They already existed, but Apple popularized Bluetooth locators with the announcement of its AirTags, small devices easily tracked from the iPhone and which can be attached to a key ring, a backpack, a suitcase, etc. Although they only work with the bitten apple ecosystem, there are universal (and more experienced) alternatives such as Tile, which offers different models depending on the user’s use and needs. In this comparison we will face the Apple AirTag with the Tile Pro.
Apple AirTag and Tile Mate features
Features |
arctic apple |
Pro tile |
---|---|---|
Dimensions and weight |
3.19 x 0.8 cm and 11 grams |
5.9 x 3.4 x 0.8 cm and 14 grams |
endurance |
IP67 |
IP67 |
CONNECTIVITY |
Bluetooth, U1 chip (UWB) and NFC |
Bluetooth and QR |
SPEAKER |
Yeah |
Yeah |
Battery |
Replaceable CR2032 button battery (one year battery life) |
One year – replaceable battery |
Sensors |
accelerometer |
– |
Compatibility |
iPhone and iPod touch with iOS 14.5 or later; iPad with iPadOS 14.5 or later |
iOS and Android |
price |
39,00$ |
$34.99 |
Tile Pro (2022) Bluetooth Object Finder, 1 Pack, 120m Search Radius, 1 Year Battery, Compatible with Alexa, Google Smart Home, iOS, Android, Search Keys, Remotes and More, Black
- Design: The Apple AirTag is a striking and stylish device; looks like a button However, to get the most out of it must be used with accessories, because it cannot be attached to key chains or hung on a handle without them. This is not the case of the Tile Pro which, although it is not as pretty, has a hole to be able to place it without problems with the rest of the keys.
- connectivity: Both proposals rely on Bluetooth to track them, but the Apple AirTag, as long as you have a compatible iPhone and are relatively close, enables Precision Search, which points us in the right direction. The Tile Pro does not have this feature, as it is intended for a theoretical Ultra model which should be released soon. If a phone is brought close to the AirTag, it displays user information via NFC. On Tile Pro, it’s via QR code.
- scope: Tiling promised up to 120 meters signal to locate it via Bluetooth. Apple does not specify the range of AirTags. However, the importance lies in its search network, as it is based on the number of iPhones, which allows it to be located even if it is miles away. Tile also works similarly, but the brand’s locator fleet is much smaller and therefore less efficient.
- Autonomy: Not all Tile locators have a rechargeable or replaceable battery, and once it runs out you need to buy a new one. But the Tile Pro has it and its autonomy is about a yearlike that of the AirTag.
- Compatibility: AirTags only work with iPhone and iPad (and from iOS 14.5), although if lost, the owner’s information can be known via NFC when pairing an Android smartphone. The Tile Pro is compatible with Apple phones and those with Google’s operating system. That’s to say, is more universal.
- Price: they cost similar, the AirTag being slightly more expensive after Apple’s price hike (39 dollars and 34.99 dollars)
Apple AirTag or Tile Pro (2022), which should you buy?
The AirTag is the best Bluetooth locator on the market for one simple reason: the search network. In USA (and in the world) there are more Android devices than iOS, but there are still many more users with iPhone than with Tile devices, so there is a greater chance of recovering it or to have it locate than its rival.
But you must have an iPhone to use AirTagso if you have an Android phone you should opt for the Tile Pro (2022), although there are also other options on the market, such as Chipolo or, if you have a Samsung smartphone, the Galaxy SmartTag.
Tile Pro (2022) Bluetooth Object Finder, 1 Pack, 120m Search Radius, 1 Year Battery, Compatible with Alexa, Google Smart Home, iOS, Android, Search Keys, Remotes and More, Black
Some of the links in this article are affiliated and may benefit Applesfera.