New features give users power over their tracking experience

 The Samsung Galaxy device ‘finding’ experience is now more versatile than ever

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced the Galaxy SmartTag2, launching globally on October 11. Galaxy SmartTag2 brings enhancements to the Galaxy SmartTag line that enables new and better ways to keep track of valuables. Upgrades to the design and usability create even more use cases for the device than ever before.

“We are constantly looking at ways to make people’s lives more convenient through Samsung Galaxy’s excellent innovations,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings, Device Platform Center at Samsung Electronics. “With the Galaxy SmartTag2, we set out to make sure Samsung Galaxy users can find their belongings in an easy and intuitive way. With an enhanced finding experience and a longer battery life, Galaxy SmartTag2 will provide users with greater peace of mind for longer and in more situations[1].”

Intuitive Features Make Finding Lost Items Easier Than Ever[2]

Galaxy SmartTag2’s brand-new Lost Mode[3] allows users to input their contact information via a message. Then, anyone who discovers an item with a Galaxy SmartTag2 attached can use their smartphone to scan the tag and see the owners’ message and contact information. This means a Galaxy SmartTag2 attached to a pet’s collar is now a convenient way to ensure the pet owner’s phone number is always there, in most places where the pet might wander. Lost Mode works with any mobile device with NFC reader and web browser.

Galaxy SmartTag2 now provides an improved Compass View feature, enhancing the user experience by providing arrows to show the direction and distance of the Galaxy SmartTag2 in relation to the user. This mode is available on any UWB-supported Galaxy smartphone, such as the Galaxy S23 Ultra[4].

The SmartThings Find app has also been upgraded, with newly registered Galaxy SmartTags that now installs a shortcut to the app on the user’s smartphone, allowing users to launch SmartThings Find more quickly. Additionally, the app now features a full-screen map view and an intuitive interface, making the user experience even more seamless.

Finally, when switching Galaxy smartphones, SmartTag2 now automatically re-syncs with your new Galaxy smartphone using your Samsung account.

New Modes Mean Longer-Lasting Battery [5]

Users can now enjoy Galaxy SmartTag2 for longer with the brand-new Power Saving Mode, available alongside an improved Normal mode. For users who rely on SmartTag to continually track items, Power Saving Mode is the perfect option to maintain battery life while ensuring you can keep an eye on your things[6]. With Power Saving Mode, Galaxy SmartTag2’s battery now lasts up to 700 days, more than twice as long as previous Galaxy SmartTag models[7]. Even in Normal Mode, battery life is now extended to 500 days, a 50% increase on previous models[8]. With the flexibility to switch between two modes, users can track their valuables – from car keys to bikes – for longer.

Sleek Design Adapts to Even More Conditions and Brings More Use Cases

Galaxy SmartTag2’s new compact size and ring-shaped design was created with ease of use in mind. The large metal loop enhances product durability by using metal on the inside of the ring for greater resilience that can support accessories such as clips and keyrings. These accessories can also attach to bags and luggage.

Galaxy SmartTag2’s durability has also been upgraded with an IP67[9] rating for water and dust resistance. This enables users to track their items in even more challenging environments, such as when travelling outdoors. For pet owners, there’s no need to worry about everyday wear and tear on the device from pet’s water bowls or running around outside.

Galaxy SmartTag2 also supports a new pet walking mode, making it easy for users to log walks with their furry friends.

Peace of Mind, Repackaged

 Galaxy SmartTag2 retains many of the popular features from Galaxy SmartTag and Galaxy SmartTag+. It takes advantage of both Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and UWB capabilities, leveraging Augmented Reality (AR) Find technology to visually guide users toward their item using their Samsung Galaxy smartphone camera. In addition, Galaxy SmartTag2 works within maximum Bluetooth range of 120 meters and can control smart home appliances through the SmartThings app.

Samsung remains committed to securing the privacy of Samsung Galaxy users, with the device’s location only to be made available with the user’s permission. SmartThings Find also encrypts user data and is supported by Samsung Knox for an extra layer of security. Furthermore, disabling Lost Mode immediately hides the owners’ contact information and wipes the message left by the owner from the device.

For Samsung Galaxy users, SmartThings Find can also provide security through its “Unknown tag alerts” feature. This feature alerts users of any unauthorised tracking by sending them a notification if SmartThings Find detects an unknown SmartTag following them. This helps protect users and prevent against the abuse of location tracking services.

Galaxy SmartTag2 also works seamlessly with SmartThings Station, which is integrated with SmartThings Find – serving as an always-at-home device scanner – helping users keep track of valuables that have a SmartTag attached. SmartThings Station will notify users of the location of their tagged item – from personal items like TV remotes, wallets, keys and registered devices like smartphones, tablets, watches and earbuds. Pet owners will also receive an alert when a tagged collar moves too far from the SmartThings Station, helping them keep their pets close to home.

Disclaimers

¹ For Galaxy SmartTag2, Samsung account log-in and registration on SmartThings Find is required. Galaxy SmartTag2 needs to be paired with ultra-wideband (UWB)-enabled Galaxy smartphones with Android 11 or higher to fully function. Accuracy may be reduced if there’s an obstacle between you and the tag, such as when the tag is inside a drawer, behind a wall or in a car.
² Contact information and message shown on Lost Mode must be registered beforehand on the SmartThings app.
³ Current Galaxy products that support UWB include Galaxy Note20 Ultra, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S22+, Galaxy S22 Ultra, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold2, Z Fold3, Z Fold4 and Z Fold5.
⁴ Battery life is based on results from internal lab tests for typical usage pattern scenarios conducted by Samsung. Tested with results from a pre-release version of the device using inbox CR2032 battery. Actual battery life may vary depending on different usage patterns, device model or the battery manufacturer.
⁵ Galaxy SmartTag2 is rated as IP67. Based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach, pool use or soapy water. Water and dust resistance of device is not permanent and may diminish over time.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced, on 3 May 2023, that SmartThings Find has expanded to include 300 million ‘find nodes’, registered and opted-in devices that can help other Samsung Galaxy users find their devices.

This milestone demonstrates a swift and steady expansion for SmartThings Find, which has registered 100 million more nodes since July 2022, achieving 1.5 times growth in just 10 months. It also means a boost in the efficacy of the device location service, as each opted-in device has the ability to help locate another. The higher the number of devices, the more powerful SmartThings Find becomes for users.

“We’re thrilled to witness this fast growth in SmartThings Find. Our connected device ecosystem enables many new possibilities and meaningful benefits, such as alleviating the stress of misplacing a device and ensuring the safety of belongings,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Corporate Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings at Samsung Electronics. “With the benefits SmartThings Find provides, we also are deeply committed to the safe and secure use of these technologies. SmartThings Find incorporates enhanced security and privacy features to protect user data and also guard against misuse, and we also are working with the wider industry to support specifications and standards that further enhance security.”

SmartThings Find can quickly locate multiple types of Samsung Galaxy devices, including smartphones, tablets, watches and earbuds. It can also locate Galaxy SmartTag or SmartTag +devices, which attach to items such as keys or luggage.

Peace of Mind through Convenience and Security

As SmartThings Find continues to benefit an increasing number of users, security and privacy remain top priorities for Samsung. To ensure sensitive information is safeguarded, SmartThings Find encrypts user data and implements further protection through Samsung Knox, the defense-grade security platform on Samsung Galaxy devices. A device’s location data is only shared with other people with the user’s permission, and the ID of each user’s device changes every 15 minutes and is stored anonymously.

With the ‘Search for unknown tags near you’ feature, Android and iOS users can easily determine if unknown tags are near them manually. This feature can provide a gauge showing the signal strength of the tag, allowing users to know how close the unknown tag is to their current location. If needed, users can designate certain tags as ‘safe’ if they are identified.

For Galaxy users, SmartThings Find can also provide security through its ‘Unknown tag alerts’ feature. This feature alerts users of any unauthorized tracking by sending them a notification if SmartThings Find detects an unknown SmartTag following them. This helps protect users and prevent against the abuse of location tracking services.

To activate the feature, users should locate the Find service within the SmartThings app’s ‘Life’ tab. Within the settings menu, users can toggle ‘Unknown tag alerts’ feature on and off or search for unknown tags near them manually.

Samsung proudly supports Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030.

By placing a SmartTag on your keychain, wallet or even your family pet’s collar and connecting your Galaxy devices, you can easily locate your most treasured items. For even more customisation, Samsung SmartTags have a button that you can turn into a controller for your smart home devices. In this video, we’ll give you some tips on how to use SmartTag and SmartThings Find.

“We are living in a mobile-first world, and with so many of us working remotely and spending more time at home, we wanted to deliver a smartphone experience that meets the rigorous multimedia demands of our continuously changing routines,” said Justin Hume, Director: Integrated Mobility at Samsung South Africa. “We also recognise the importance of choice, especially now, and that’s why the Galaxy S21 series gives you the freedom to choose the best device for your style and needs.”

For over a decade, the Galaxy S series has delivered groundbreaking, flagship mobile experiences for people who rely on their smartphone for expression, connection and entertainment. The new Galaxy S21 series builds on this legacy to offer the premium flagship experience and make every day epic. Galaxy S21 will be available in a variety of models, so you can find the perfect complement for your personal style and needs. For users who demand a flagship mobile experience, with pro-grade camera innovations and top-of-the-line performance, at various price points, Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ deliver in every category — and then some.

Bold New Style

With a bold new style, Galaxy S21 is built for expression. Galaxy S21 was designed for those who want a light design and compact 6.2-inch display^[1]. Galaxy S21+ sports an expanded 6.7-inch display and a larger battery, perfect for marathon gamers and binge-watchers^[2].

The Galaxy S21 series introduces an all-new, iconic Contour Cut Camera housing that seamlessly blends into the device’s metal frame for a sleek, yet striking, aesthetic. S21 and S21+ will be available in a range of eye-catching colours, including a new signature colour: Phantom Violet. And each device is coated with a luxurious haze finish on the back for a sophisticated look and feel.

Galaxy S21 touts an intelligent, edge-to-edge Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O display with adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and viewing^[3]. It automatically adjusts the frame rate based on the content whether you’re swiping through your social feeds or watching shows. The display is also easy on the eyes. To help reduce eye fatigue, the new Eye Comfort Shield^[4] automatically adjusts the blue light based on the time of day, content you’re viewing, and your bedtime.

Make Everyday Moments Epic

Galaxy S21 continues Samsung’s legendary camera heritage with pro-grade enhancements and video innovations that enable users of every skill level to get the best shot. Whether you’re recording your puppy’s first encounter with a mirror, chronicling series game night antics or documenting spectacular views on a week-long road trip, Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ have you covered. Just point, shoot and let Galaxy S21 do the heavy lifting — so you can capture the moment before it’s gone.

Improved 8K Snap lets you grab crystal clear images from your 8K video footage, so you can capture all the live action and get standout still shots every time you hit record. Even in fast-moving or bumpy conditions, your footage will be buttery-smooth with Super Steady video at an improved 60fps^[5]. New Director’s View lets you see, switch, and select the best shot to tell your best story. Capture video with the front and rear cameras at once for real-time reactions with Vlogger View, and preview or change the angle, zoom or go wide without losing any action with Live Thumbnails. Paired with Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds Pro^[6], you can capture both ambient sounds and your voice at the same time using multiple mic recording^[7]. That means you can set up Galaxy S21 in Pro Video Mode on a tripod and use Buds Pro as your voice mic, so you can step away and record speech, movement and background sound in crisp quality. With the power of AI, the popular Single Take^[8] feature allows you to capture a variety of still and video formats with one tap. It has been enhanced with new pro-style video settings like Highlight Video and Dynamic Slow-Mo, which lets you focus on the most compelling action in stunning stills and highlight reels.

Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+’s AI-powered triple-lens pro-grade camera is designed for those times when you want to be more intentional and have more creative control. The camera system intuitively assesses and adjusts to your scene to ensure you can perfectly capture any environment. In Portrait Mode, the AI-powered camera leverages an improved 3D analysis that more accurately separates the subject from the background. It also brings in options for virtual studio lighting and AI background effects to make sure the subject pops from the frame. It also works for selfies too. For elusive faraway shots, whether you’re on a hike or sitting in the back row, improved Space Zoom helps you get clear and steady shots. The new Zoom Lock minimises shaky hands and captures clearer images at 30x zoom on Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+, by leveraging AI to keep your focal point in the centre of the frame. Plus, enhanced processing power means bright pictures, even in the dark, so you can do proper justice to gorgeous sunsets and skylines.

Connectivity and Performance That Delivers

Samsung is committed to helping you stay connected, and keeping your data secure, in more convenient and personalised ways. Galaxy S21 delivers next-generation performance and seamlessly connects you to the Galaxy Ecosystem to give you more flexibility, no matter your routine, so you can do more with confidence.

Galaxy users love and expect powerful experience. The Galaxy S21 features the latest and most advanced smartphone chipset yet in a Galaxy for greater speed, energy efficiency^[9], and advanced computing capabilities to support 5G connectivity and on-device AI^[10]. Galaxy S21 packs all the power you need to process photos, record 8K videos, enjoy a cloud gaming marathon and make the perfect video clips.

We rely on our smartphones more than ever, which is why protecting sensitive information is more important than ever. Galaxy S21 is secured by Samsung Knox Vault, Samsung’s own proprietary chipset level (SoC) security platform. By adding tamper-resistant secure memory to our secure processor, Samsung Knox Vault enables S21 to add a new layer of protection.

Galaxy S21 also introduces a new tool to protect and monitor your privacy. You can safely remove location metadata from photos before sharing. With Galaxy S21’s all-new Private Share function^[11], you can also control who gets access to the content you send, and how long it’s available – so you can share content worry-free.

Galaxy S21 is designed to be used with other Galaxy devices and with SmartThings Find, it can help you quickly and easily locate your compatible Galaxy devices even when they’re offline. Whether you left your device in another room, under the seat of your car or in a completely different city, SmartThings Find will send you in the right direction. You can now locate non-connected devices, with Samsung’s new Galaxy SmartTag^[12] Bluetooth locator. Simply attach a SmartTag to your keys, a bag or even your pet’s collar and you can use SmartThings Find to find the item or your pet.

Optional Samsung Care+ Coverage

Experience total peace of mind and get the most from the new Galaxy S21 with Samsung Care+. Enjoy a personal set-up session with a Samsung Care+, 24/7 dedicated support via phone or chat, discounted screen repair, an extended warranty^[1] and coverage for accidental damage.^[2] Add Samsung Care+ at checkout on https://www.samsung.com/za/mobile/samsung-care-plus/registration/

Local Availability

Starting on 5 February 2021, Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ will be available through Samsung.com, carriers and retailers online. Both devices will be available in the following colours featuring deluxe haze finishes:

• Galaxy S21: Phantom Violet, Phantom Gray, Phantom Pink and Phantom White in 128GB and 256GB models with 8GB RAM
• Galaxy S21+: Phantom Violet, Phantom Silver and Phantom Black in 128GB and 256GB models with 8GB RAM

Pre-orders for the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ begin January 14 at 6pm.

Between January 14 and January 28, 2021, all pre-orders will also include Galaxy Buds Live and a free Galaxy SmartTag. Pre-order consumers can enhance their Galaxy experience and redeem their Samsung Credit on Samsung.com or the Shop Samsung app towards curated bundles and select products like Samsung TVs, SmartThings, gaming, accessories, tablets and more. With the Galaxy SmartTag Bluetooth locator, consumers can keep track of everything that matters. They can attach it to their keys, bag, pet or anything they want to keep tabs on. The promotion will last for a limited time and only while supplies last. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.samsung.com/us/promotions to learn more.

Pricing for the Galaxy S21 starts at R17 999 and Galaxy S21+ starts at R21499 with eligible trade-in value up to R10 000 on Samsung.com. The offers are for a limited time. Terms and conditions apply. Visit  https://www.samsung.com/za/offer/switchtogalaxy-terms/ to learn more.

For more information about Galaxy S21 /Galaxy S21+, please visit http://www.samsungmobilepress.com, news.samsung.com/galaxy or www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-s21-5g/. To learn more about Galaxy S21 Ultra, please visit www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-s21-ultra-5g/.

*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice.

*Audio and video specification has been revised on Feb 2, 2021 to provide more accurate information.

[1] Display measurements are diagonal, and actual viewable area is less due to rounded corners and camera hole.

[2] Display measurements are diagonal, and actual viewable area is less due to rounded corners and camera hole.

[3] Compared to 60Hz screens.

[4] Eye Comfort Shield is ‘off’ by default, and must be turned on in Settings.  SGS, the world’s leading certification company, awarded Galaxy S21 series’ display the Eye Care Certification based on its ability to drastically reduce the harmful effects of blue light. This certification can be found on www.sgs.com.

[5] Super Steady video is limited to 1080p resolution.

[6] Sold separately.

[7] The feature is available on Galaxy smartphones or tablets with One UI 3.1 or above, which can be turned on and off in the Bluetooth® setting. Requires the same Samsung account to be registered on the devices. The availability of the feature may vary by application.

[8] Single Take captures images and video up to 15 seconds.

[9] Compared to Galaxy S20.

[10] Requires optimal 5G network connection, available in select markets. Check with your carrier for availability and details. Download and streaming speeds may vary based on content provider, server connection and other factors.

[11] Private Share works between Galaxy smartphones with Android P or later. App download required to send/receive Private Share link.

[12] Sold separately.

[13] An extended warranty is a service contract that covers repair beyond basic warranty. Limitations and exclusions apply. Please see terms and conditions for full coverage details.

[14] Maximum of 3 accidental damage from handling claims per 12-24 month period. Additional restrictions apply. Please see terms and conditions for full coverage details.

[15] Availability may vary by market.