Introduction: Stepping Up the Children’s Smartwatch Game
Children’s smartwatches have rapidly evolved from simple digital watches to sophisticated safety and communication hubs. Following the success of models like the Fone S3 and R2, myFirst, a manufacturer specializing in tech for the young, has launched its latest iteration: the myFirst Fone M1.
Packed with impressive features, including a vibrant AMOLED display, 4G connectivity, and precise GPS tracking, the M1 aims to strike a perfect balance between child-friendly fun and crucial parental control. But does the M1 truly deliver a significant upgrade, and is it worth the investment for parents prioritizing their child’s safety and connectivity? Our in-depth review puts the myFirst Fone M1 to the test.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
The myFirst Fone M1 is built to impress with its internal hardware, offering a solid foundation for its safety and communication features:
| Feature | Specification |
| Product | Fone M1 |
| Display | 1.6-inch AMOLED (320 x 360 pixels) |
| Protection Class | IP67 (Dust and Water Resistant) |
| Connectivity | 4G; Wi-Fi; Bluetooth |
| Weight | 47g (33g without strap) |
| Battery Capacity | 730 mAh Lithium Polymer |
| Memory | 8 gigabytes |
| SIM Card Slot | Nano SIM |
| RRP | 99.90 euros (Promotional price: 79.92 euros until 25.12.2025) |
Design and Durability: Built for Active Kids
The Fone M1 boasts a contemporary, child-centric design, available in attractive Steel Blue and Sakura Pink. Targeted at children aged 4 to 12, its compact size and remarkably light weight of just 47g (with the strap) ensure it sits comfortably and unobtrusively on the wrist, making it suitable for prolonged wear.
The robust plastic casing is designed to withstand the inevitable knocks, bumps, and daily wear and tear associated with active playtime. Crucially for young explorers, the watch carries an IP67 certification, providing reliable protection against dust and temporary submersion in water—perfect for sweaty games or accidental puddle plunges. The overall build quality is impressive for a children’s smartwatch in this price bracket, reinforced by the option of customizable stickers and interchangeable wristbands.
The square 1.6-inch AMOLED screen is a significant highlight. With a resolution of 320 x 360 pixels, it delivers rich colors, excellent brightness, and energy-efficient operation. This ensures the display remains easy to read even under bright sunlight, enhancing user experience and visual appeal.
Safety and Communication Features: The Core Value
The myFirst Fone M1 maintains a strict focus on essential features: safety, communication, and simple, motivating activities, deliberately omitting distracting elements like game apps, social media, or web browsers. This design choice shields children from digital overload, which is a major positive for parents.
Real-Time Tracking and Geo-Fencing
The integrated 4G LTE connectivity and nano SIM slot allow for seamless voice and video calls, supported by a competent 2-megapixel wide-angle front camera. Location tracking is achieved through a multi-faceted approach, combining GPS, Wi-Fi hotspot scanning, and LBS (Location-Based Services), providing real-time location accuracy within a commendable 5-10 meters. The vital geo-fencing feature works effectively, instantly alerting the parent app (myFirst Circle) whenever the child enters or exits predefined virtual safety zones.
The Lifesaving SOS Button
A standout safety feature is the highly prominent one-touch SOS button located on the side of the watch. In emergencies, a single press triggers an immediate notification to up to three preset contacts, transmitting:
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The child’s current location.
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A 30-second ambient audio recording of the surroundings.
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An emergency message.
If confirmation is not received by the contacts, the watch automatically repeats the emergency transmission, providing a crucial and reliable lifeline function.
Entertainment and Control
To keep things engaging, the Fone M1 includes an MP3 player with Bluetooth headphone support (capable of storing up to 1,500 songs), an integrated speaker for hands-free calls, and a pedometer with a reward system to encourage physical activity. The contact list is strictly child-safe, manageable only through parental approval via the dedicated myFirst Circle app (available free for iOS and Android).
The parent app acts as the central command, allowing adults to manage up to 20 contacts, set usage times, activate sleep modes, and administer reward points for good behavior—a comprehensive control center that promotes healthy technology habits.
Battery Life and Charging: A Noteworthy Improvement
Battery performance is where the Fone M1 shows significant advancement over previous models. The larger 730 mAh lithium polymer battery allows the watch to last for over two full days of moderate use (calls and occasional tracking). In standby mode, this extends to an impressive 4-5 days.
However, heavy usage, such as continuous video chatting or music playback, still reduces runtime to 24-36 hours. The watch intelligently manages consumption using its AMOLED screen and a low-power mode that deactivates non-essential sensors when required. Charging is facilitated by a magnetic USB-C cable, achieving a full charge in under 90 minutes.
Practical Test: Performance and Usability
The Fone M1 performed well in practical tests, though not without minor flaws. Initial setup involves linking the watch to the parent’s smartphone via a QR code, which generally works reliably.
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Operation: The smartwatch operates similarly to adult models. The top button controls the display, and the bottom button serves as a ‘back’ function and the essential SOS trigger (when held down). Swiping gestures open quick settings, the step counter, and the app overview.
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Display Quality: The AMOLED screen is bright and exceptionally easy to read, even in direct sunlight.
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Performance Hiccups: A noticeable drawback is the sluggish and slow reaction of the operating system (FoneOS, based on Android 8.1). Actions often trigger with a delay, sometimes requiring multiple taps to open a menu item.
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GPS and Communication: GPS tracking is commendably precise, only losing accuracy in areas with very weak reception. Video calls maintain smooth performance over 4G, and the microphone/camera facilitate clear communication. The SOS function is lightning-fast and reliable.
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App and Translation: The myFirst Circle app is user-friendly, and all geo-fencing and other alerts arrive promptly. A major plus is the significantly improved German translation within both the watch and the app, eliminating previous guesswork.
Despite the positive points, the watch lacks customizable settings, such as the option to adjust the display timeout (which is often too quick) or personalize the information shown on the watch faces.
The Included SIM Card: Convenience vs. Cost
The Fone M1 conveniently includes a pre-installed myFirst Free SIM. While the first month is free, the name is slightly misleading. Following the trial, usage costs 9.99 euros per month (or 7.99 euros if paid annually). This package offers:
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Unlimited data volume.
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Free roaming in selected European countries.
It’s important to note that free minutes or texts are not included, though calls are covered by the unlimited data plan. While this price is competitive for the included features, parents always retain the option to easily replace the included SIM with their own cheaper Nano SIM card if preferred.
Conclusion: A Highly Recommended Safety Companion
The myFirst Fone M1 represents a compelling leap forward for the manufacturer. It has noticeably improved upon its predecessors across functionality, battery life, and overall user-friendliness.
It delivers on virtually every expectation for a children’s safety smartwatch: precise GPS and geo-fencing, reliable video communication, the critical one-touch SOS feature, and a deliberate absence of distracting apps. The superb battery life and the option to use either the included SIM or a separate one enhance its versatility.
While the sluggish operating system and average camera quality for snapshots are minor blemishes, they are easily overlooked given the M1’s robust feature set, excellent safety focus, and attractive market price. The myFirst Fone M1 is a convincing and highly recommended choice for parents seeking peace of mind through a functional and durable wearable for their children.
