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The Imoo Watch Phone Z7 is a smartwatch designed specifically for children, offering a blend of communication features and safety functions.
This is my first time reviewing a watch design for children. During the review period I used it myself and let one of my relations children to try it out.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| imoo Watch Phone Z7 Kids Smart Watch, Kids Smartwatch with... |
£189.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Specification
- Display: 1.3″ display
- Front Camera: 2 MP, 84.4° Wide-Angle
- Rear Camera: 5 MP, 84° Wide-Angle
- Camera Shot Protector: Sapphire Crystal
- Sensor: PPG heart rate sensor, Air pressure two-in-one sensor
- Sports modes: Multiple Sport Modes
- Other features: AI Scanner, Class mode, Chat & Family Chat, Add Friends, Emotion recognition
- Health monitoring: Heart rate, Body temperature, Blood Oxygen
- Battery: 740 mAh
- CPU: Spreadtrum W317
- Storage: 4GB ROM
- Wireless Connection: 4G Data, Wi-Fi (2.4G)
- Water resistant: IPX8
- Location: GPS, GLONASS, BDS, LBS:
- Historical Data: Up to 14 days
- Dimensions (mm): 53.5 x 42.6 x 15.2mm; Weight: 65g
Features
Video and Voice Communication
The watch features flip-up dual cameras that enable two-way HD video calls. This allows parents to see both their child and their surroundings during calls, providing an extra layer of awareness.
Location Tracking
Using multiple satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, Galileo), the watch provides precise real-time location tracking. Parents can view their child’s current location and access a 14-day location history.
Activity and Health Monitoring
The Z7 includes four built-in sports modes: swimming, running, jumping rope, and general workouts. It tracks various fitness metrics like calories burned, cadence, and stride length. The watch also monitors heart rate variability and blood oxygen levels to help gauge exercise intensity.
Water Resistance
With an IPX8 rating, the watch is water-resistant up to 20 metres, making it suitable for swimming. It can even record underwater videos when the video function is activated before entering the water.
Connectivity
The watch requires a nano SIM card for full functionality. It’s compatible with several UK carriers, including Vodafone, O2, Three, and Giffgaff. While the default language is English, it can be set to German, Spanish, or Polish.
Unboxing / Design
The Imoo Watch Phone Z7 boasts a robust and child-friendly design. The watch face is encased in a durable plastic body that can withstand the rough and tumble of children’s daily activities. The 1.41-inch AMOLED display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, providing resistance against scratches and minor impacts.
The watch comes with a comfortable silicone strap that’s gentle on a child’s skin and easy to clean. The strap is available in various colours, allowing children to personalise their device. The watch’s overall construction feels solid, with no loose parts or flimsy elements that could easily break.
One of the standout design features is the IPX8 water resistance rating. This means the watch can withstand submersion in water up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities. However, it’s worth noting that while the watch is water-resistant, it’s not designed for prolonged underwater use or diving.
The watch has a dual camera system with a the front camera being 2MP while the rear camera boasts 5MP, both featuring wide-angle lenses for capturing more of the surroundings. The unique flip-up design allows children to easily switch between cameras, making video calls and photography a fun and interactive experience. This feature enhances the device’s usability, providing children with a tool to explore their creativity and connect with their family visually.
The watch weighs just 60 grams, making it light enough for children to wear comfortably throughout the day. The dimensions are compact, measuring 54.5mm x 41.5mm x 14.8mm, which should fit well on most children’s wrists.
Display and Interface
The 1.41-inch AMOLED display is a highlight of the Z7. It offers vibrant colours and sharp text, making it easy for children to read messages and navigate the interface. The touchscreen is responsive, allowing for smooth interaction with the watch’s features.
The user interface is designed with children in mind. Large, colourful icons represent different functions, making it intuitive for young users to find what they need. The menu structure is straightforward, with minimal sub-menus to prevent confusion.
The watch face can be customised with different themes and layouts, allowing children to personalise their device. However, the selection of watch faces is somewhat limited compared to some other smartwatches on the market.
Set Up and Activation
SIM Card Compatibility
Setting up the Imoo Watch Phone Z7 is straightforward, with clear instructions provided for installation and activation. The watch requires a nano-SIM card for full functionality, and it supports major operators in the UK and Germany. Parents are advised to activate the Caller ID function and enable a data plan to ensure seamless operation.
Step-by-Step Activation
- Install the SIM Card: Choose a compatible nano-SIM card and activate the Caller ID and data plan. Insert the SIM card into the watch using the provided SIM card picker.
- Power On the Watch: Press and hold the On/Off button for six seconds to power on the device.
- Download the Imoo App: Scan the QR code or search for “Imoo Watch Phone” in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to download the app.
- Bind the Watch: Open the app, register or log in, and follow the on-screen instructions to bind the watch. You can also enter the bind code manually or scan the QR code on the watch.
Imoo App
The Imoo Watch Phone Z7 is managed through the Imoo Watch app, available for both iOS and Android devices. The app is where parents set up the watch, manage contacts, track location, and control various settings.
The app interface is generally user-friendly, with most features easily accessible. However, some users may find the initial setup process a bit complex, especially when configuring safety zones and schedules.
- Key features of the app include:
- Real-time location tracking
- Setting up safe zones (geofencing)
- Managing contacts
- Customising watch settings
- Viewing activity and health data
- Remote camera activation
The app allows for granular control over the watch’s functions, which is appreciated. However, some users have reported occasional connectivity issues and delays in location updates.
Communication Features
Communication is a key aspect of the Imoo Watch Phone Z7, and it offers several ways for children to stay in touch with their parents or guardians.
Voice Calls: The watch supports 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for clear voice calls. The call quality is generally good, with the speaker providing adequate volume for outdoor use. However, in noisy environments, it can be challenging to hear the other person clearly.
Video Calls: The Z7 features a 5MP front-facing camera that enables video calls. The video quality is decent, although not as crisp as what you’d expect from a smartphone. It’s sufficient for quick check-ins and allows parents to see their child’s surroundings if needed.
Text Messages: The watch supports text messaging, but typing on the small screen can be cumbersome. Predefined messages and emojis are available to make communication easier for children.
Voice Messages: Children can send voice messages, which is often more convenient than typing on the small screen. The voice recording quality is clear and easy to understand.
One limitation is that communication is restricted to pre-approved contacts set up by parents through the companion app. While this is a safety feature, it may be frustrating for older children who want more independence in their communications.
Safety Features
Safety is a primary concern for parents, and the Imoo Watch Phone Z7 offers several features to address this:
GPS Tracking: The watch uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and LTE for accurate location tracking. Parents can view their child’s real-time location through the companion app. The tracking is generally accurate, although it may be less precise in areas with poor signal reception.
Additionally, the Imoo Watch Phone Z7 also offers a 14-day location history feature, allowing parents to review their child’s movements over the past two weeks. This can provide valuable insights into the child’s daily activities and help identify any unusual patterns. The historical data can be accessed through the Imoo app, making it convenient for parents to monitor their child’s safety.
Geofencing: Parents can set up safe zones and receive alerts when their child enters or leaves these areas. This feature works well but may occasionally trigger false alerts if GPS accuracy fluctuates.
SOS Button: A dedicated SOS button allows children to quickly call for help in emergencies. When pressed, it alerts pre-set emergency contacts and shares the child’s location.
Class Mode: This feature disables most of the watch’s functions during school hours to prevent distractions. Parents can customise the times when this mode is active.
Remote Camera: Parents can remotely activate the watch’s camera to view the child’s surroundings. While this can be useful in emergencies, it raises privacy concerns and should be used judiciously.
Health Monitoring
The Z7 includes basic health and activity tracking features:
Step Counter: The watch tracks daily steps, encouraging children to stay active. The step counting seems reasonably accurate, although it may occasionally count arm movements as steps.
Sleep Tracking: The watch can monitor sleep patterns, providing insights into sleep duration and quality. However, the accuracy of sleep tracking can be inconsistent, especially for children who move a lot during sleep.
Sedentary Reminders: The watch can remind children to move if they’ve been inactive for too long. This feature can be customised or turned off if desired.
While these features are useful for promoting a healthy lifestyle, they’re not as comprehensive as those found in dedicated fitness trackers.
Communication Features
Communication is a key aspect of the Imoo Watch Phone Z7, and it offers several ways for children to stay in touch with their parents or guardians.
Voice Calls: The watch supports 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for clear voice calls. The call quality is generally good, with the speaker providing adequate volume for outdoor use. However, in noisy environments, it can be challenging to hear the other person clearly.
Video Calls: The Z7 features a 5MP front-facing camera that enables video calls. The video quality is decent, although not as crisp as what you’d expect from a smartphone. It’s sufficient for quick check-ins and allows parents to see their child’s surroundings if needed.
Text Messages: The watch supports text messaging, but typing on the small screen can be cumbersome. Predefined messages and emojis are available to make communication easier for children.
Voice Messages: Children can send voice messages, which is often more convenient than typing on the small screen. The voice recording quality is clear and easy to understand.
One limitation is that communication is restricted to pre-approved contacts set up by parents through the companion app. While this is a safety feature, it may be frustrating for older children who want more independence in their communications.
General Performance
The Imoo Watch Phone Z7 is powered by a quad-core processor, which provides smooth performance for most tasks. Navigation through menus is quick, and apps launch without significant delay.
The 4G LTE connectivity is generally reliable, ensuring that communication features work well in areas with good network coverage. However, in areas with poor signal, call quality can degrade, and location tracking may become less accurate.
The watch’s GPS tracking is usually accurate, but it can sometimes take a while to get a fix, especially when indoors or in urban areas with tall buildings.
One area where the Z7 could improve is in its notifications system. Notifications from the watch to the parent’s phone can sometimes be delayed or inconsistent, which can be concerning for parents relying on real-time alerts.
Privacy and Data Security
Privacy is a crucial consideration for any device designed for children. Imoo states that they take data protection seriously, using encryption for data transmission and storage. However, as with any connected device, there are inherent risks.
The ability for parents to remotely activate the camera and microphone, while a potentially useful safety feature, also raises privacy concerns. Parents should discuss the use of these features with their children and establish clear guidelines.
It’s worth noting that the watch collects a significant amount of data about the child’s location and activities. Parents should review Imoo’s privacy policy to understand how this data is used and stored.
Battery Life
The Imoo Watch Phone Z7 is equipped with a 800mAh battery. In typical use, including some calls, messages, and GPS tracking, the watch can last about 2-3 days on a single charge. However, heavy use of features like video calls can significantly reduce battery life.
The watch uses a proprietary magnetic charging cable. While this ensures a secure connection, it means you’ll need to carry a specific charger when travelling. The watch takes about 2 hours to fully charge from empty.
A power-saving mode is available, which extends battery life by disabling non-essential features. This can be useful in situations where charging isn’t immediately available.
Price and Alternative Options
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| imoo Watch Phone Z7 Kids Smart Watch, Kids Smartwatch with... |
£189.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The Imoo Watch Phone Z7 has an RRP of £189 and it is available from Amazon. At the time of writing there was a 10% off voucher code.
Compeiting options include:
- XPLORA XGO3 4G Kids’ Watch for £139
- XPLORA X6Play 4G Kids’ Watch for £179
- Spacetake Adventurer 4G Kid’s Smart Watch for £189
- MyFirst Fone S3 for £179
It is worth noting that none of the above have amazing user reviews.
Verdict
As this is my first review of a children’s watch, it is a little difficult to form a objective opinion of hour this watch performs in relation to the competing products.
To the best of my knowledge, this is one of the most feature rich children’s watches out there and generally one of the better ones.
However, all these watches appear to receive middling reviews.
The Imoo Watch Phone Z7 is a well-designed smartwatch that offers a good balance of communication, safety, and activity tracking features for children. Its durable construction and water resistance make it suitable for active kids, while the clear display and intuitive interface ensure ease of use.
I’d say the safety features are the main selling point for this watch, real time location tracking has become increasingly important to parents in recent years and this watch does a decent job of it.
I’d say all the additional features are good for encouraging a child to wear the watch. With the child I tested the watch with, there is no way he would keep the watch on unless there was something on it to entertain him.
As my experience of children’s watches is limited it is hard no to compare this to normal smartwatches. It feels like there is a significant price premium on children’s watches. The Samsung Watch 6 Bluetooth is more affordable than this. It lacks mobile data, a camera and other features of the Imoo, but the underlying hardware, software and build quality are far superior.
Overall, if you can justify the price, I think the Imoo Watch Phone Z7 is a good children’s watch and an excellent way to be able to track the location of your child in real time.
Imoo Watch Phone Z7 Kids Smart Watch Review
Summary
The Imoo Watch Phone Z7 is a well-designed smartwatch that offers a good balance of communication, safety, and activity-tracking features for children. Its durable construction and water resistance make it suitable for active kids, while the clear display and intuitive interface ensure ease of use.
Overall
70%-
Overall - 70%70%
Pros
- Real time tracking of your child
- Robust, water-resistant design
- Fun features for kids
Cons
- Higher price point than some competitors
- Battery life could be better
- UI is a bit clunky
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
