Google has recently wrapped its Made by Google event, and while the main highlight of the event was the Pixel 11 series, the company has also unveiled its first tracking device during the launch event. The device is a direct competitor to Apple’s AirTag 2 and Jio’s JioTag2, which can help the users find everyday items like keys, wallets, and bags; they are different in several ways. Though the devices come with similar features, they are well different in terms of compatibility, battery life and build quality. Here is a detailed spec-based comparison of the Google Pixel Tag, Apple AirTag 2 and JioTag 2 to help you decide better which one you should buy.
Google’s newly launched Pixel Tag runs built around Google’s Find Hub network, which allows it to stay seamlessly connected with compatible Android devices worldwide. The tracking device is primarily designed to function with devices running Android OS as their base.
In comparison, the Apple AirTag 2 remains exclusive to Apple’s ecosystem. It relies on the Find My network and is intended for use with Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads.
The JioTag 2 stands out because it’s flexible. It works with both Apple’s Find My network on iPhones and Google’s Find Hub network on Android phones. That makes it a solid pick for anyone who switches between or uses both Android and Apple devices.
The Google Pixel Tag uses two technologies to pinpoint location accurately, notably the Bluetooth Channel Sounding and Ultra-Wideband (UWB). Bluetooth Channel Sounding helps figure out how far away the tag is, while UWB adds direction on top of that, giving an even more precise sense of distance. It also has a built-in accelerometer, which senses when the tagged item starts or stops moving. This is what powers its motion alerts.
On the other hand, Apple’s AirTag 2 uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) along with the second-generation Ultra-Wideband (U2) chip for the tracking purpose. The new U2 chipset provides the device with more accurate location tracking and more precise finding when used with compatible Apple devices.
While the JioTag 2 only uses the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for tracking, which is the least precise of the three tracking devices. Moreover, the device does not provide you exact directions or the distance to the object. Instead, it uses nearby Bluetooth devices to tell you where it is.
The Google Pixel Tag does not have an official decibel rating yet. However, it has a built-in speaker that makes a sound to help you find the tag. You can also press a button on the tag to make your phone ring, which helps you find your phone.
The Apple AirTag 2 features a much louder buzzer when compared to the Apple AirTag. It now boasts a volume of around 85 dB. The JioTag 2 comes with the loudest buzzer amongst the three, with a buzzer that can reach up to 120 dB, ensuring that the device is easy to hear from a longer distance.
Google’s Pixel Tag has a sturdy body made of polycarbonate and stainless steel. It carries an IP67 rating, so it’s protected from dust and can survive in up to 1 metre of fresh water for 30 minutes. It measures 28 mm wide, 46.1 mm high and 5.4 mm thick, and weighs just 11.8 grams.
On the other hand, Apple AirTag 2 has a plastic top with a stainless steel bottom. It also has an IP67 rating, so it can handle dust and stay submerged at a depth of one metre for 30 minutes. It weighs 11.8 grams, measures 31.9 mm across and is 8 mm thick.
The JioTag 2 has a lightweight polycarbonate body with a hole built in for attaching it to a keychain. It’s IP64-rated, which means it’s protected against dust and water splashes. It measures 101 x 62 x 17 mm and weighs 30 grams, notably bulkier than both the Pixel Tag and AirTag 2.
The Google Pixel Tag, Apple’s AirTag 2 and JioTag 2 all draw their power from a user-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery, but the difference lies in the run time. The Pixel Tag is reported to last up to about a year and can be swapped without tools. While Apple claims that its AirTag 2 can run for up to two years, Jio claims that the JioTag 2 can last between 8 and 12 months.
The Google Pixel Tag is launched with a price tag of Rs 3,799 for a device, while the Apple AirTag 2 landed in the Indian market for Rs 3,790, and the JioTag2 costs about Rs 1,249.