Introduction:
The Q12 Kids GPS Tracker Smart Watch is marketed as a device to help parents keep track of their children’s whereabouts and communicate with them. This case study examines the performance and reliability of the Q12 watch and its accompanying tracking software.
PRODUCT
Q12
Date
09 Oct, 2024
TESTS
Durability
Reliability
SETUP & INITIAL Challenges
Our test began with attempting to set up the Q12 watch. Despite following the provided instructions, we encountered significant difficulties getting the watch online. This process, which should have been straightforward, took several attempts and consumed considerable time, potentially frustrating for parents seeking a quick setup.
BATTERY PERFORMANCe
Once operational, we observed that the watch’s battery discharged at an alarmingly rapid rate. The device, which is meant to provide continuous tracking throughout a child’s day, struggled to maintain a charge for more than a few hours. This rapid battery drain severely limits the watch’s practical use, as it cannot reliably track a child’s location throughout a school day or other extended periods.
LOCATION ACCURACY
The primary function of a GPS tracker is to provide accurate location data. However, our tests revealed that the Q12’s location reporting was highly inaccurate. The reported location would fluctuate within a 7-8 block radius of the actual location. This level of inaccuracy renders the device nearly useless for its intended purpose, as parents cannot reliably determine their child’s whereabouts within such a large area.
SMARTPHONE APP PERFORMANCE
We tested the accompanying tracking app on a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4. The app’s performance was concerning, as it consumed a disproportionate amount of the phone’s battery life. Out of 172 installed apps, the Q12 tracking app accounted for over 13% of the total battery usage. This excessive drain could significantly impact the parent’s ability to use their phone throughout the day.
COMPARISON TO OTHER REVIEWS
Our findings align with several online reviews of the Q12 watch. Many users report similar issues with battery life, location accuracy, and app performance. Some reviews mention additional problems such as poor call quality and unreliable SOS features, though these were not specifically tested in our case study.
CONCLUSION
Based on our testing and corroborating online reviews, the Q12 Kids GPS Tracker Smart Watch falls short in several critical areas:
- Difficult initial setup
- Extremely poor battery life
- Highly inaccurate location tracking
- Excessive battery drain on the parent’s smartphone
These issues collectively undermine the core functionality and reliability of the device. The inaccurate location tracking, in particular, raises serious concerns about the watch’s ability to fulfill its primary purpose of child safety and monitoring.
Given these findings, it’s difficult to recommend the Q12 Kids GPS Tracker Smart Watch for parents seeking a reliable way to monitor their children’s location. The combination of poor battery life and inaccurate tracking could potentially create a false sense of security, which is particularly problematic for a device meant to enhance child safety.
For parents considering GPS tracking devices for their children, it would be advisable to explore alternative options that offer more reliable performance, accurate location tracking, and better battery life for both the watch and the accompanying smartphone app.