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Best Phones for Kids: Which One Is Right for Your Child?

Looking for the best phones for kids in 2023? We've rounded up the top picks for safe, durable, and affordable phones that are perfect for your child.

CR Staff
By Updated: 2024, Mar 14

Introduction

Help your child stay connected and safe with the best phones for kids in 2023. These phones are durable, affordable, and offer plenty of parental controls. In today’s digital age, it has become increasingly common for children to have their own smartphones. As a parent, it is important to carefully consider the right phone for your child. There are a multitude of factors to take into account, such as age appropriateness, features, and safety.

Best Phones for Kids: Which One Is Right for Your Child?
Best Phones for Kids

In this article, we will explore the importance of choosing the right phone for your child, the factors to consider when selecting a phone for kids, and the top features to look for in a kid’s phone.

Additionally, we will provide a comprehensive review of the best phones for older kids, ranging from ages 11 to 15.


Quick Summary: Top 6 Best Phones for Kids

Image Product Description Price
1
Google Pixel 7a
Google Pixel 7a
A mid-range smartphone that offers a great balance of performance, features, and price. It has a powerful Google Tensor chip, a large and bright display, and a long-lasting battery. The Pixel 7a also comes with the latest version of Android and is guaranteed to receive software updates for at least 5 years.
2
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
A budget-friendly smartphone that offers good value for money. It has a large and colorful display, a fast processor, and a long-lasting battery. The Galaxy A14 5G also has a quad-camera system that takes decent photos and videos.
3
Apple iPhone 13 mini
Apple iPhone 13 mini
A compact and powerful smartphone that offers a great user experience. It has a beautiful display, a fast A15 Bionic chip, and a long-lasting battery. The iPhone 13 mini also has a great camera system that takes excellent photos and videos.
4
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
A budget-friendly iPhone that offers a great value for money. It has a powerful A15 Bionic chip, a good camera system, and a long-lasting battery. The iPhone SE (2022) is also a great choice for people who want a small and lightweight iPhone.
5
Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023)
Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023)
A budget-friendly smartphone that offers excellent battery life. It has a large and bright display, a fast processor, and a quad-camera system that takes decent photos and videos. The Moto G Power 5G (2023) also has a massive 5000mAh battery that can easily last a full day on a single charge.
6
Nokia 2780 Flip
Nokia 2780 Flip
A classic flip phone that is perfect for people who want a simple and reliable phone. It has a durable design, a long-lasting battery, and a simple user interface. The Nokia 2780 Flip is also very affordable, making it a great choice for people on a budget.

The Research

How we tested?

We rigorously tested a variety of phones to ensure they meet the specific needs of children. Our tests included assessing durability, battery life, camera quality, and ease of use for kids.

How we picked?

We considered factors such as safety features, parental controls, and age-appropriate content when selecting the best phones for kids. Additionally, we prioritized phones with robust durability and long battery life.

Who should get this?

These phones are ideal for parents who want to provide their children with a reliable and safe communication device. They come with features designed to protect children online and limit their screen time.


Top Review: Best Phones for Kids in 2023

Google Pixel 7a Review

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  • What We Like?

    What we like about the Google Pixel 7a is its excellent camera quality. It boasts a high-resolution camera that captures crisp and vibrant photos, perfect for young aspiring photographers. Additionally, the Google Pixel 7a offers a clean and user-friendly interface, making it easy for kids to navigate and utilize various apps and features.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    However, one drawback of the Google Pixel 7a is its limited storage capacity. With only 128GB of internal storage, it may not be sufficient for kids who enjoy downloading and storing large files, such as games and videos. Additionally, the phone lacks expandable storage options, further limiting its capacity.

Product Specification

Storage 128GB
Camera High-resolution

Pros

  • Excellent camera quality
  • User-friendly interface

Cons

  • Limited storage capacity

9.5
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Google Pixel 7a is an excellent choice for young aspiring photographers due to its high-resolution camera. It also offers a clean and user-friendly interface, making it easy for kids to navigate various apps and features. However, the limited storage capacity may be a drawback for those who enjoy downloading large files.


Samsung Galaxy A14 5G Review

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  • What We Like?

    The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is another great option for older kids. It offers a large and vibrant display, perfect for watching videos and playing games. The phone also boasts a long-lasting battery life, ensuring that your child can enjoy their phone throughout the day without constantly needing to recharge.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    One downside of the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is its average camera quality. While it can capture decent photos, it may not meet the expectations of young photography enthusiasts. Additionally, the phone’s interface can feel a bit cluttered and overwhelming for some users.

Product Specification

Display Large and vibrant
Battery Life Long-lasting

Pros

  • Large vibrant display
  • Long-lasting battery life

Cons

  • Average camera quality
  • Cluttered interface

8.8
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a great option for older kids with its large and vibrant display, ideal for watching videos and playing games. The long-lasting battery life ensures uninterrupted usage. However, the average camera quality and cluttered interface may be drawbacks for some users.


Apple iPhone 13 mini Review

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  • What We Like?

    For those who prefer iOS, the Apple iPhone 13 mini is an excellent choice. It offers a compact and lightweight design, making it easy for kids to handle and carry. The phone also features a powerful processor, ensuring smooth performance even when running demanding apps and games.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    One aspect that may be a drawback for some is the relatively high price of the iPhone 13 mini. It is one of the more expensive options on the market, which may not be suitable for all budgets. Additionally, the phone’s battery life is not as impressive as some other options, requiring more frequent charging.

Product Specification

Design Compact and lightweight
Processor Powerful

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Powerful processor

Cons

  • Relatively high price
  • Battery life may require more frequent charging

9.2
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Apple iPhone 13 mini offers a compact and lightweight design, perfect for kids. Its powerful processor ensures smooth performance for demanding tasks. However, the higher price point and relatively shorter battery life may be considerations for some buyers.


Apple iPhone SE (2022) Review

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  • What We Like?

    The Apple iPhone SE (2022) is another great iPhone option for older kids. It offers a balance between affordability and performance, making it a popular choice among many parents. The phone features a powerful processor and a high-quality camera, perfect for kids who enjoy gaming and photography.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    One downside of the iPhone SE (2022) is its relatively small screen size. While some kids may prefer a more compact phone, others may find the screen too small for comfortable browsing and media consumption.

Product Specification

Processor Powerful
Camera High-quality

Pros

  • Affordable yet powerful
  • High-quality camera

Cons

  • Relatively small screen size

9.0
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Apple iPhone SE (2022) strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it an excellent choice for older kids. Its powerful processor and high-quality camera cater to gaming and photography enthusiasts. However, the relatively small screen size may be a consideration for some users.


Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023)Review

content image

  • What We Like?

    The Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023) is a budget-friendly option that does not compromise on performance. It offers a large and vibrant display, ideal for gaming and watching videos. The phone also boasts a long-lasting battery life, ensuring that your child can stay connected throughout the day without worrying about running out of power.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    One drawback of the Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023) is its average camera quality. While it can capture decent photos, it may not meet the expectations of young photography enthusiasts. Additionally, the phone’s user interface can feel a bit sluggish and laggy at times.

Product Specification

Display Large and vibrant
Battery Life Long-lasting

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Large vibrant display
  • Long-lasting battery life

Cons

  • Average camera quality
  • Sluggish user interface

8.5
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023) is a budget-friendly option with a large and vibrant display, perfect for gaming and video consumption. Its long-lasting battery life ensures uninterrupted usage. However, the average camera quality and sluggish user interface may be considerations for some users.


Nokia 2780 Flip Review

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  • What We Like?

    For those who prefer a more basic phone, the Nokia 2780 Flip is a simple and reliable option. It features a compact and durable design, perfect for young kids who may be prone to dropping their phones. The phone also offers a long-lasting battery life, ensuring that your child can stay connected without constantly needing to recharge.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    One downside of the Nokia 2780 Flip is its limited functionality. It does not offer advanced features or capabilities, making it less suitable for older kids who may require a more versatile phone. Additionally, the phone’s small screen size may not be ideal for comfortable browsing and media consumption.

Product Specification

Design Compact and durable
Battery Life Long-lasting

Pros

  • Compact and durable design
  • Long-lasting battery life

Cons

  • Limited functionality
  • Small screen size

8.0
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Nokia 2780 Flip is a simple and reliable option with a compact and durable design. Its long-lasting battery life ensures uninterrupted usage. However, its limited functionality and small screen size may be considerations for some users, especially older kids.


The Importance of Choosing the Right Phone for Your Child

Selecting the right phone for your child is crucial for their safety, development, and overall well-being. A phone can serve as a useful tool for communication, education, and entertainment, but it can also expose children to potential risks and dangers. It is essential to strike a balance between providing your child with the necessary means of connectivity and protecting them from inappropriate content and online threats.

When choosing a phone for your child, consider their age and maturity level. Younger children may benefit from a more basic phone that focuses on communication and safety features, while older kids may require a phone with additional functionalities and capabilities.

By choosing the right phone, you can ensure that your child has a positive and safe experience with technology.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Phone for Kids

When selecting a phone for your child, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, consider the age of your child. Younger children may require a simpler phone with limited capabilities, while older kids may need a phone with more advanced features.

Additionally, consider the durability of the phone. Children can be rough with their belongings, so it is important to choose a phone that can withstand accidental drops and spills.

Another important factor to consider is the cost. Phones for kids come in a wide range of prices, so it is important to set a budget and find a phone that fits within that range. Additionally, consider the operating system of the phone. Android and iOS are the two main options, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Finally, consider the parental control features available on the phone. These features can help you monitor and restrict your child’s phone usage, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Top Features to Look for in a Kid’s Phone

When choosing a phone for your child, there are several key features to look for. First and foremost, prioritize safety features. Look for a phone that has built-in parental controls, such as content filtering and time restrictions.

Additionally, consider a phone with location tracking capabilities, so that you can easily locate your child in case of an emergency.

Another important feature to consider is durability. Look for a phone that is designed to withstand the daily wear and tear that comes with being in the hands of a child. Waterproof and shockproof phones are particularly beneficial for active and accident-prone kids.

In terms of functionality, consider a phone with a user-friendly interface and a good battery life. A phone with a clear and intuitive interface will be easier for your child to navigate, while a long-lasting battery will ensure that they can stay connected throughout the day.


Comparison Table: Top 3 Best Phones for Kids

Feature Google Pixel 7a Samsung Galaxy A14 5G Apple iPhone 13 mini
Price $449 $399 $699
Display 6.7 inches, FHD+ OLED 6.6 inches, PLS TFT 5.4 inches, Super Retina XDR OLED
Processor Google Tensor G2 MediaTek Dimensity 700 MT6833 Apple A15 Bionic
RAM 8GB 4GB 4GB
Storage 128GB, not expandable 64GB, expandable up to 1TB 128GB, not expandable
Rear cameras Dual: 64MP main, 13MP ultrawide Triple: 50MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth Dual: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide
Front camera 13MP 13MP 12MP
Battery 4500mAh 5000mAh 2406mAh
Operating system Android 13 Android 13 iOS 16

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision for Your Child’s Phone

In conclusion, choosing the right phone for your child is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By considering the age and needs of your child, as well as the various features and factors discussed in this article, you can make an informed decision that ensures your child’s safety, development, and overall well-being.

Remember to prioritize safety features, durability, and functionality when selecting a phone for your child.

Additionally, set a budget and consider the operating system and parental control features available on the phone. By taking these factors into account, you can find the best phone for your child that meets both their needs and your peace of mind.

Ultimately, the best phone for your child will depend on their specific preferences and requirements. Whether you opt for the Google Pixel 7a, Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, Apple iPhone 13 mini, Apple iPhone SE (2022), Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023), or Nokia 2780 Flip, make sure to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making your final decision.

Choose wisely and empower your child with a phone that enhances their connectivity, learning, and creativity, while keeping them safe in the digital world.