OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

ZTE Gabb review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£120Screen size:?Battery life:0.75 daysDisplay type:LCD

ZTE Gabb Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 1 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

6.0/10

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

35%

5.4

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

5.4

Reviews score

10%

5.4

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 85% of smartwatches
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 85%
5.4

Technical score

Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components

24%

2.1

Health

21%

7.7

Fitness

16%

5.4

Battery

14%

5.1

Smart features

12%

6.9

Connectivity

9%

6.2

Display & Design

4%

7.8

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 75%
5.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 81% of models

5.4

Mark 7.3 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.9

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 review: 7.0/10. We use 5 reviews; the 4 missing count as the category's typical 8.0: (7.0 × 1 + 8.0 × 4) ÷ 5 = 7.8. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 81%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £120
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What owners say about the ZTE Gabb

Based on 102 owners sharing their experience in online comments

17%positive1%mixed82%negative

Added apps and easy contact appeal, but unreliable communication, short battery life, and poor support frustrate owners.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say app installs fail after a few days, Shizuku won't start or stay connected, and ADB commands error out, often after a Google Play Services change or restart.25
  • Owners say support is slow or unresponsive, calls go unanswered, and problems like lost texts or wrong numbers can take weeks to fix.10
  • Owners say the phone has very few usable apps, no real internet browsing, no music app they want, and no email or camera roll.10
  • Owners say group chats fail to load, texts and calls drop or arrive late, and messages with links stop coming through.9
  • Owners report screens marking, sudden shutdowns, charging pins wearing out, and needing hard resets every few months.9
  • Owners say the battery drops to about 6 hours or less, often not lasting a full school day.6
  • Owners say cancelling the service early costs around $150, and the extra support time and fees add up.6
  • Owners say the watch shows 'No Signal Detected' or a network error on activation, and calls and texts can drop for hours.5
  • Owners say location updates are slow, sometimes around 45 minutes behind, and alerts arrive late.4
  • Owners say kids who carry the device get teased or bullied by classmates about it.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch ZTE Gabb

Technical score
Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components:

24%

2.1

Health

21%

7.7

Fitness

16%

5.4

Battery

14%

5.1

Smart features

12%

6.9

Connectivity

9%

6.2

Display & Design

4%

7.8

Hardware

5.4
Reviews score
5.4
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components:

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

7.2
Heart rate monitor
no
This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor. 90.7% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 69.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 18.2% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
no
This smartwatch does not support HRV tracking. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 46.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
no
This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope. 71.3% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
Battery life
0.75 days
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 0.75 days on a charge, which is shorter than 98.2% of Smartwatches and the same as 1.8% of Smartwatches.
Converted from roughly 14-18 hours of battery life.
Battery life in training mode
30 h
Market range: <6 h – >48 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 30 h on a charge, which is longer than 69% of Smartwatches and the same as 6% of Smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
18 h
Market range: <6 h – >46 h
This smartwatch lasts 18 h with GPS on, which is shorter than 60.3% of Smartwatches and the same as 1.3% of Smartwatches.
Battery power
400 mAh
Market range: <200 mAh – >500 mAh
This smartwatch has a 400 mAh battery, which is larger than 70.9% of Smartwatches and the same as 1.5% of Smartwatches.
Charge time
120 min
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges from empty in 120 min, which is quicker than 13.3% of Smartwatches and the same as 44.6% of Smartwatches.
Show more
Operating system
Gabb OS
This smartwatch runs Gabb OS, which is less advanced than the system in 99.4% of Smartwatches.
Software update frequency
occasional
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 54% of smartwatches and equal to that of 40.2% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
no
This smartwatch does not support third-party apps. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Requires paired smartphone/app for notifications.
Voice assistant support
no
This smartwatch does not support voice assistants. 69.3% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
Cellular module
yes
This smartwatch includes a cellular module. 83.5% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This smartwatch uses 1 for cellular connectivity which is more advanced than that of 2% of smartwatches and the same as that of 98% of smartwatches.
SIM configuration varies by version.
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 40.3% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 56.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support dual-frequency GPS. 15.1% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
Screen size
?
Display type
LCD
This smartwatch uses LCD, which is less advanced than the screen in 91.1% of Smartwatches and equal to 6.7% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
300x 300
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 300x300 which is lower than that of 63.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.4% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
404 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 404 ppi, which is higher than 69.7% of Smartwatches and equal to 0.6% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
CPU speed
1 GHz
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 1 GHz which is faster than that in 30.1% of smartwatches and equal to that in 30.1% of smartwatches.
Processor model
Snapdragon Wear 2500
This smartwatch uses the Snapdragon Wear 2500 processor model.
RAM
?
Internal storage
?
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

ZTE Gabb vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Built-in cellular module
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    alerts preset guardians only
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 23.4% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    occasional vs ended
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Galileo satellite support
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 41.2% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 23.4% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • 10 h longer training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer in training mode than the average smartwatch (30 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    30 h vs 20 h
  • 95 mAh larger battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a larger battery than the average smartwatch (400 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    400 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • Built-in cellular module
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Galileo satellite support
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 41.2% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • Kid-friendly design
    This smartwatch has a kid-friendly design, the average smartwatch does not. 1.5% of smartwatches have a kid-friendly design.
    Kid-focused model with child-specific controls/features.
  • 78 ppi sharper screen
    This smartwatch has a sharper screen than the average smartwatch (404 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    404 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 2 mm slimmer strap
    This smartwatch has a slimmer strap than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch has a 22 mm strap.
    20 mm vs 22 mm
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    alerts preset guardians only
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    occasional vs ended
  • 3.5 mm audio jack
    This smartwatch includes a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the average smartwatch does not include a 3.5 mm audio jack. 0.5% of smartwatches include a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • More advanced processor model
    This smartwatch uses the Snapdragon Wear 2500 processor model, while the average smartwatch uses Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko.
    Snapdragon Wear 2,500 vs Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No third-party apps
    This smartwatch does not support third-party apps, the average smartwatch does. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (LCD vs AMOLED).
    LCD vs AMOLED
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No heart rate monitor
    This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 90.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
  • 6.25 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (0.8 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    Converted from roughly 14-18 hours of battery life.
    0.75 days vs 7 days
  • 22.9% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models

    5.4

    Mark 7.3 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 review: 7.0/10. We use 5 reviews; the 4 missing count as the category's typical 8.0: (7.0 × 1 + 8.0 × 4) ÷ 5 = 7.8. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.4 vs 7.0
  • 28.0% lower sentiment score
    5.4 vs 7.5
  • 8% worse value for money
    ZTE Gabb has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (7.18 vs 7.8).
    7.18 vs 7.76
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No heart rate monitor
    This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 90.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
  • No cycle tracking
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 66.8% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • No smart scale support
    This smartwatch does not support smart scale compatibility, the average smartwatch does. 57.1% of smartwatches support smart scale compatibility.
  • No gyroscope
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 71.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • No auto-pause
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 62.6% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • No swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 76.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • 40 fewer exercise types
    This smartwatch includes fewer exercise types than the average smartwatch (50 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    Reported as at least 50 exercise modes.
    50 vs 90
  • 6.25 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (0.8 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    Converted from roughly 14-18 hours of battery life.
    0.75 days vs 7 days
  • 3 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time with GPS on than the average smartwatch (18 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    18 h vs 21 h
  • Less current Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch uses a less current Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (LCD vs AMOLED).
    LCD vs AMOLED
  • 48.5 m shallower water rating
    This smartwatch is rated for shallower water than the average smartwatch (1.5 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch is rated to 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1.5 m vs 50 m
  • No always-on display
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 70.3% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • 2.8 mm thicker
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (14.5 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    14.5 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • 10 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (55 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
    55 g vs 45 g
  • Less practical form
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 300x300, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    300x300 vs 360x360
  • 10 °C lower heat tolerance
    This smartwatch tolerates a lower temperature than the average smartwatch (35 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch is rated up to 45 °C.
    35 °C vs 45 °C
  • No third-party apps
    This smartwatch does not support third-party apps, the average smartwatch does. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • No music playback
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 57.1% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No voice assistant
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 69.2% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 60% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No passcode
    This smartwatch does not include passcode protection, the average smartwatch does. 70.4% of smartwatches include passcode protection.
  • More basic operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more basic operating system than the average smartwatch (Gabb OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Gabb OS vs Proprietary OS
  • No gesture control
    This smartwatch does not support gesture control, the average smartwatch does. 79.6% of smartwatches support gesture control.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
androidcentral.com
✓ explicit
05/10/2021
Long-term test · Kids smartwatch
Verdict
The Gabb Watch is a basic kids' watch that calls, texts and tracks location with few distractions, but its Safe Zone alerts were inconsistent.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ZTE Gabb

  • Provides a safe environment with no internet, social media, or games to distract children.
  • Parental controls are extensive, allowing management of up to 100 approved contacts.
  • Simple user interface is easy for young children to navigate for calling and texting.
  • Includes helpful safety features like an SOS emergency button and 'Focus Mode' for school.
  • The 'Gabb Go' feature uses a virtual pet and task rewards to encourage healthy habits and activity.

What customers don't like about ZTE Gabb

  • GPS tracking and 'Safe Zone' geofencing alerts are frequently reported as inconsistent or delayed.
  • Battery performance is a common complaint, with some units struggling to last a full day.
  • Proprietary charging pins are prone to wearing down, leading to persistent charging issues.
  • The device is often described as bulky or clunky for smaller children's wrists.
  • Strict long-term contracts and high early termination fees make it difficult to cancel service.

Verdict

The ZTE-manufactured Gabb Watch is a child-safe smartwatch featuring a 1.4-inch display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2500 quad-core 1.2GHz processor, and 4G LTE cellular connectivity. It is equipped with a 500mAh battery providing up to 18 hours of active use, 4GB of internal storage, and an IP67/IP68 water and dust resistance rating. Main characteristics include GPS tracking with geofencing, a parent-managed whitelist for up to 10-25 contacts, and a custom OS that excludes internet browsing or social media to prevent distractions. Pros include its durable build with Gorilla Glass 3, real-time SOS emergency button, and gamified fitness tracking via a virtual pet. Cons involve the lack of a built-in camera for video calls, a relatively short battery life compared to competitors, and occasionally inconsistent GPS accuracy in large buildings.

Compare ZTE Gabb with other Smartwatches

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of ZTE Gabb and other Smartwatches

No results found