Comparing the Cosmo JrTrack 3 to the myFirst Fone R2: A Comprehensive Review
In today's world, children's safety and connectivity have become a priority for parents, leading to the rise of the kids smart watch. 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 delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of both smartwatches, helping you make an informed decision.
Unboxing and First Impressions
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 appis 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 a versatile option for staying connected with your child.
Key Features Comparison
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 | $199 |
| Subscription Price | up to $17.99/Month | $12/Month |
| Contract Length | 3 Months - 2 Years | No Contract |
Initial Set Up
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 set up 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 down to $9.99 a month for a 2 year prepaid contract.
myFirst Fone R2: Set up for the R2 took like 10 minutes total. I received an email the morning of delivery with step by stepprocess, 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 set up fee. Easy to jump into!
Comparing Parental Control Apps
Cosmo Mission Control App: From the home page of the app, you will see GPS, messaging and calling. The messaging and calling takes you outside of the app and basically functions 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 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 of 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 and Usability
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, whichis 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 waterproof rating (IPX8) further enhances its durability, making it suitable for various environments. The watch's battery life is impressive, ensuring that it lasts throughout the day even with heavy usage.
Additional Features and Benefits
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 acccess 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
Cosmo JrTrack 3: In a beauty contest, the Cosmo JrTrack 3 wouldn't even get past the from 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 does not have a dedicated phone number assigned to prevent potential spam or unwanted communication. This, however may inconvenience some when it comes to simplicity, as anyone who wants to communicate with your child needs to download and use the myFirst Circle app.
Conclusion
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 aa 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.
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By comparing these two smartwatches, you can make an informed decision that best suits your child's needs and ensures their safety and connectivity in an increasingly digital world.
