The Gizmo Watch 3 was at risk of being left in the dust by other kids smartwatches if it didn't get some major updates. Verizon's version of "keeping up with the Joneses" is the Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure, which offers speech to text and a full text keyboard.
Now, kids can fully express themselves without having to leave a voice message (Let's be honest, listening to a voice message isn't always convenient, but reading a text? Effortless and discreet.) However, the Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure doesn't have video calling. If you want a watch that does it all, you may want to try the TickTalk 5.
We also like the scratchproof screen on the 3 Adventure. Verizon customer service told us it's made of diamond-like carbon (DLC), and that the edge of the watch is slightly higher than the screen for additional drop protection.
Finally, we love "nightstand mode" in the Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure. We haven't seen anything like it before. When the watch is on the charger, the screen lights up and displays the date, time, and alarm—just like a digital alarm clock.
- Go ahead and buy the Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure if you're looking for an affordable yet durable watch.
- Pivot to the Gizmo Watch 3 if your child is on the younger side and prefers video calling to texting.
- Keep shopping if: You don't want to sacrifice video calling for a full-text keyboard.
On the Verizon website, 99 reviewers give the Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure an average rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars. Here's some common feedback:
Pros
- Good battery life.
- Good cell reception.
- Good amount of features.
- Fast, accurate location tracking.
- Charger is easier for kids to use.
Cons
- The watch is larger than the Gizmo Watch 2 and may be difficult to fit under long sleeves.
- Parents can't monitor the texts their child sends to other people (this is pretty typical of kids smartwatches).
- Rare technical issues, like not being able to turn the watch on.
Some parents didn't realize that this watch didn't have a camera, but Verizon now includes the phrase "No Camera" in the watch's headline to clarify.
Parents also complained that there were no replacement chargers or screen protectors available for this watch. Verizon has since released both in its online shop:
- $19.99 for a Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure Wireless Charger
- $29.99 for a ZAGG InvisibleShield Fusion for Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure
Bottom line: The Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure is a great alternative for Verizon customers who don't want a camera in their child's smartwatch.