Cosmo JrTrack 3 vs myFirst Fone R2: Full Comparison & Review
Cosmo JrTrack 3 vs myFirst Fone R2: Full Comparison & Review
In today's world, children's safety and connectivity have become a priority for parents, leading to the rise of kids smartwatches. These devices offer a blend of communication, security, and educational features that keep children engaged and parents reassured. Among the many options available, the Cosmo JrTrack 3 and the myFirst Fone R2 stand out. This article will compare their key features, performance, and overall value, helping you decide which one fits your family best.
Unboxing: Cosmo JrTrack 3 vs myFirst Fone R2
Cosmo JrTrack 3: The unboxing experience of the Cosmo JrTrack 3 is fairly straightforward. The packaging is basic and does not provide a premium feel. Once unboxed, the watch itself feels somewhat cheap, with a small and dim display.
Despite these initial setbacks, the device quickly redeems itself with a well-thought-out tutorial that guides users through the functionalities of the buttons and other features. The setup process is smooth, and the true texting feature through the default phone app is notably impressive. Each watch is assigned a unique phone number, and parents can ensure safety by approving specific numbers that can call and text the device.
myFirst Fone R2: In contrast, the myFirst Fone R2 comes in a more appealing package, including a sheet of fun stickers, which adds to the excitement of the unboxing experience. The watch itself feels robust and well-made, giving a sense of durability and premium quality.
The display is a vibrant and clear AMOLED screen, making it easy for children to navigate. Setting up the watch is a breeze, and the intuitive user interface ensures that both kids and parents can get accustomed to its features quickly. The watch offers a comprehensive suite of functionalities, including real-time GPS tracking, video calls, voice calls, messaging, and myFirst Circle integration making it a versatile option for staying connected with your child.
Feature Comparison: Cosmo vs myFirst
Let's break down the features of both smartwatches to understand their offerings better:
| Feature | Cosmo JrTrack 3 | myFirst Fone R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.4" 240 x 240 LCD | 1.3" 360 x 360 AMOLED |
| Materials | Plastic + Fabric Strap | Plastic + Silicone Strap |
| GPS Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Communication | Texting, calling (only approved numbers) | Video calls, voice calls, messaging, myFirst Circle App |
| Camera | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Heart Rate Monitor | No | Yes |
| SOS Functionality | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 600 mAh | 605 mAh |
| Educational Apps | Basic calculator | N/A |
| Storage | 8GB | 8GB |
| RAM | 512 MB | 1 GB |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX8, 1 Meter | IPX8, 3 Meters |
| Parental Control | Yes | Yes |
| Step Counter | Yes | Yes |
| Class Mode | Yes | Yes |
| GeoFencing | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $129 | $79.19 (promo) / $139 retail |
| Subscription Price | up to $17.99/Month | $12/Month |
| Contract Length | 3 Months - 2 Years | No Contract |
Setup Process Compared
Cosmo JrTrack 3: The user manual included in the package and the in-watch tutorial was more than enough to set up the watch, up to a point. There was an issue where Cosmo wouldn't let me finish set up without payment of the setup fee, which I had already paid when I bought the watch. A quick email to customer service and 1 business day later, that issue was resolved and we were ready to go.
Once the line was activated through the watch, I downloaded the Cosmo Mission Control app, made an account, bound the watch to the app, and that was it. My plan was the $17.99 a month plan, though they offer it down to $9.99 a month for a 2-year prepaid contract.
myFirst Fone R2: Set up for the myFirst Fone R2 took about 10 minutes total. I received an email the morning of delivery with step by step process, plus a video, plus the instructional manual, so they tried to cover all the bases to make sure you don't mess it up.
It was all a matter of downloading the myFirst Circle app, making an account, binding the watch, and done. They offer a no contract 30 day trial to everyone as well, so you don't need to put your card info until after you use it. There is only one plan available for all of their watches which is $12 a month with no contract, no setup fee. Easy to jump into!
Parental Control Apps: Mission Control vs myFirst Circle
Cosmo Mission Control App: From the home page of the app, you will see GPS, messaging and calling. The messaging and calling take you outside of the app and basically function as calling or texting any other phone.
The app also allows you to add approved contacts, check messages, and set safe zones.
myFirst Circle App: Compared to the Cosmo Mission Control App, the myFirst Circle App is a bit more robust and has a lot of features. For one, you can check your child's heart rate remotely, which Cosmo lacks.
In addition to GPS tracking, geofencing, class mode, and managing contacts, the app is also a safe social media app for kids. Parents and kids can post pictures and videos on the Circle app and can comment and leave voice messages on each post. The parent or guardian can select who gets to see their kids posts.
In terms of settings and granularity, you can also see your child's location history, and set the frequency of the GPS, trading off battery life for more up-to-the-minute GPS tracking.
Performance, Battery Life & Waterproof Rating Compared
Cosmo JrTrack 3: Despite its initial shortcomings in terms of build quality and display, the Cosmo JrTrack 3 performs well in its core functionalities. The true texting feature stands out, allowing seamless communication between the watch and the parent's default phone messaging app.
The GPS tracking is reliable, providing accurate location data, which is crucial for parents wanting to keep an eye on their child's whereabouts. The lack of a heart rate monitor and video calling might be a downside for some, but the easy-to-use interface make it a practical choice for younger children.
myFirst Fone R2: The myFirst Fone R2 excels in performance, offering a rich array of features that cater to both safety and connectivity. The vibrant display and sturdy build ensure longevity and ease of use. The inclusion of a 5MP front camera allows for video calls, adding a sense of safety to communication.
The heart rate monitor is a valuable addition, providing health insights that can be useful for active children. The watch's battery life is impressive, ensuring that it lasts throughout the day even with heavy usage.
Battery Life Compared
The myFirst Fone R2 has a 605mAh battery, slightly larger than the Cosmo JrTrack 3's 600mAh. In real-world use, the R2 lasts a full day with typical use — GPS tracking, calls, and messages. Heavy video calling can reduce that to about 6–8 hours. The Cosmo JrTrack 3 delivers similar battery life, though its dimmer LCD display consumes less power. If battery life is your top priority, both watches are comparable; the R2 wins on feature richness per charge.
Waterproof Rating: IPX8 Compared
Both watches carry an IPX8 waterproof rating, but the depth differs. The Cosmo JrTrack 3 is rated for 1 meter, while the myFirst Fone R2 is rated for 3 meters. In practice, this means the myFirst Fone R2 can handle swimming and shallow water play, while the Cosmo is safer for splashes and rain. For families with active kids who swim or play near water, the R2's 3-meter rating is a meaningful upgrade.
Extra Features Worth Mentioning
Cosmo JrTrack 3: One of the standout features of the Cosmo JrTrack 3 is its comprehensive tutorial that simplifies the learning curve for new users.
The watch, having its own phone number and restricting communication to approved numbers adds a layer of security that parents will appreciate. The basic calculator is a nice touch, offering a simple educational tool for children.
myFirst Fone R2: The myFirst Fone R2's real-time GPS tracking and geofencing capabilities provide an added sense of security, allowing parents to set safe zones and receive alerts if the child steps out of the designated area. It also features a programmable magic button for quick access to most of the watch's settings like calling a specific contact.
One of the more ambitious features is the integration of the myFirst Circle, a safe social media for kids. Your child can take pictures and videos and share with a parent-approved social circle of family and friends, where they can also see and respond to others' posts.
Downsides: An Honest Look
Cosmo JrTrack 3: In a beauty contest, the Cosmo JrTrack 3 wouldn't even get past the front door. The features are basic, the screen is quite dim and the user interface is basic as they come, and generally it doesn't feel as premium as the R2.
In order to cancel the plan, you need to contact customer service, whereas the myFirst option gives you full autonomy to cancel online by yourself anytime.
myFirst Fone R2: The myFirst Fone R2 uses the myFirst Circle app for all communication, which keeps the experience closed and spam-free. The trade-off: contacts need to use the app rather than calling or texting a phone number directly. For families who prefer a locked-down, no-spam setup, this is a feature, not a bug.
Final Verdict: myFirst Fone R2 Review + Which to Buy
When it comes to choosing between the Cosmo JrTrack 3 and the myFirst Fone R2, it ultimately depends on your priorities and budget. The Cosmo JrTrack 3 offers basic functionalities with a focus on safety and easy communication, making it an affordable choice for younger children or those who require fewer features.
On the other hand, the myFirst Fone R2 stands out with its comprehensive suite of features, including video calls, a heart rate monitor, and a more premium design, making it a more versatile and robust option for active children and tech-savvy parents.
Ready to get the myFirst Fone R2? See the full specs, colors, and pricing on the myFirst Fone R2 product page — or browse the full kids smartwatch collection to compare all myFirst models.
Sources
- Cosmo JrTrack 3 User Manual
- myFirst Fone R2 Product Page
- New York Times Kids Smartwatches Buying Guide
Compare these two models to find the perfect fit for your child! Ensure they stay safe and connected in today's digital world. Want more options? Check out our 2026 kids smartwatch collection to see the latest models.