These 6 phones are affordable and perfect for kids
Buying a phone for your child can be daunting, especially when you’re on a tight budget. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve scoured the market to find the best phones available that are perfect for kids and packed with features.
1 Google Pixel 7A
If you’re looking for a phone that offers the perfect combination of affordability and performance, the Google Pixel 7A is the best contender for $329 on Amazon. The Pixel 7A shares many similarities with its more expensive sibling, the Pixel 7, including Google’s Tensor G2 chip.
The Pixel 7A boasts a vivid display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. It means your child can enjoy smooth performance when browsing social networks or playing games.
If your child likes to take selfies often, the 13MP front camera on the Pixel 7A should be more than enough. The rear camera setup is also pretty solid for the price, and the 64MP wide-angle and 13MP ultra-wide cameras should exceed your child’s expectations.
Pixel 7A lights up in parental controls. Setting age limits is easy with Google’s Family Link app. You can easily manage screen time, restrict access to content and keep track of your child’s digital activities.
2 Windmill Slim 6
The Pinwheel Slim 6 is something you should consider because it puts parental controls at the forefront. Priced at $199 on Amazon, this sleek Motorola device is designed with your baby’s safety and your peace of mind as top priorities.
The phone features a vivid 6.5″ HD+ display that’s big enough for your child’s favorite apps and games. A 50MP rear camera with Quad Pixel technology ensures your child can take great photos day and night. And up to 46 hours of rating battery life, you won’t have to worry about constant recharging.
The Pinwheel Caregiver app gives you complete remote access to your child’s phone. Do you want to limit access to social networks? No problem. Need to set time limits for apps? That’s easy too. You can even track your child’s location and check their text messages and call history.
Pinwheel subscriptions start at just $14.99 per month, with additional phones only $4.99 per month. This makes it an affordable option for families with several children. Additionally, Pinwheel Slim 6 comes with a curated selection of apps that have been vetted by child health experts. You can add more apps as you see fit, but you’ll always have the final say on what your child can access.
3 Bark phone
The Bark Phone is built around the reliable Samsung Galaxy A14 and costs $199 on Amazon. It comes with Bark’s comprehensive parental control software pre-installed.
What sets the Bark Phone apart from the rest is its advanced monitoring features. The software runs in the background and constantly scans your child’s activities for potential dangers. This includes analyzing texts, social media posts, app usage and even photos and videos your child saves. Bark will alert you immediately if anything concerning is detected, such as signs of bullying or mental health issues.
Bark offers two levels of service tailored to different age groups. For younger kids, the $29-a-month plan includes unlimited calls and texts, location tracking, contact management, and text and photo tracking. It also disables apps, browsers and voicemails, creating a walled garden for your little one.
For teens, Bark offers a more detailed review. Plans range from $49 per month for Wi-Fi only to $89 per month for unlimited data. In addition to basic functions, you can block specific websites and apps without your permission, remotely lock your device and prevent text from being deleted. You also get 24/7 GPS location tracking, giving you peace of mind knowing where your child is.
One of the potential downsides of the Bark Phone is the level of surveillance. All your child’s communication is stored and monitored on Bark’s servers. While Bark promises to delete this data after 30 days, some parents may find this too intrusive. However, the Bark Phone is a good choice for those who prioritize digital security above all else.
4 Apple iPhone SE (2022)
If your family is firmly in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone SE (2022) is a fantastic choice for your child. Starting at $198 at Amazon , this compact powerhouse features the same A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 13 for smooth performance in apps, games and more.
The 4.7-inch Retina HD display may be on the smaller side, but it’s bright, colorful and sharp. Its compact size also makes it ideal for smaller hands. While not as advanced as the more expensive iPhones Apple sells today, the camera still takes great photos thanks to Smart HDR.
One standout feature for parents is the iPhone SE’s parental controls. With iOS’s native Screen Time feature, you can set app limits, restrict content, and monitor your child’s usage. Just keep in mind that you’ll need an iPhone yourself to make the most of these features.
iPhone SE also boasts IP67 water and dust resistance, making it a tough device for kids. With Touch ID integrated into the Home button, your child can securely unlock their phone, sign in to apps and even use Apple Pay.
5 Gabb phone 4
Looking for a phone that will keep your child connected without interfering with the internet? The Gabb Phone 4, available on Amazon for $149, may be just what you need. It boasts a durable 6.1-inch display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage.
With the Gabb Phone 4, your child can enjoy essential features such as texting, calling, music and photos without the risk that comes with unlimited internet access. Gabb offers a list of safe apps to add to your child’s phone.
With the MyGabb and Gabb Messenger Parent apps, you can monitor your child’s communications, manage their contact list, and even track their location using GPS and geofencing. Need to manage multiple Gabb devices? No problem – the MyGabb app has you covered.
Gabb offers three subscription plans. The starter plan, which includes unlimited messaging and calling, basic apps, and cloud backup, costs $24.99 per month. Higher-tier plans add features like Gabb Music, group texting, and optional mobile data.
While the multi-app parental control approach may not be as effective as some other options, the Gabb Phone 4 remains a strong contender for parents looking for a secure, feature-rich device for their kids.
6 HMD Vibe
If you’re looking for an affordable phone for your child that doesn’t skimp on the essentials, the HMD Vibe is definitely worth considering. At just $119 on Amazon, this phone offers great value for its price.
Don’t be fooled by the plastic construction – the textured back provides a good grip and can handle the occasional drop. However, if your child is particularly prone to accidents, you may want to invest in a case. Under the hood, the Vibe packs 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. While this isn’t high-end hardware, it’s more than adequate for everyday tasks and even light gaming.
The Vibe display is a pleasant surprise with a 90Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling and animations smooth. The screen is also quite bright, which makes it easy to use outdoors. And with a battery that lasts up to two days, your child won’t be tied to the charger all the time.
Remember, the Vibe is a general-purpose phone, not a device specifically designed for kids. It doesn’t come with built-in parental controls like some of the other options on this list. However, you can easily set up Google’s Family Link app to manage your child’s usage and access.
When choosing the right phone for your kids, you need to balance affordability, features and safety. Whether you opt for the feature-rich Pixel 7A, the powerful Bark Phone with parental controls, or the affordable HMD Vibe, make sure you’re protecting your kids from cyberbullying.