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GarminThe Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 is designed as a kids’ fitness and activity tracker rather than a full smartwatch. It excels in encouraging physical activity by tracking steps, sleep, and daily active minutes with motivating app adventures and games. Its standout feature is an impressive battery life that lasts up to a year on a single replaceable coin cell battery, meaning you don’t have to worry about frequent charging. The watch is lightweight and durable, with a kid-friendly design and various band styles, including a fun Digi Camo option.
However, it doesn't have GPS or direct communication features like calls or texts, which limits its use for real-time location tracking or messaging—a key expectation for some parents in kids’ smartwatches. Instead, it offers a simple emergency contact widget but lacks live location tracking and parental controls typically found in GPS-enabled watches. The screen is a clear, colored LCD, easy for kids to read, and the button interface is straightforward for younger users.
It’s compatible with Android and iOS via the Garmin Jr. app where parents can view activity data and unlock challenges. While the Vivofit Jr. 3 promotes healthy habits and basic safety information effectively, families seeking robust GPS tracking and two-way communication might find it limited. The device is ideal for parents wanting a durable, simple fitness tracker with some fun and educational features, rather than a full-featured kids’ smartwatch.
MJVVThis kids 4G GPS smartwatch offers an impressive mix of features designed to keep children safe and connected. Its real-time GPS tracking is accurate, helping parents monitor their child's location and set safe zones with geo-fencing. The SOS button is a valuable safety feature that can quickly alert preset contacts in emergencies. Communication options are strong, including WhatsApp messaging, video calls, voice calls, and audio messages, which allow easy contact with family and friends. The 2MP camera adds fun with photo capture and video calls, making it more engaging for kids. It supports 4G connectivity, ensuring fast and reliable communication.
The watch includes a silent mode ideal for school hours and a pedometer for encouraging physical activity. Parents can also benefit from features like historical route tracking and an app store to download popular apps, though some parents might want to monitor app usage carefully. Battery life is reasonable but may require daily charging depending on use, which is common for devices with many functions.
In terms of durability, the watch is water-resistant, which helps protect against everyday splashes and sweat, but it may not withstand full submersion. The touchscreen interface is straightforward but might take some initial guidance for younger children. The 1.69-inch screen is clear enough for kids to navigate menus and messages comfortably. This smartwatch is a solid choice for parents looking for a device that combines safety, communication, and entertainment for children aged roughly 3 to 15. With its balance of GPS tracking, calling, and interactive features, it suits active kids whose parents want peace of mind and easy ways to stay in touch.
BIGGERFIVEThe BIGGERFIVE Smart Watch for Kids is a solid choice for parents seeking an activity-focused watch without the complexity of phone calls or GPS tracking. It tracks steps, distance, calories, and sleep patterns automatically, helping encourage healthy habits. Its 1.8-inch touchscreen is bright and customizable, allowing kids to personalize watch faces with photos.
The watch includes 5 puzzle games that can be controlled or disabled by parents through an app, adding a fun, educational element. It’s rated IP68 waterproof, so it can handle splashes and swimming, making it durable for active kids. It does not have GPS or direct communication options like calling or messaging, so it’s less suited for parents needing real-time location tracking or two-way communication.
Battery life is decent for daily use, and the watch can work independently of a phone app, though using the app unlocks more features. This watch fits well for families who want a safe, easy-to-use device focused on fitness and basic fun rather than full smartwatch connectivity.