Smartwatches for kids with GPS tracking, allowing parents to know their child's location and stay connected with them, are a useful gadget that is needed not only by young children and their parents. For the youngest ones, such watches can replace a smartphone, and for older children, they are a convenient accessory that is difficult to lose and allows them to always stay connected.
At first glance, kids' smartwatches seem like a simple device, but there are several factors to consider when choosing a model. At the request of experts from "M.Video-Eldorado," MTS, and "Megafon," they shared advice on how to choose kids' watches and compiled a list of the most interesting models.
Experts identified location tracking as the most crucial function of kids' watches. It is best to choose watches that support multiple navigation systems, such as LBS, GPS, GLONASS, and others, for more precise location determination.
The more features a watch has (video calling, camera apps), the larger and brighter the screen, and the higher its resolution, the more energy it will consume. Therefore, it is essential to choose watches with a battery capacity of at least 500mAh, preferably 600mAh or more, to ensure all-day operation without recharging.
It is also important to consider mobile network support. Not all GPS watch models work with SIM cards from all operators, so make sure the chosen model works with the mobile operator used in your region and supports 4G or at least 3G for stable communication and data transmission.
Before making a purchase, it is crucial to determine the communication capabilities of the watches. Most modern models are equipped with calling and voice messaging functions. It is desirable for the watches to support two-way communication so that in emergency situations, parents can not only call their child but also quickly receive feedback from them.
Some models also offer video calling, which can be useful when parents want to visually verify that their child is okay. Certain watches have a hidden or reverse call option, allowing parents to call the watch and see what is happening around the child.
Several models offer a "Geofence" function that allows parents to set safe zones (home, school), and they receive notifications when the child leaves these zones. It is also worth paying attention to the presence of an SOS button, which allows the child to quickly call for help by sending an emergency signal to their parents' phone with their location coordinates.
Children are known for leading active lifestyles, so watches should be made of durable and resistant materials. Ideally, the watches should be dust and water-resistant according to IP67 or IP68 standards, allowing them to work even in high humidity conditions or in case of accidental water exposure, including while bathing.
It is important for the watches to be intuitive for the child, especially if they are designed for younger children. They should not have any difficulties making calls, answering, or sending messages in emergency situations. It is also recommended to choose watches together with the child to ensure their comfort and satisfaction with the design, as they may forget to wear or charge them if they are uncomfortable or unappealing to them.
HUAWEI WATCH KIDS 4 Pro: A popular model with dust and water resistance, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules, and a large battery capacity of 800mAh.
GEOZON Superstar: Supports GLONASS, GPS, Wi-Fi, LBS, and A-GPS navigation systems, and offers video calls, health monitoring, and water resistance.
Honor Choice Kids Watch 4G: Provides internet access, location tracking, and an emergency call option, with a longer battery life compared to other models.
Philips W6610: Supports calls, SMS, and 4G networks, has a camera for video calls, water and dust protection, and a parental control app.
Aimoto Concept: Multi-functional watches with voice communication, GPS tracking, camera, flashlight, and alarm features.
Fontel KidsWatch 4G Active: Includes an SOS button, call restrictions, geofencing, photo and voice message sending, and water and dust protection.
The features and prices of these models vary, allowing parents to choose the one that best suits their needs and budget. Additionally, it is worth noting that Huawei and Honor models for the Russian market do not have surveillance capabilities through their microphone and camera, providing only calling functions.