You can now track a missing suitcase with Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag3 using an iPhone. But if you leave that suitcase behind, Samsung’s tracker won’t send its Left Behind Alert to iOS.
The SmartTag3 went on sale in the US on November 6 for $29.99. iPhone users can register and locate tags through SmartThings, but Compass View, Ring Phone, and Left Behind Alert remain exclusive to compatible Galaxy devices. Apple’s second-generation AirTag offers comparable directional finding and separation alerts on supported iPhones.
For households using both platforms, SmartTag3 opens another option. Yet the trackers operate on separate finding networks, and their similar prices make the differences in functionality difficult to ignore.
SmartTag3’s iPhone support has limits
Samsung’s official product FAQ confirms that iPhone owners can register SmartTag3 directly through SmartThings without a Galaxy phone. They can locate tags, share them with family members, and use Search Nearby.
However, Samsung’s compatibility documentation excludes three features from iOS: Compass View provides directional guidance, Ring Phone sounds a connected phone, and Left Behind Alert warns when an item is left behind.
SmartTag3 requires iOS 17 or later. Certain Location History functions, including downloading records and Road View, are also unavailable on iPhones, although supported location tracking remains accessible.
Samsung confirmed to Android Authority that SmartTag3 does not support non-Galaxy Android phones, including Google Pixel devices. The Pixel Tag vs. AirTag comparison examines another option for Android users.
SmartTag3 vs. AirTag: Price, tracking, and battery
Samsung’s Galaxy Find Network powers SmartTag3, including when accessed from an iPhone. AirTag instead uses Apple’s Find My network, which requires an Apple Account and a compatible iPhone running iOS 26 or later.
| Feature | Galaxy SmartTag3 | AirTag (2nd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $29.99; four-pack $99.99 | $29; four-pack $99 |
| Finding network | Galaxy Find Network | Apple Find My |
| iPhone requirement | iOS 17+ | iOS 26+ |
| Directional finding | Supported Galaxy phones only | Compatible Apple devices |
| Left-behind alerts on iPhone | No | Yes |
| Location sharing | SmartThings | Find My |
| Battery | Replaceable CR2032; up to 550 days claimed | Replaceable CR2032 |
| Dust and water resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
Samsung claims Compass View reaches up to 60 meters using Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding on select Galaxy phones, including the S26 Ultra, under unobstructed conditions. TechRepublic’s Galaxy S26 Ultra Cheat Sheet covers that handset’s specifications and pricing.
Apple claims up to 50% greater Precision Finding range than the original AirTag in its January 26 announcement. These estimates use different baselines and do not establish which tracker performs better.
Both trackers need separate keyring accessories. Samsung’s redesign removes SmartTag2’s built-in attachment loop, previously examined in coverage of the SmartTag3 design.
AirTag remains the more complete choice for iPhone owners who want directional finding and separation alerts. SmartTag3 gives mixed-device households another option, particularly when a Galaxy phone is also in use. Sharing a tag across platforms is now possible; sharing every tracking feature isn’t.
How we compared them: We assessed manufacturer specifications, compatibility requirements, prices, and supported tracking features.
Read more: Compare five AirTag alternatives for 2026 offering different tracking networks, battery options, and attachment designs.