Xiaomi launched a tracking tag called simply the Xiaomi Tag. We have one in our hands and we can see a few reasons why you may want to pick one up over trackers from other brands.
First, it’s how you can get one – an individual tag costs €18, while a pack of four goes for €60. For comparison, a second-gen Apple AirTag is €35 (or €120 for four), a Samsung SmartTag2 is €40 (€130 for four) and a Moto Tag 2 is also €40 (€130 for four). Xiaomi undercutting the competition’s pricing is nothing new, but the difference is double or more in this case.
The Xiaomi Tag is slender and cleverly designed
Second, Xiaomi knocked it out of the park in terms of design – the tag is slender at 7.2mm. The Apple, Samsung and Motorola tags all measure 8.0mm thick. While you may scoff at a difference of less than one millimeter, it does matter when you are trying to slip this in your wallet or in some inner pocket of a travel bag or backpack.
Xiaomi was particularly clever with the design – the metal ring is a built-in way to attach this to a key ring. This is something that only the Samsung tag offers, while the Apple and Motorola ones need a case of some sort. That said, the opening is quite small and you can’t put this on a carabiner like you can the Samsung tag.
Xiaomi Tag
This is a trade-off – the Xiaomi Tag is 46.5mm tall and 31mm wide, while the Samsung tag is taller at 52.4mm and a bit narrower at 28.8mm. You can always put a key ring on the Xiaomi tag if you want to attach it to a carabiner.
Unlike its competitors, the Xiaomi Tag doesn’t lock you into an ecosystem – it works with Apple Find My and Google Android Find Hub. Unfortunately, it can’t work with both simultaneously. Still, these tags will be used for years and you won’t have to swap them if you decide to switch between Apple and Android.
Speaking of using this for years, there is a standard CR2032 button cell inside, which should power this for around a year.
The Tag uses Bluetooth LE 5.4 for proximity finding. Once you get close enough, you can activate its piezoelectric buzzer to help you find your lost item. Additionally, you can set the tag to Lost Mode – this allows you to add contact information for anyone who finds this. They just have to tap their phone to read the built-in NFC tag. Note that this only works with Apple Find My.
The Xiaomi Tag is rated IP67 so you can clip it to the outside of your backpack or luggage and not worry that dust, grime and water will kill it over time. It has a scratch-resistant finish that keeps it looking pretty too.