighs 7.5 grams. Interestingly, the Moto Tag’s dimensions are identical to those of the AirTags, so you should be able to fit it in a third-party AirTag case. It’s worth mentioning that the Moto Tag doesn’t have a lanyard loop. It also has a multi-function button that can be used to ping a connected phone or as a remote shutter.

advertisement

The Samsung SmartTag2, on the other hand, has a slightly larger form factor, measuring 28.8 x 52.44 x 8.0 millimeters. Unlike the Moto Tag, Samsung’s pill-shaped tracker has a cutout for attaching key fobs (lined with a metal ring). That said, the company does produce a multicolored silicone case for the device, which itself comes in black and white. Weighing in at 13.75 grams, the SmartTag2 is a bit heavier, but that’s not to say the weight will be an inconvenience. For quick actions like ringing your phone or turning on a connected smart light, the SmartTag2 also has a multi-function button. The tracker, like the Moto Tag, is IP67-rated (suitable for submersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes).

advertisement

Jumping on board with UWB, the Moto Tag offers precise location tracking, much like the Samsung SmartTag2. However, the fine print on Motorola’s website suggests that UWB-based precise tracking in the Find My Device app will be available via an update in the near future. On the other hand, Samsung’s SmartThings Find app already supports the feature, using augmented reality to show directions to a tagged item. It’s important to mention that both trackers would require a UWB-capable smartphone like the Moto Edge 50 Ultra or Galaxy S24 Ultra for the feature to work.

advertisement

While Moto hasn’t specified the range of its Bluetooth tracker, the official product page mentions that the device runs on Bluetooth v5.4 and supports Bluetooth Low Energy range. That range, on average, is around 100 meters depending on the surroundings and obstacles between the phone and the tracker. The Samsung SmartTag2, however, has Bluetooth v5.3 and a maximum tracking range of 120 meters.

Connecting the Moto Tag to a compatible Android phone shouldn’t take long, as the device supports Google Fast Pair technology. Similarly, the SmartTag2 connects seamlessly to a Galaxy phone.

While both devices offer precise UWB-based location tracking and decent Bluetooth range, one key difference isn’t immediately apparent: the operating systems they support. The Moto Tag is compatible with Google’s Find My Device network, meaning pretty much any device running Android 9 or later, including Samsung phones, can use the tracker. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with the SmartTag2, which only works with the SmartThings app on Galaxy phones. While that’s good news for Samsung users — since they can choose between the two trackers — those with a smartphone from another brand, like Motorola, OnePlus, or Google, will have to opt for the Moto Tag.

advertisement

While both networks allow users to check the device’s current location, play audio on the device, and support encryption of user data, Google seems to be lagging a bit behind. While the network doesn’t support UWB-based tracking to show directions to a tagged item, it has implemented a default setting that only lets users locate devices in high-traffic areas. Yes, the company encourages users to change the tracking setting to “Networked in all areas,” but it still needs to improve the network’s efficiency and effectiveness. On the brighter side, Google’s network can detect unknown third-party trackers (even AirTags), while the SmartThings app can only detect SmartTags.

Like Apple’s AirTag, both the Moto Tag and Samsung SmartTag2 have a replaceable CR2023 battery that costs just a few dollars. However, there’s a distinct difference in how long the two devices can last before needing a new battery. The Moto Tag can last up to a year (365 days), while the SmartTag 2 is rated to last up to 500 days, and that’s only in normal mode. Samsung’s Bluetooth tracker has a power-saving mode that extends the battery life to 700 days. That said, actual battery life will depend on a few factors, including how often you use your tracker, how strong your signal is, and more.

advertisement

For now, the Moto Tag costs $29 each, while a pack of four trackers costs $99. Similarly, the SmartTag2 costs $29.99 each, while a pack of four costs $99.99. When it comes to accessories like silicone cases or rugged covers, you certainly have more options of your own with the SmartTag2. While both trackers offer similar features, the SmartTag2, despite not being compatible with the Find My Device network, offers more features right out of the box (with better battery life). The Moto Tag, on the other hand, promises to be the AirTag that Google never had, but it may take some time before that happens.