When it comes to keeping your child safe and giving them their first taste of independence, kid’s smartwatches are a popular option. Two leading choices in this category are the Gizmo and SyncUP watches.
They have similar capabilities for calling and texting approved contacts, location tracking, and emergencies. But they also differ in some key ways.
A Brief Comparison Table
Here is a high-level comparison between the Gizmo and SyncUP kid’s smartwatches:
| Aspects | Gizmo | SyncUP |
| Compatible Carriers | Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint + others | T-Mobile only |
| Price | $149.95 outright | $96 outright or $10/month |
| Weight | 0.64 ounces | 1.44 ounces |
| Battery Life | Up to 2 days | 1-2 days |
| Water Resistance | IP67 splash/rain proof | IP67 splash/rain proof |
| GPS Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Geo-fencing | Customizable | Yes |
| Calling Contacts | Up to 10 approved numbers | Up to 20 approved numbers |
| Text Messaging | Text only to approved numbers | Text + emoji capability |
| Emergency Features | SOS button with alerts | SOS button with alerts |
| Health & Fitness | Step counter coming soon | No |
| Smartphone App | Verizon Smart Family | T-Mobile SyncUP Kids |
| App Ratings | Higher ratings for usability | Mixed reviews, reports of lag |
| Ease of Audio | Loud speaker for child clarity | Quieter speaker during calls |
| Clock Faces | 3 kid-friendly designs | 5 kid-friendly designs |
| Extra Perks | Special Gizmouchen game | Stickers to customize watch |
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the pros, cons, features, and capabilities of the Gizmo and SyncUP watches to help you determine which is the right fit for your family.
Overview of the Gizmo Smartwatch
The Gizmo Smartwatch by Verizon is one of the most popular GPS watches for kids. It comes ready to use out of the box with a protective case and comfortable band sized for kids ages 4-11.
Here are the basic specs and features of the Gizmo watch:
- Compatible carriers – Works with all major U.S. carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint)
- Dimensions: 1.26 x 1.37 x 0.5 inches
- Weight: 0.64 ounces
- Battery life: 2 days
- Water resistant: Yes (splash/rain proof. Not for swimming or baths)
- GPS and WiFi: Yes
- Calling and Messaging: Yes, to approved contacts only
- Location tracking: Yes, with live map in the parent app
- Geo-fences: Yes
- Emergency SOS button: Yes, with auto alerts to parents
- Step counter: No
- Smartphone compatibility: iOS and Android
- Price: $149.95
Pros of the Gizmo Smartwatch
- Works on all major U.S. carriers so you can use your existing phone plan
- No monthly fee to use basic features
- Real phone functionality with calling and texting abilities
- Useful fitness/health features like step tracking coming soon in 2023
- Loud sound makes it easy for kids to hear calls
Cons of the Gizmo Smartwatch
- Higher upfront cost than some competitors
- Shorter battery life than some watches
- No swim-proof water resistance rating
- Limited compatibility – Only available in U.S. and works with American carriers
So in summary, the Gizmo is an excellent smartwatch for school-aged kids thanks to its seamless carrier compatibility, clear calling sound, and user-friendly app. The upcoming health features also help make this an option built to grow with your child.
Also Read: Differences Between Name Bubbles And Mabel’s Labels.
Overview of the SyncUP Kids Watch
The SyncUP Watch from T-Mobile is affordably priced and specifically designed for their network. While it lacks some of Gizmo’s versatility and newer features, it has impressive capabilities given its very low cost.
Here are the basics specs and features of the SyncUP watch:
- Carrier – T-Mobile only
- Dimensions: 1.77 x 1.57 x 0.59 inches
- Weight: 1.44 ounces
- Battery life: 1-2 days
- Water resistance: Yes (splash/rain proof. Not swim suitable)
- GPS and WiFi: Yes
- Calling and Messaging: Yes to approved contacts
- Location Tracking: Yes
- Geo-fences: Yes
- Emergency button: Yes
- Step counter: No
- Smartphone compatibility: Android and iOS
- Price: $96 outright or $10/month with new line
Pros of the SyncUP Watch
- Very affordable, especially with payment plans starting at $10/month
- Good backup option if other kid watches are out of stock
- Solid basic features like GPS tracking, geo-fences, and emergency alerts
Cons of the SyncUP Watch
- Only works with T-Mobile plans
- Shorter battery life compared to other kid watches
- Lacks some convenience features like step counter or swim-proof rating
- Mixed app reviews from some users
The SyncUP watch offers excellent value given its low price point. It covers all the core safety and communication features most parents want in a starter smartwatch. Just note that it exclusively works with T-Mobile and offers fewer bonus features than more expensive watches.
Also Read: Differences Between Gabb And Gizmo Watches.
Feature Comparison of Gizmo And SyncUP Smartwatches
Now, let’s do a deep dive into how the Gizmo and SyncUP watches stack up across key categories:
- Calling and Messaging Functions
Both the Gizmo and SyncUP allow kids to call and text approved parent-programmed contacts only. You can input up to 10 phone numbers and set parameters like blocking texts or limiting call times.
One advantage of the SyncUP is the ability to text emojis while the Gizmo only allows basic texts. However, Gizmo has a slight edge for sound quality on calls. Its speakers are loud and clear which makes it easier for kids to hear.
Winner: Tie – They cover the basics similarly, but Gizmo’s better speaker quality gives it an edge for usability.
- Location Tracking Accuracy
Knowing your child’s location is the prime reason most parents invest in kids smartwatches. Both the Gizmo and SyncUP use GPS and WiFi to track locations accurately.
Based on customer reviews, the Gizmo app seems to have less lag time updating locations. Verizon also gives you more flexibility to customize tracking frequency based on designated safe spaces. For low cost, SyncUP still delivers though in showing kids’ real-time whereabouts.
Winner: Gizmo – Verizon gives you more customization over tracking frequency for an even safer experience.
- Battery Life
Neither watch has exceptional battery life, but Gizmo lasts slightly longer. It promises 1-2 days while SyncUP advertises about a day of runtime.
With average use, most users report getting closer to the full two days from the Gizmo before needing a recharge. The SyncUP tends to last just a day unless you tweak settings to conserve power.
Winner: Gizmo – You’ll charge it less thanks to superior battery optimization.
- Water and Dust Resistance
The Gizmo and SyncUP watches have the same IP67 water and dust resistance ratings. This means they can withstand rain, splashes and dust without issues but should NOT be submerged under water.
Neither watch is suitable for swimming, baths or prolonged exposure to moisture. But they are both perfectly fine for typical kid play and activity. Protection from the elements is similar across both manufacturers.
Winner: Tie – They match IP67 ratings so dust/water protection is identical.
- Carrier Compatibility
Here’s where Gizmo clearly beats out the SyncUP watch.
As a Verizon LTE product, you can activate Gizmo on Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and various prepaid plans.
It works across all major U.S. carriers.
The SyncUP is specially designed for T-Mobile’s network and won’t work reliably on other carriers.
This gives Gizmo better versatility if you ever switch providers.
But existing T-Mobile users may prefer SyncUP for the seamless integration.
Winner: Gizmo – Cross-compatibility with all major carriers key advantage over SyncUP.
- Smartphone App Interface
The companion apps for managing these watches are crucial to the user experience. Both Verizon and T-Mobile provide apps for parents to track locations, set up contacts, establish geo-fences and more.
Verizon’s Smart Family app consistently earns higher ratings for usability and intuitive design. Some T-Mobile users report frustrations with laggy refreshing in their SyncUP app. Since you’ll rely on the app daily to monitor your child, app quality matters.
Winner: Gizmo – Verizon invested more into their app interface and performance.
- Price and Payment Options
If budget is your top concern, SyncUP carries lower upfront costs. You can either pay $96 outright for the watch or opt for payments as low as $10 per month over 24 months. No interest applies.
Gizmo costs $149.95 at retail with no installment payment plan available. But no monthly fee comes with it either besides your existing phone plan. SyncUP essentially folds the cost into two years of payments.
Many also run regular promos taking SyncUP’s price down further. So if saving money is priority #1, SyncUP is the budget-saver.
Winner: SyncUP – Much lower retail price plus incredibly affordable payment plans.
- Appearance and Band Comfort
In terms of visual aesthetics, both watches look childish as expected.
They come in bright colors with chunky, rugged designs ideal for young kids.
The bands focus more on security versus stylishness – as they should.
Materials like thermoplastic polyurethane resist moisture and stand up to activity. Adjustability allows for growing kids’ wrists too.
Most kids find both models comfortable for all-day wear even if they lack elegance. It’s a tie for reasonably devised, no-frills designs targeting durability.
Winner: Tie – They both succeed for sturdy, play-ready construction kids enjoy.
Also Read: Differences Between Gabb Watch And SyncUP Watch For Kids.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about the Gizmo, SyncUP and other kids smartwatches:
Yes! T-Mobile offers their very own SyncUP Watch for Kids as a lower cost alternative to Gizmo. See the sections above for full details on the SyncUP watch capabilities and how it compares to the Gizmo.
The FiLIP 2 is a top alternative that works similarly to Gizmo. It enables calling/texting for pre-approved contacts, location tracking, geo-fencing and emergency alerts. FiLIP 2 also stands out through advanced health features like step counts and reminders to stay active. Downsides include higher monthly fees and currently no integration with Verizon.
Another option like Gizmo is the Apple Watch Family Setup. However, Family Setup requires having an iPhone to pair with and has higher hardware costs. Unlike Gizmo, kids can’t use Apple Watch independently without the paired iPhone on and in range. But expect a more responsive, cutting edge user experience through Apple’s ecosystem.
For call sound quality, the Gizmo is the best kids smartwatch for clear audio. Its speakers amplify sound to levels that kids can easily hear on their end. This ensures good communication with contacts.
FiLIP 2 also earns positive feedback for crisp call quality. And Apple Watch naturally enables very reliable calling through iPhone integration.
Most child development experts recommend smartwatches starting between ages 5-8 when kids can articulate needs over the phone. At this point, they likely attend school away from parents so benefit from quick call access.
Gizmo itself markets usable for ages 4+ though full utilization may come later around 5-6. If nothing else, having a Gizmo can ease separation anxiety at the start of preschool when away from home for the first time.
By age 8-11 as independence increases, a Gizmo smartwatch really delivers peace of mind. Once responsible enough to stay home briefly without supervision, it provides monitoring and communication unmatched by basic phones.
Closing Remarks
Now for the final verdict – is Gizmo or SyncUP the right smartwatch pick for your family?
For cross-compatibility with any carrier, call sound clarity and tracking customization, we give a slight edge to the Gizmo Smartwatch. It costs more upfront but justifies it through versatile connectivity, loud speakers for child-easy calling and granular app settings. Battery life also outlasts the SyncUP.
However, if rock bottom pricing is essential, the SyncUP can’t be beaten at either $96 outright or $10 monthly with zero interest. T-Mobile users will also love the seamless integration while still getting core features like location tracking, safe contacts and emergency alerts.
Either watch accomplishes the main goal of keeping kids connected while giving parents peace of mind. Assess your budget, carrier needs and specific must-have features to determine the best match.
And be sure to take advantage of any current sales or offers from Verizon or T-Mobile to maximize savings.
Hope this guide gives you clarity in deciding! Reach out with any other questions in picking the ideal kids smartwatch for your situation.
