{"id":516651,"date":"2026-03-05T20:32:12","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T20:32:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/516651\/"},"modified":"2026-03-05T20:32:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T20:32:12","slug":"this-new-kids-smartwatch-checks-all-the-boxes-6-reasons-parents-should-consider-the-tcl-movietime-mt48","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/516651\/","title":{"rendered":"This new kids’ smartwatch checks all the boxes: 6 reasons parents should consider the TCL Movietime MT48"},"content":{"rendered":"

User-friendly, kid-centric smartwatches with parental controls and safety features are increasingly being seen by parents as the favored alternative to smartphones, particularly for pre-teens and younger.<\/p>\n

While these devices still require a data plan \u2014 usually around $10 a month \u2014 they tend to offer better battery life than smartphones, in a lighter, always-with-you package. I just got my hands on the latest entry to the space, TCL<\/a>\u2019s Movietime MT48 smartwatch for kids, at MWC<\/a> 2026, Europe\u2019s largest tech show, and it checks all the right boxes, from build quality to battery life, smart features to tracking modes.<\/p>\n

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Here are the five biggest reasons parents should check out the TCL Movietime MT48 smartwatch for kids if they\u2019re in the market for such a device.<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

1. Aggressively priced<\/p>\n

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(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia\/Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

While the MovieTime MT48<\/a> has yet to officially launch in the U.S., it can still be acquired via European markets. I\u2019ve reached out to TCL to inquire about U.S. availability and will update this story when I know more.<\/p>\n

The MT48 is on the affordable side, for a smartwatch, roughly $150 for the device itself + monthly data costs (check with your carrier; data plans tend to range from $5 to $15 per month). By comparison, the Fitbit ACE LTE<\/a>, another popular kids\u2019 smartwatch, starts at $179 (though it often goes on sale).<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a little cheaper than the Pinwheel smartwatch<\/a> ($159) and a lot more affordable than the Garmin Bounce 2<\/a>, a $300 kid-friendly smartwatch.<\/p>\n

2. Dual-band GPS with geofencing <\/p>\n

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(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia\/Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

Not all smartwatch GPS antennas are created equally; some offer better precision and reliability, particularly when the user is indoors. For peace of mind, the TCL Movietime MT48 sports a dual-band GPS antenna (more bands = better) with location data that refreshes every single second.<\/p>\n

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.<\/p>\n

Like other popular kids\u2019 smartwatches, parents can set up geofenced areas \u2014 like their child\u2019s school or home \u2014 and receive notifications whenever they arrive at or depart from that location.<\/p>\n

3. Ample parental controls<\/p>\n

Parental controls go beyond geofencing alerts. Adults can also set whether or not the watch user has access to games, messages, and more. You can additionally monitor usage and even restrict access to certain features during specific time blocks, like the school day.<\/p>\n

Parents additionally approve who can contact their child\u2019s TCL Movietime MT48, ensuring no spammy\/creepy calls or messages.<\/p>\n

What to read next<\/p>\n

4. Dedicated SOS button <\/p>\n

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\"close-up\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia\/Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

One safety feature you won\u2019t necessarily find on other smartwatches for kids is the MT48\u2019s dedicated emergency SOS button. When pressed, it instantly connects the users with their parents’ or guardians’ phones, while sharing their last logged GPS location.<\/p>\n

5. Excellent battery life<\/p>\n

The TCL Movietime MT48 smartwatch for kids is rated to last for roughly 2.5 days per charge. That\u2019s better than even the latest Apple Watch Series 11<\/a> and a whole lot better than the Fibit Ace LTE, which is rated at just 16 hours per charge.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, in ‘standby mode,’ the MT48’s battery life is good for up to seven days per charge.<\/p>\n

6. Solid build quality <\/p>\n

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\"close-up\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia\/Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

With a water resistance rating of two meters and an IP68 rating against dust and moisture, the TCL Movietime MT48 should stand up well to the rigors of everyday life. I wouldn\u2019t wear it swimming, though, but for hand washing, etc., the watch should be good to go.<\/p>\n

Despite an impressively lightweight case design, the MT48 definitely struck me as well constructed with responsive buttons and a decent-enough display.<\/p>\n

The TCL Movietime MT48 smartwatch for kids is available now in most markets, outside the U.S., for around \u20ac130, depending on the retailer.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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