XY4+ vs. Tile – similar functionality, but different efficiency

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Theadvantage of having a key finder by your side cannot be understated – they have become very important tools for keeping your life organized.

If you have faced the constant struggle of looking for lost keys, then you know how important it is to have them in one piece at all times. Read our review of XY4+ and Tile, as we compare these two finders and give ideas on what is better for you.

What are the differences between XY4+and Tile key finders? How do they compare?

Key finder XY4+ Tile
Dimensions (inches) 1.5 x 1.75 x 0.4 1.3 x 1.3 x 0.8
Battery Replaceable Non-replaceable / Replaceable
Finding range (feet) 80 74
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XY4+ vs. Tile – What are the differences?

Integration of IFTTT and Zapier in the XY4+

While both the Tile and XY4+ can work well with mobile apps – especially iOS in the case of Tile and Android in the case of XY4+ – the XY4+ packs an extra advantage through integration of the Zapier and IFTTT, as well as a GPS coordinate map. When you go to the web browser, you click on any of the items you are looking for, and it will bring a menu for that specific item.

The menu will tell you whether the button presses are linked to the object, what kind of presses they are, and it will also give you a shortcut link that takes you directly to the Zapier or IFTTT web portals for easier tracking. On the other hand, the Tile seems to lack this feature, as it only relies on a combination of Bluetooth and community find features to locate lost objects.

The optimum OS systems

The XY4+ can work with both Apple and Android systems in theory, but the reality is that the operation with Apple is quite problematic. If you are using iOS, the mobile app must be running at all times and location must remain on so that the tracker receives alerts when something gets lost. The Tile does not have these inefficiencies, at least not for the iOS devices.

When it comes to the Android system though, the XY4+ has little to no issues operating, as the app will support running even when the finder is not near you. It also gives greater interactions with Zapier and IFTTT apps, which the Tile does not have.

Alert volume

The Tile has a letdown – the volume. You should also note that the alert volume for the Tile is generally quite weak compared to most key finders, including the XY4+. It has an advertised volume of 90dB, compared to the XY4+ tracker volume of 112dB. If you are in an area full of noise, you will want a key finder that is louder than the crowd to help you find your items.

XY4+

XY4+ vs. Tile

According to its official description, it is considered as an upgrade of previous models, as it features five times greater battery life, two times the range, and four times the volume.

The finder has a good integration system with IFTTT and Zapier, which provides you with automatic actions that use various triggers to activate it. You will additionally get the mobile app and finder fob, which uses Bluetooth and fits on various items such as key chains, backpacks, dog collars and so on.

In order to use the device optimally, you will require an Android or Apple device. For the case of Apple, it will need anAndroid ofat least KitKat (4.4), while iPhone or iPadmust have iOS of 9.0 or higher.

Pros

  • Gives you choices of melodies you want
  • You can integrate it with IFTTT and Zapier

Cons

  • The app performs poorly, especially the iOS version
  • The range is overstated

Tile

XY4+ vs. Tile

The form and capability of the Tile is significantly different compared to how it began, but the benefits are still the same –at least for the most part.

It works through physically attaching to any item you have, for instance your key set or wallet, and then will pair with an iOS device or Android (in the later versions), all through Bluetooth, to allow you to monitor its location at all times.

Pros

  • It is loud, especially when looking for lost items
  •  has an extensive range, making your finding job easier
  • It has an app, which you can use in conjunction with the finder

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Difficult to use with Android devices

Final thoughts

After much consideration and comparing traits of the two key finders, the Tile comes out on top because of the quality standards used in its making. The apps also function better than in the XY4+, and it has a better track record of durability.

FAQs

What is a key finder?

This is a small electronic device, which you use to find misplaced key sets or lost items. This will significantly reduce the time it takes for you to find personal items or your keys, even as they do not give a lot of distraction.

How do you attach the keys to the finder?

The usual case is that the key finder will have a small opening that is circular in shape, and this is what you use to attach to your keys through the split ring of the chain. Certain key finders will also be flat in their shape, while others have a more curved or angular shape. Your ultimate choice will depend on the design of your keys as well.

How does the finder locate your keys? Is there GPS tracking involved?

Most the key finders you can get, if not all, will use the location service on your phone to locate your keys, and the location service needs GPS to work. The finder app creates a Bluetooth signal between the keys and phone, and then uses the location service to give you a map of the location.

When buying a key finder, can it be used to locate you?

Since it uses GPS, then yes. When buying the finder, it is good to check the privacy policy of the company so that your information does not get into the wrong hands. If this is the case, then a password can deter people from finding out your location, or choosing to buy radio signal key finders instead of Bluetooth key finders.