When comparing Tile Gen 2 vs Chipolo Classic, the Slant community recommends Tile Gen 2 for most people. In the question“What are the best key finders?” Tile Gen 2 is ranked 1st while Chipolo Classic is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Tile Gen 2 is:
While not rated for submersion, the Tile Gen 2 can withstand splashes or light rain. You don't need to be worried about getting your keychain wet.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Works even in the rain
While not rated for submersion, the Tile Gen 2 can withstand splashes or light rain. You don't need to be worried about getting your keychain wet.
Pro Can produce a siren to help you find your keys
This little device can produce a 90 dB sound, which is louder than a typical landline phone ringing. Once within range, you can open the app and select the tag you want to start ringing. This really helps you find your keys quickly.
Pro Tag can be used to find your phone
There's a small "e" button on the tag, and double tapping it will use the Bluetooth connection to make your phone ring. Your phone will ring even if it's on silent mode.
Pro Android and iOS compatible
Even if you and your significant other (or kids) have different phones, everybody can still use the Tile (as long as they have an Android or iPhone).
Pro Small and portable
The Tile Gen 2 is a square-ish device measuring 1.5x1.5x0.25" and weighing 1/3 oz. It can attach to any keychain without providing much added bulk.
Pro Replaceable battery
Chipolo uses a standard CR2025 coin battery.
Pro Alerts when out of range
Pro 200 ft range
Pro Shake to find your phone
Chipolo can send a signal to your phone when shaked, and the Chipolo app will make a noise so you can find your phone.
Pro 5mm thin
Pro Remembers last temperature and location
Pro Makes noise
You can send a signal to Chipolo to make it beep.
Pro Temperature sensor
Chipolo includes a temperature sensor so it's easy to tell if it is located inside or outside.
Pro Six month battery life
Thanks to its bluetooth 4.0 low energy consumption support, chipolo has a very long battery life, and alerts you when the battery is low.
Pro Works on iOS and Android
Windows phone support is in development, and expected to come out in the first half of 2014.
Pro It's colorful!
Nine colors are available:
- Pink
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow
- Green
- Blue
- Purple
- Black
- White
Pro Android, iPhone and Windows Phone compatibility
In addition to Android and iPhone, Windows Phone is also supported. Combined, this means that 96% of phone users are covered.
Cons
Con Non-replaceable battery
The battery life lasts around a year, however you can't swap the battery out yourself. That means you'll need to buy a new Tile each year.
Con Limited to Bluetooth range
The range effectively is only around 90 feet (30m). If you have a general idea where you left your keys, this should be enough, however outside of that range this device probably won't help you.
Con Non-directional tracking
Because the Tile uses a Bluetooth connection, it can't tell you which direction your keys are. Instead, it displays 8 bars, and the less bars that are displayed, the closer you are. It will take a bit more time to hunt your keys down like this, but there is also an alarm you can sound once you're within range to help speed the process along.
Con Each account is limited to 8 tags
These tiles are very useful for different keychains, and if you have kids that have their own keys you can be limited by the number of tiles you can have tied to an account.
Con Replacing the battery can break the Chipolo
You need to be careful when opening the Chipolo to replace the battery. You can accidentally break it.
Con Very spotty connection
The advertised 200 foot connection seems like a massive exaggeration. In real-world tests, it would lose connection around 60 feet and wouldn't pick up the connection again until it was 20-30 feet away. This very short range isn't much help in finding your keys.