Xplora UK · Articles
A First Connected Device Built Around What It Deliberately Excludes
A First Connected Device Built Around What It Deliberately Excludes
Giving a child their first way to stay in touch usually means handing over a smartphone — complete with app stores, social media, and open internet access most parents aren't ready to introduce yet. Xplora's X6Play takes a deliberately different approach, built specifically around connecting children to their parents while excluding everything else.
No internet access, by deliberate design
The X6Play specifically has no internet access and no ability to contact unknown numbers — a design choice that removes the exposure to open browsing, social media, and unsolicited contact that comes bundled with a standard smartphone.
Parent-approved contacts only
Every contact a child can call or message must first be approved through the Xplora Guardian app — meaning parents retain direct control over exactly who their child can communicate with, rather than an open contact list.
Real-time GPS tracking with customisable safe zones
Parents can view their child's location in real time through the Guardian app, and set specific "safe zones" around places like home or school — with instant alerts sent if the child leaves a designated area.
A quad-positioning system for genuinely more reliable location tracking
Rather than relying on GPS satellites alone, the X6Play combines GPS, A-GPS (assisted GPS for a faster lock), Wi-Fi positioning, and cell tower triangulation (LBS) — a multi-layered approach specifically intended to improve location accuracy, particularly in areas where satellite GPS signal alone can be weaker, such as indoors or in dense urban areas.
School Mode for distraction-free learning hours
A dedicated School Mode can be activated to disable non-essential functions during class time — directly addressing parental concerns about the watch becoming a classroom distraction rather than a safety tool.
A genuine activity and rewards system
Through Xplora's Goplay platform, children earn Xplora Coins for every 1,000 steps taken — coins that are redeemable within age-appropriate games and activities, encouraging physical activity through a built-in reward loop rather than passive screen time.
Hardware specifications genuinely suited to daily use
The watch features a 1.52" display, 8GB of storage, and a 5MP camera — specifications that support everyday functionality like photos and voice messages without the device becoming needlessly complex for its intended young users.
An honest, balanced consideration from independent review
It's worth being direct: independent reviewers specifically note the X6Play as "the most complete kids smartwatch" tested in its category for communication features, though GPS accuracy in some real-world tests has been described as less precise than certain rugged fitness-tracker competitors like the Garmin Bounce. Parents prioritising absolute location precision above all else should weigh this specific trade-off, while those valuing genuine two-way calling and a richer feature set may find the X6Play the stronger overall fit.
At a glance
Product: ** Xplora X6Play Kids Smartwatch
Recommended age: ** 6+ years
Connectivity: ** GPS, A-GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, LBS
Communication: ** Calls and messages with parent-approved contacts only
Safety features: ** Safe zones, School Mode, no internet access
Hardware: ** 1.52" display, 8GB storage, 5MP camera
Requires: ** Xplora Connect SIM subscription (sold separately)
Who it suits
The X6Play suits parents wanting to give a child aged roughly 6 and up a first connected device that enables genuine safety check-ins and contact, without the open internet access and unrestricted communication a smartphone would introduce. Parents should factor in the required ongoing Xplora Connect subscription cost for GPS and calling functionality when budgeting for this purchase, since the watch needs an active plan to use its core safety features. Shop the Xplora X6Play Kids Smartwatch — **
Visit store