I didn't think I cared about UWB until the Galaxy S27+ leak showed me what I might lose
The features you'd miss could be bigger than you think, depending on how you use your phone
The Galaxy S26+ has a radio that most users likely overlook daily. However, when a SmartTag goes missing, the radio proves its utility by guiding users to it. This precise item tracking feature has been available in the Galaxy S21+ since 2021, serving as the budget option for those seeking it. According to recent leak filings shared by tipster Abhishek Yadav, the Galaxy S27+ will not feature this UWB radio.
Instead, Samsung appears to be relegating UWB technology to the new Galaxy S27 Pro and Galaxy S27 Ultra models. The absence of UWB in the base Galaxy S models, including the S26, suggests Samsung's decision was made to differentiate the lineup. The SmartTag2 relies on UWB to provide a compass view when using the SmartThings Find app.
With UWB, directional arrows and an augmented reality view help users locate misplaced items with precision. Without UWB, the phone falls back to Bluetooth Low Energy, which relies on signal strength to estimate proximity. This means users would have to physically listen for a ring from the SmartTag to locate it. Samsung Wallet's Digital Key feature allows phones to act as digital keys for certain car manufacturers, relying on UWB for secure, hands-free entry.
Without UWB, the phone would fall back on less reliable NFC or Bluetooth methods, requiring closer proximity to the car door. Additionally, Samsung Wallet introduced Digital Home Key, a UWB-based smart lock system, which would be unavailable on a phone without UWB. Quick Share, a feature that allows devices to quickly share large files using UWB, would also be lost on the S27+.
Although Bluetooth 6.0, which includes Channel Sounding for more accurate distance measurement, remains on the S27+, UWB's superior performance in crowded environments makes it a valuable feature. Apple has included UWB in its flagship iPhones since 2019, and Samsung's removal of it from the base Galaxy S models seems like a cynical move to justify a $200 price difference between the S27+ and S27+.
Written by urgent.news from Android Police's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
