Samsung's next Bluetooth tracker is trading its signature pill-shaped silhouette for a compact squircle body, aligning its visual identity directly with One UI icons and recent Galaxy Watch displays. Leaked renders confirm that the upcoming Galaxy SmartTag 3 retains essential tracking tech like Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) at an accessible $29.99 single-unit price or $99.99 for a four-pack. However, the geometric refresh introduces one immediate user frustration: the removal of the built-in keyring hole.
By eliminating the built-in cutout that made the SmartTag 2 easy to clip directly onto key rings or carabiners, Samsung is shifting toward a design philosophy similar to Apple's AirTag. Anyone planning to anchor the new tracker to a ring of door keys, a dog collar, or luggage zippers will now need to purchase a protective case or dedicated holder accessory. While this hardware decision adds accessory costs for long-time users, the physical redesign delivers a tighter aesthetic fit across Samsung's mobile lineup.
A Squircle Redesign Focused on Ecosystem Uniformity
The updated chassis shifts away from the elongated oval silhouette of the prior generation. Measuring roughly 30 x 30 mm and coming in at under 10 mm thick, the device adopts a balanced squircle shape. The white model features a light exterior frame surrounding a recessed central button decorated with a subtle metallic texture and the Samsung logo. The dark edition follows identical geometry with a unified matte black finish throughout.
Beyond visual symmetry, the central face retains a physical click button. Just like on earlier models, this button acts as a multi-function trigger: double-pressing it pings a lost Galaxy smartphone, while single presses or long holds activate customized SmartThings Modes & Routines across connected smart home gear. The back panel houses standard regulatory markings and conceals a replaceable coin-cell compartment, ensuring users can swap out dead batteries instead of discarding the tracker after a year of use.
The Practical Tradeoff: Mandatory Accessories for Keyrings
The most noticeable structural compromise in the Galaxy SmartTag 3 is the complete absence of an integrated lanyard ring or keyhole. The SmartTag 2 won praise specifically because its top loop let users attach it directly to keychains or carabiners without buying third-party rubber sleeves. Removing this cutout means the unit presents smooth, sealed outer edges on all four sides.
To address this utility gap, Samsung is reportedly preparing a broad suite of official accessories alongside the main launch. Early store filings indicate optional silicone bumpers, leather protective sleeves, and dedicated pet-collar mounts designed to securely hold the squircle capsule. While these accessories protect the casing from scuffs during daily drops, requiring a sleeve for basic key tracking adds extra bulk and friction for users who prefer minimal setups.
Ultra-Wideband Precision and Ecosystem Integration
On the hardware performance front, recent regulatory filings confirm that the SmartTag 3 packs both Bluetooth Low Energy and Ultra-Wideband connectivity. UWB integration enables precise short-range directional guidance on supported Galaxy phones, showing augmented reality arrows and real-time distance measurements to pinpoint items hiding under couch cushions or tucked behind desk drawers. Farther away, the tracker relies on the crowdsourced Samsung Find network, utilizing millions of nearby Galaxy devices to relay encrypted location updates back to the owner.
Durability remains top-tier for daily outdoor exposure, with expected IP67 dust and water resistance guarding the internal circuitry against heavy rain and accidental submersion. Listed model codes confirm initial availability in basic Black and White colorways, maintaining parity with previous generations. While the missing built-in loop may annoy minimalist key-tracker enthusiasts, the combination of UWB spatial accuracy, physical routine triggers, and accessible entry pricing keeps the Galaxy SmartTag 3 a central utility tool for Samsung power users.
