Are the '1000X' and '2000X' magnification claims on kids' microscopes realistic?

Treat the very high numbers on inexpensive kits with skepticism. Magnification past a few hundred X on budget optics often produces dim, blurry images, and reviewers across listings frequently note that the top settings are less usable than the midrange. A glass-lens compound scope at 400X usually outperforms a plastic kit claiming 1200X.