Edward Collins 
Dec 11, 2023
The thought of giving your child a phone can feel like entering a maze of questions: When is the right age? What type of phone is suitable? Are there specific plans or parental controls? The complexity can be daunting.
But not all phones are made equal, especially when it comes to features for kids. We have narrowed down our top picks for kid-friendly phones.
Best phones for kids
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Pros: Most affordable iPhone, strong performance, good battery life, great camera.
Cons: Somewhat small display, old design.
Packed with an Apple A15 Bionic processor, the iPhone SE delivers an experience similar to the pricier iPhone 13 series at nearly half the cost. It boasts a 4.7-inch display and a Touch ID home button, allowing your child to secure their device with a fingerprint. The cameras rival those of higher-end iPhones, and it comes with parental control features like Screen Time.
Moto G Pure
Pros: Affordable, large display, good battery.
Cons: Somewhat slow performance, low internal storage.
The Moto G Pure is a budget-friendly option suitable for kids getting their first phone. It offers a decent camera, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a large battery, although the storage might be limited, requiring an additional microSD card for more space.
Google Pixel 6a 5G: Best Secure Phone for Kids
Pros: Excellent security, great cameras, solid battery life.
Cons: Pricey, no microSD or wireless charging support.
Featuring the Google Tensor processor and Titan M2 security chip, the Pixel 6a is highly secure. It's resistant to hacking and spying, has a 24-hour battery life, and utilizes a fingerprint reader for added security.
Ultimately, the right phone for your child depends on factors like age, cost, and preferred operating system. Consider these options, which blend privacy, battery life, and affordability. Moreover, both Apple and Google provide parental control settings, ensuring you can monitor and control your child's phone usage.
When selecting a cellular plan, adding a line to your existing carrier account might offer the best deal. However, prepaid carriers also provide budget-friendly plans. These phones come with built-in location-tracking features, such as Apple's Find My or Google's Location Sharing, allowing you to keep tabs on your child.
There are numerous alternatives worth exploring, from refurbished iPhones to older models with unique features. Whether you choose a second-hand device or a brand-new phone, prioritise privacy, battery life, and affordability.
