What’s the difference between the Tile Mate 2018 and Tile Mate 2020?

Tile has updated its Mate Bluetooth Tracker with a new model in 2020. So, how does the updated release compare to the 2018 version?

You can find out in this comparison guide between the two trackers.

Quick Summary

The main difference between the Tile Mate 2018 and Tile Mate 2020 is that the new model has 33.33% more range.

As a result, the 2020 version is better at locating nearby missing items.

Otherwise, the old and new versions of the Mate are pretty much identical as both have the same app features, battery life, smart home support, dust resistance, water resistance, operating temperature range as well as warranty coverage.

Tile Mate 2018 vs. Tile Mate 2020 Comparison Chart

You can find Seeking Tech’s comparison table between these two Bluetooth trackers below.

Weight

The 2018 and 2020 models of the Tile Mate have the same weight, which is 7.5 g (or 0.2 oz).

Dimensions

The old and new versions of the tracker are also identical when it comes to physical size.

You can take a look at the measurements below:

• 1.3 in x 1.3 in x 0.2 in (or 34.7 mm x 34.7 mm x 6.2 mm)

Bluetooth Version

Both the 2018 and 2020 versions of the Mate use Bluetooth 5.0.

Bluetooth Range

The main difference between the two models is the Bluetooth range.

The 2020 model has a maximum coverage range that is 50 feet wider than the 2018 model. This translates to a 33.33% advantage.

You can check out the ranges for both products below:

• Tile Mate 2018: 150 ft (or 45 m)
• Tile Mate 2020: 200 ft (or 61 m)

Tile App Features

The 2018 and 2020 versions of the Tile Mate tracker are used with the Tile App.

This phone application will let you find missing items, from nearby or far away with the Mate attached, for free.

To located items nearby, the app will ring your Mate or use the proximity meter if you are within the aforementioned Bluetooth range.

To locate items that are farther away, the app will display the most recent location on the map. It will also use the Tile Network.

You can also find your phone with the Tile Mate. This is done by double pressing the logo of the Mate to make your phone ring. You phone will ring even when you put it in silent mode.

Tile Premium Features

You can also use both the 2018 and 2020 versions of the Mate with Tile Premium.

The paid subscription service for the app comes with all of the aforementioned free features in addition to having an extended warranty, offering free batter replacement and more.

You can check out a list of Tile Premium features below:

• 30-Day Location History
• Extended Warranty
• Find Far Away
• Find Nearby
• Find Your Phone
• Free Battery Replacement
• Premium Customer Care
• Smart Alerts
• Unlimited Sharing

Tile Premium Protect Features

The 2018 Mate and 2020 Mate also support Tile Premium Protect, which is a more expensive version of the Tile Premium paid subscription service.

You will get everything in Tile Premium in addition to up to $1,000 in item reimbursement. This means that, if your Mate device can’t find your missing item, you will be reimbursed at up to $1,000.

Of course, there are some limitations. For one, the Tile Mate 2018 or Tile Mate 2020 has to be working correctly with a functional battery and correct permission settings.

Certain items are also excluded.

You can also take a look at a full list of Tile Premium Protect features below:

• 30-Day Location History
• Extended Warranty
• Find Far Away
• Find Nearby
• Find Your Phone
• Free Battery Replacement
• Premium Customer Care
• Smart Alerts
• Unlimited Sharing
• Up to $1,000 Item Reimbursement

Battery Type

Both the 2018 and 2020 versions of the Mate Bluetooth tracker come with a CR1632 replaceable coin-cell. As a result, you will be able to replace the battery by yourself.

If you are looking for replacements, you can purchase a pack on Amazon with the following link:

• Energizer CR1632 3V Lithium Coin Battery

Battery Life

The two models have the same battery life as each is expected to last one year.

reTile

Neither of these Tile Mates support reTile, which is a program that lets you replace your device when it is running low on battery.

The reTile program is used for Tile products that have built-in batteries. Since both the 2018 and 2020 Mates use replaceable batteries, you can simply switch out the battery on your own when it runs out.

Compatible Smart Home Devices

The old and new Mate trackers support the following smart home devices:

• Amazon Alexa
• Google Assistant

Operating Temperature Range

The two devices have the same operating temperature range, which is from 14°F to 140°F (or -10°C to 60°C).

Dust and Water Resistances

The two Mates have the same dust and water resistance rating of IP55.

For dust, both are protected against the most harmful dust particles.

For water, the two electronics can withstand low pressure water jets from all direction.

Warranty

The Tile Mate 2018 and Tile Mate 2020 each comes with a 1-year warranty.

Resource:

• https://www.thetileapp.com/en-us/store/tiles/mate