VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX Review

VTech Kidizoom

What better way to get your kids interested in exercising by giving them a smartwatch that is designed specifically for kids, made by none other than VTech (the company behind a number of kid friendly tablets, wearables and action camera). So we’ve taken a closer look at this kid-friendly smartwatch from VTech with our in-depth review of the aptly named Vtech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX – marketed as the next gen smart watch for kids.

 

 

The Vtech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX is the 2nd generation of their smartwatch, and is definitely an upgrade from their first generation of smartwatches. It has a better display, upgraded RAM, and even a better camera. One thing the Kidizoom Smartwatch DX does not have is the ability for bluetooth connections. Basically what this means is that any games or apps that need to be downloaded need to be downloaded to a PC/laptop first, and then transferred to the Kidizoom Smartwatch via a USB cable. Although a fairly inefficient way of getting apps across to the smartwatch, it does allow the parent to control what apps / games are being loaded onto the watch, and of course keeps the overall costs of the watch lower than other kids smartwatches that have bluetooth or wireless connectivity.

 

Kidizoom Review

 

VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX – Features:

Some of the VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX features at a glance:

  • Some nifty apps and utilities including a voice recorder, alarm clock, timer, calculator and calendar functions
  • A responsive touch screen
  • The Kidizoom is splash and sweat proof
  • an on-board camera for taking both pictures and for video recording
  • Multiple watch faces with over 50 3D clock displays to tell the time in style
  • A Lithium Ion rechargeable battery
  • 8 built-in games and access to more on the Learning Lodge.

 

VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX – PROS

For kids that are learning to tell the time, the VTech Kidizoom is awesome, as it has over 50 3D clock displays, and features both analog and digital clock faces. Just by swiping the screen, kids can “scroll” through the multitude of clock faces until they find one that they like. And with over 50 clock face designs, kids are spoilt for choice when it comes to learning how to tell the time. In terms of the watch camera, it’s obviously not one of the highest specced megapixel cameras, but for a kids smartwatch it is adequate and actually takes some impressive photos. The camera is on the top of the watch, so takes some getting used to when trying to take photos whilst still wearing the watch.

 

With the built in memory on the watch, kids can take up to 1600 photos, or alternatively about 11x 1-minute videos. Kids can also play around with the voice recorder, or play around with the included games on the phone. Linking the phone to your PC via the included USB cable, parents are able to obtain further apps and games via the Learning Lodge (see our further comments below).

 

From a fitness perspective, the VTech Kidizoom comes with a pedometer app that allows kids to track the amount of steps that they have done, and also includes some other motion-based challenge apps.

 

VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch review

 

VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX – CONS

The smartwatch is sweat and splash proof (and not completely waterproof), and although the watch can withstand some water splashing onto it, it is not truly waterproof in nature and is more designed for everyday wear. Knowing kids, they will most likely get some quantity of water onto the smartwatch, and the degree to which this may affect the Kidizoom was not completely tested in practice. Making the watch truly waterproof would have alleviated some parent’s concerns regarding kids playing in and around water, and although splash-proofing the watch is definitely a positive, the majority of parents we spoke to would have preferred a completely waterproof model. Saying that though, any form of splash proofing is better than nothing so this isn’t really a major con for the product, and if you truly did want a completely waterproof kids smartwatch, you would be paying a substantial premium to this product.

 

We’ve discussed it beforehand but the major let down of the VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX is that it does not have bluetooth or wireless connectivity. Now this may be beneficial for some parents in that they can control what games or apps get loaded onto the smartwatch, but overall we found the process of using the USB cable quite tedious. However, if you want maximum control as the parent, this would actually be a PRO for this smartwatch, so it really is up to how you define the parameters of what you are looking for in a kids smartwatch.

 

VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX – OVERALL VERDICT

 

The VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX is a fully fledged kids smartwatch suitable for kids aged 4 to 9 years old. With a great battery life and easy to learn functions, multiple apps and a bright and responsive touch screen, it really is a great little smartwatch for kids.

 

Michelle