myFirst Fone M1 review: A smart first device for kids, built with safety in mind
For many parents, giving a child their first device is not just about staying connected. It also comes with concerns about screen time, online exposure, and how much freedom is too much at a young age.
That is exactly where the myFirst Fone M1 sits. It is not a device built to fully replace a smartphone, but rather a first device for children that provides basic communication while maintaining elements of control and safety. Priced at RM399 in Malaysia, this watch is clearly aimed at parents who want something more controlled instead of giving their child a phone at a young age.
At first glance, the myFirst Fone M1 looks like a straightforward kids’ smartwatch. But for a device made for children, the real question is not whether it has the most features. It is whether those features are useful, easy to manage, and reassuring enough for everyday use.
A simple and hassle-free start
The first thing that left a positive impression was the setup process. For a device like this, the initial setup experience is important because it often determines whether it will continue to be used comfortably or not.
With the myFirst Fone M1, the setup process feels very straightforward. After inserting the SIM card, you only need to install the myFirst Circle app on your phone and follow the pairing steps as instructed. Everything works smoothly without needing multiple attempts or dealing with a confusing process.
The features available in myFirst Circle are also quite useful, with an interface that feels somewhat like a private social space for the family. Through the app, children can share photos or posts within their circle, while parents and approved contacts can react or leave comments. This makes the experience feel more interactive for kids, but still within a controlled environment where parents can monitor their activity and connections.
Simple, but comfortable enough for everyday use
The screen on the myFirst Fone M1 also delivers a better experience than initially expected. With its 1.6-inch AMOLED panel, the display appears bright enough for daily use, including when used outdoors.
Navigation is also designed to be very simple. Most functions can be accessed through swipes, taps and side buttons, without menus that are too cluttered or layouts that feel confusing. This makes the process of getting used to the watch feel quick, and even children would not take long to understand how it works.
That said, the touch response is not always the most sensitive. There are moments where you may need to press slightly harder or tap more deliberately for the watch to register your input. It is not a major issue once you get used to it, but it does make the experience feel a little less smooth at times.
Still, this simplicity remains a major advantage. For a device intended for children, too many features or a complicated interface would only make it harder to use and ultimately less practical.
Enough for the basic communication that truly matters
In terms of communication, the myFirst Fone M1 provides the essentials that really matter, such as voice calls, video calls, and messaging. It may not offer an experience comparable to a regular smartphone, but for its main purpose, such as checking in, making sure a child has arrived safely, or contacting them at certain times, the available functions are more than adequate.
Although it only comes with a 2MP camera, the results are still decent enough, and there are no major issues when making video calls with family or uploading photo posts within myFirst Circle.
More importantly, this watch is built with a clear control system. Only approved numbers or contacts can reach the device. This makes the overall user experience feel safer and more controlled, particularly in the context of children using it.
In today’s environment, features like this are no longer just added extras. Instead, they have become one of the main reasons why a device like this remains relevant for children.
The main focus remains on safety
The most standout part of the myFirst Fone M1 is undoubtedly its safety features. This is the true core of why a device like this exists, and so far, it performs that role well.
The built-in GPS tracking is very useful for daily use. It is sufficient to provide an overview of a child’s location, whether at school, at the park, or while travelling somewhere. For most parents, this level of accuracy is already very helpful.
The geo-fencing feature also brings clear practical value. When a certain area is set, parents will receive a notification if the child leaves that zone. For daily routines such as going to and returning from school, this is very useful because it helps monitor movement without constantly having to call the child.
In addition, the SOS button is another important feature that completes the watch’s safety function. By pressing and holding the bottom-right button for around five seconds, the watch will automatically trigger an SOS alert. Once activated, it can notify parents through the app, share the child’s location, and allow the child to speak through a voice recording.
While this may not be a feature that is used frequently in everyday situations, its presence provides an added sense of reassurance for parents, especially in moments where the child may need help quickly.
Battery life that suits daily use
In terms of battery, the myFirst Fone M1 is equipped with a 730mAh battery, and its performance is reassuring enough for normal daily use. With a mix of location tracking, messaging, and occasional calls, the watch can comfortably last throughout the day without major issues.
For lighter usage, the battery can stretch up to around two days, making it practical for parents who do not want to charge the device too frequently. This also means the watch can be used from morning until night without needing a mid-day charge, which is especially important for a device meant for children.
To help conserve battery, the watch also offers a Low Mode setting. When enabled, certain visual effects such as Glow Words will be turned off, helping to reduce unnecessary battery usage.
As for charging, the watch takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to fully charge. Parents will also receive notifications when the battery drops below 15% and 5%, which makes it easier to know when the watch needs to be charged.
Limited entertainment features, but that’s actually a good thing
One thing that may initially seem like a weakness actually becomes one of the myFirst Fone M1’s greatest strengths. This device does not include third-party apps, games, or access to social media.
At first glance, this might make it seem too limited for a smart device. But after seeing how it is used, this approach actually makes a lot of sense. With fewer distractions, the device stays focused on its core purpose as a communication and monitoring tool rather than an entertainment device.
Features such as Class Mode further reinforce that direction. When this function is activated, the watch can only be used for SOS purposes. In a way, this helps limit usage so that children do not become overly dependent on the watch at inappropriate times.
Not the most advanced, but among the most sensible
At around RM399, the myFirst Fone M1 is certainly not the most advanced device on the market. It is also not the kind of gadget that tries to win through sheer numbers of features or high-end specifications.
However, the true strength of this device lies in how clearly it understands its purpose. It is built as a first device for children, with a strong focus on basic communication, safety, and an easy-to-understand user experience. In those areas, the myFirst Fone M1 feels genuinely convincing.
It is not about giving children the most impressive gadget. It is more about giving them a device that suits their needs, while also giving parents added peace of mind. And for that purpose, the myFirst Fone M1 can definitely be considered a success.
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