I still remember how, when I was 15, I cried in frustration because I wanted to have my first cell phone. Some of my high school friends already had theirs, the legendary Alcatel One Touch Easy or Nokia 3110, and I didn’t stop pestering my parents until I got it.
Today, a few years later, I’m the one who dreads the moment when my eldest son, almost 5 years old, asks for his first phone. Although I hope that there are still a few years left for this to happen, the reality is that currently more and more families are opting for an intermediate alternative: a smart watch which keeps them in touch with their friends, but in a controlled environment. And until I did a little research on where the market was going, I didn’t really know that there were so many parents choosing this option: several analyses Sales growth of up to 19.4% is expected by 2034.
Simple setup
In the last 10 days I have tried one of these smartwatches for childrenthe SaveFamily SaveWatch Plus 2; a model designed for users aged 8 and up which surprised me quite a bit at first glance. While it’s true that I’m used to testing all types of devices, its setup was so simple that I didn’t need to consult the instructions at any point.
The first thing was to position the straps, interchangeable and with the same pin system as traditional watches. Then, after a quick look, I found the slot to insert the SIM. I tried it with one from the company, but it’s not essential: it supports cards from any operator. Of course it shouldn’t have an active pin (it’s as easy as inserting it into a cell phone and removing it). The only drawback is that the tray can be removed with a fingernail; something even a child could do.
The design, however, seems to me to be a success. It’s far from smartwatches childish looking (often, with large rubber covers…). A preteen will probably prefer this more discreet style, more similar to that of their parents, although less resistant. In any case, the screen is protected with Gorilla Glass and the device is resistant to water and dust. However, the size still seems a little large for children’s thin wrists.
That said, once it was loaded (it has to be done practically every day) I easily connected it to the app and gave it to my son, who couldn’t wait to have a watch “like mom’s”. It’s still small and doesn’t go anywhere on its own, so I also used it with my partner so I could try out features that require more distance.
Setup is done from an app by scanning a QR code provided on the packaging. In the home interface you can directly access the support, the profile (to edit personal data, change the password, give multiple users access to the watch information…) and also the functions and settings. In the first ones I was able to create a calendar with all the child’s activities, add contacts to his agenda, configure the “do not disturb” mode so that he cannot do anything for example if he is in class (only the GPS and SOS modes remain active), or monitor his physical activity. Furthermore, there is a remote connection option through which you can take a photo without your child noticing or hearing what is happening around him.
In the settings, however, you can download applications, set alarms or block phone numbers, among many other options. Additionally, there is a space dedicated to GPS location where I could see where the watch was at all times.
With virtual assistant
While I was doing this whole process, the watch started playing a tune that reminded me a lot of the title of Stranger Things. A robot appeared who introduced himself as AI and offered to answer all kinds of questions. The operation is very similar to that of chatbots for adults: you ask him a question in writing or speaking and he answers in both ways.
Overall the process didn’t seem smooth enough. You have to press a lot of buttons. For example, if you want to dictate it, you must first press the microphone, then accept the message, click send… Furthermore, the keys are very small, which makes it difficult to manage. However, I have not found specific information on whether this AI has any kind of limitations considering that it will be used by children. When asked, his response was only that he tailors his messages to be fun and direct. Little more.
It has WhatsApp, Spotify, allows you to take photos or make video calls, as well as the possibility of configuring safe zones so that, if you leave them, an alert arrives… and apps like Questoa, which works like a competition in which you choose a topic, asks you questions and gives you the 3 possible answers, pressing the correct one when it is on the screen. It’s fun and addictive (even for adults) and, since the possible responses occur very quickly, it also helps to train reflexes.
(Remember, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, all purchases come with free shipping. Amazon offers a free, no-obligation 30-day trial.)
*All purchase prices included in this article are as of November 14, 2025.
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