Best Phones For Kids
We listed the best phones for kids you can buy on Amazon right now to gear them up for an increasingly interconnected world.
RELATED: 7 Reasons To Monitor Your Kid’s Cell Phone Use
In this article:
- Best Cell Phones for Kids Under 10
- Phones for Kids: Tweens (10-13)
- Phones for Kids: Teenagers (14-17)
5 Best Phones For Kids to Buy on Amazon Right Now
Best Cell Phones for Kids Under 10
Kids under 10 years old might need phones so their caregivers can contact them in case of any emergencies. Here are some of the best features for a phone for kids at this age range:
- A phone that doesn’t have a data connection but has location tracking so you can easily know where they are when they’re not at home.
- They’d also need a phone that lets them call and text. Preferably, a phone that allows parents can restrict who the child can contact.
1. KidsConnect KC2 4G Kids GPS Tracker
The KidsConnect KC2 4G Kids GPS Tracker is touted as an “All-in-One Security Solution” that allows parents to track their kids when they’re away from home. It’s primarily a GPS tracker but also functions as a phone since it lets users make outgoing calls and texts to pre-programmed numbers as well.
It doesn’t have Internet access (any connectivity options are used for location tracking alone) and there are no web browsers or apps so you’re sure that your kid won’t accidentally access things they’re not supposed to.
- Dimensions: 3.8” x 2.5” x 0.3”
- Weight: 6.9 oz.
- Connectivity: GPS, LBS, Wi-Fi (for Location only)
Phones for Kids: Tweens (10-13)
Once your kids hit their tween years, they’ll probably need a phone with more features. At this age, they’ll also be more independent and would want more access to content and apps.
While the kids will beg you to get them a smartphone at this age, chances are you wouldn’t be able to trust them with an expensive device just yet. A reasonably-priced starter smartphone that can withstand nicks and scratches is your best bet at this stage.
2. Best Android Option: Motorola Moto G7 Power
The Motorola Moto G7 Power features an impressive 5 mAh battery that offers a long battery life of up to three days on a single charge. Your tween will then be able to use their phone during an entire school day without reaching for a power bank.
It also runs on the Android 9 Pie, which features “App Timers” that allows users to set time limits for their usage of certain apps. This is a pretty neat feature to start teaching kids how to limit their screen time.
Remember how we said phones for kids this age should be durable? Well, you can rest assured this phone will be great for your tween since it features a water-repellent design with a P2i nano-coating and a durable Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display.
- Display: 6.2” 720p, 403 ppi, Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- OS: Android 9 Pie
- Storage: Up to 64GB
- RAM: 4GB
- Camera: 12MP single lens (back), up to 4K video capture, 8MP (front)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 632, 1.8GHz octa-core
- Connectivity: LTE and 802.11ac Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 4.2 wireless technology, NFC
- Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack
3. Best iOS Option: iPhone SE
The tween years are when your kids are starting to want to fit in with the crowd, and having an iPhone is one way they could do that. The iPhone SE is one of the cheapest iPhones you can get today.
It has the powerful capabilities of the iPhone 6S but in the compact case of the iPhone 5S. Since it’s not a huge phone, tweens can easily hold on to it with their growing hands, plus it can easily fit in their bags.
It’s eligible for an upgrade to iOS 13, so it still has some life in it left and you won’t have to replace the unit anytime soon. Just like in Android Pie, iOS 12 also has its equivalent Screen Time feature that allows setting of time limits for using apps.
If you’re getting your kid an iPhone, make sure to also get them a case that can withstand bumps and falls.
- Display: 4” Retina display, 1136x640px, 326 ppi
- OS: iOS 12
- Storage: Up to 64GB
- RAM: 2GB
- Camera: 12MP single lens (back) with up to 5x digital zoom, up to 1080p video capture, 8MP (front)
- Processor: A9 chip with embedded M9 motion coprocessor
- Connectivity: LTE and 802.11ac Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 4.2 wireless technology, NFC
- Ports: Lightning port, 3.5mm audio jack
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Phones for Kids: Teenagers (14-17)
Teenagers have roughly the same smartphone needs as adults do, except that they’re still testing the boundaries of independence. They will probably ask for the latest and the greatest they can show off to friends, but it’s still your decision as a parent if you would let them hop on to your data plan.
Here are some reasonably priced, but still great options for your teens that won’t break the bank too much.
4. Best Android Option: Google Pixel 3a
In May this year, Google released its first mid-range phone — the Google Pixel 3a. Its software-driven camera is touted as one of the best cameras for its price point.
This means your teens will be able to take crisp and vibrant pictures and videos they can post on Instagram or Snapchat.
It’s guaranteed with up to three years of major Android updates so your teenager will get the latest security patches for a long while ahead. Otherwise, their information would be at risk.
- Display: 5.6” 1080p,
- OS: Android 9 Pie
- Storage: Up to 64GB
- RAM: 4GB
- Camera: 12MP.2 single lens (back), up to 4K/30FPS video capture, 7MP FaceTime camera (front)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 670, 1.8GHz octa-core
- Connectivity: LTE and 802.11ac Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 4.2 wireless technology, NFC
- Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack
5. Best iOS Option: iPhone 8
The iPhone 8 is 2019’s entry-level iPhone and is in fact still one of Apple’s best-selling iPhones. It contains the CPU internals as the previous generation’s iPhone X and still has a great camera to boot.
Its 12MP single-lens camera can take Instagram-worthy photos and videos, while the A11 Bionic chipset can handle even the most intense of Fortnite tournaments. While it doesn’t have the slick look of the newer (and more expensive) iPhone XS series, it’s still a formidable (and powerful) option for teens who want their own iPhone.
- Display: 4.7” Retina display, 1334x750px, 326 ppi
- OS: iOS 12
- Storage: 64GB or 256GB
- RAM: 2GB
- Camera: 12MP single lens (back) with up to 2x optical zoom, up to 4K/30FPS video capture, 7MP FaceTime camera (front)
- Processor: A11 Bionic chipset
- Connectivity: LTE and 802.11ac Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 4.2 wireless technology, NFC
- Ports: Lightning port
Best kid’s phones to buy in this video from The SmartPhone:
These are just some of the best phones for your kids you can buy on Amazon. Whether it’s your kid’s first phone or you think they’re ready for an upgrade, we hope you’ve found a good contender on this list.
What are your other recommendations for good mobile phones for kids? What features did you like in these phones? Let us know in the comments section below.
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