As technology advances, so does the need for children to stay connected in a digital age. Choosing the right phone for your child is about staying in touch and providing them with education, entertainment, and safety tools. With many options on the market, phones for kids can vary significantly in functionality, making the decision process crucial for parents who want to make sure they are making an informed choice.
Selecting the Best Phone for Your Child
When choosing a phone for your child, consider the following key factors:
- Durability and Safety: Look for robust build quality and parental control features
- Cost Efficiency: Aim for good functionality at a reasonable price without unnecessary extras
- User-Friendly Interface: Make sure the phone has an easy-to-use interface suitable for their age group
After selecting the perfect phone for your child, why not improve their mobile experience with quality sound? Explore the best wireless gaming earbuds, ideal for both educational content and entertainment. These earbuds offer excellent audio quality and are easy for kids to use, making them a perfect match for your child’s new phone.
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Game Rant’s Best Phones for Kids
iPhone 13
Best Overall Phone for Kids
The Apple iPhone 13 is now two generations old but is still very capable of being a daily driver. The phone is powered by the A15 Bionic SoC and comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. There is a dual 12 MP camera system on the back which some would find to be dated, but it still delivers good picture and video quality.
- Brand
- Apple
- SoC
- A15 Bionic
- Display
- 6.1 inches
- Storage
- 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
- Ports
- Lightening port
- Operating System
- iOS 17
- Front camera
- 12 MP
- Dimensions
- 146.7×71.5×7.65mm
- Colors
- Green, Pink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, Product Red
- Weight
- 174 grams
- Main Camera
- 12 MP
- Wide-Angle Camera
- 12 MP
- Powerful A15 Bionic SoC
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
- Multiple color options including Green, Pink, and Blue
- Mixed reviews on ease of use
- Concerns over battery life
The iPhone 13 is the best overall phone for kids. It has a robust A15 Bionic chip and a stunning 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. This makes it the go-to choice in today’s market, which is why it is ideal. Its dual-camera system enables high-quality photography and videography, improving creative expressions for young minds.
Although the iPhone 13 impresses with its performance and design, some users have noted challenges with battery life and ease of use, particularly for younger children. Nevertheless, its features and durable design justify its place at the top of the list. Its availability in various appealing colors like Midnight and Starlight makes sure that there is an iPhone 13 that will resonate with every child’s taste, solidifying its status as the best overall phone for kids.
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Best Android Phone for Kids
Samsung’s budget friendly offering, the Galaxy A54 5G, is a no frills smartphone that packs a massive 5000 mAh battery and a relatively large 6.4-inch display. The phone has a triple camera setup on the back and a cutout for the selfie camera on the front. The bezels are relatively slim and there is no camera bump on the back.
- Brand
- Samsung
- SoC
- Exynos 1380
- Display
- 6.4-inch
- RAM
- 6GB
- Storage
- 128GB
- Battery
- 5000 mAh
- Operating System
- One UI
- Front camera
- 32 MP
- Dimensions
- 158.2×76.7×8.2mm
- Weight
- 202 grams
- Charge speed
- 25W
- IP Rating
- IP67
- Material
- Plastic
- Main Camera
- 50 MP
- Wide-Angle Camera
- 12 MP
- User-friendly interface with One UI operating system
- Durable design with IP67 water and dust resistance
- Long-lasting 5000 mAh battery for extended use
- Connectivity issues may impact usability
- Plastic construction might feel less premium
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is the best entry-level phone for kids. It is ideal for parents looking to introduce their children to smartphones. Its powerful 50 MP main camera allows kids to explore photography creatively. Further, the user-friendly One UI makes navigation a breeze for younger users. Further, the robust 5000 mAh battery allows the device to keep up with its busy day without frequent recharges.
Despite some reports of connectivity issues, the overall value and performance make the Galaxy A54 5G a top choice. Its plastic body provides durability against drops and knocks, typical in children’s hands. The IP67 rating further guarantees resistance against water and dust, adding to its suitability for kids. The phone’s impressive specs and features prove why it’s considered the best Android phone for kids.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Best Camera Phone for Kids
$907 $1200 Save $293
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a cosmetic upgrade for the most part from the S22 Ultra, but it does sport a best-in-class GPU and a modest CPU upgrade under the hood that pits it against the best in various benchmarks where it comes ahead. Equipped with a 120Hz high PPI display and a vapor chamber to ensure consistent performance, the S23 Ultra is dressed to impress in more ways than one for gamers, content creators, and power users alike.
- Brand
- Samsung
- SoC
- Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) (Adreno 740 GPU)
- Display
- 6.8 inches, 1440 x 3088, 500 PPI, 120Hz
- RAM
- 8GB/12GB
- Storage
- 256GB, 512GB, 1TB options
- Battery
- 5000 mAh
- Ports
- USB-C
- Operating System
- Android 13 With One UI 5.1
- Front camera
- 12 MP
- Rear camera
- 200 MP + 10 MP + 10 MP + 12 MP
- Colors
- Phantom Black, Green, Cream, Lavender, Graphite, Sky Blue, Lime, Red, BMW M Edition
- Display type
- AMOLED 2X
- Weight
- 234g
- Micro SD card support
- No
- Vibrant 6.8-inch AMOLED display with high resolution and refresh rate
- Robust 5000 mAh battery supports extensive use
- Ample storage options up to 1TB for no-compromise data management
- High cost may be a barrier for some budgets
- Large size might be unwieldy for younger kids
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the best camera phone for kids, with its cutting-edge camera technology and stunning display. This phone allows kids to explore photography and supports their educational apps and entertainment needs with its powerful performance.
This phone stands out for its impressive specs and capabilities. However, some parents might find the size a bit too large for younger hands, and the price point could be restrictive. Nevertheless, the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s features make it a top choice for parents looking to invest in a high-quality device for their child, securing its position as the best camera phone for kids.
SAMSUNG Galaxy A13 LTE Cell Phone
Best Entry-Level Phone for Kids
- Brand
- SAMSUNG
- Display
- 6.6 Inches
- Storage
- 32 GB
- Operating System
- Android 12.0
- Camera (Rear, Front)
- 4 camera lenses
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE
- Micro SD card support
- Yes, up to 1TB
- Cost-effective introduction to smartphones
- Generous 6.6-inch HD+ display
- Long battery life for extended use
- Slower photo capture speed
- Mixed reviews on overall quality
The SAMSUNG Galaxy A13 LTE Cell Phone is a superb starter device, offering kids an entry-level introduction to Android phones without overwhelming them with complexity. The 6.6-inch Infinity-V HD+ display makes sure that everything from educational apps to video content looks clear and engaging, which is why it’s top in its class for new users.
While the device has a four-camera setup and substantial storage, some parents may find the slower processing speeds a consideration when capturing quick moments. However, the long battery life and expandable storage capability firmly establish the Galaxy A13 as a reliable choice for kids, earning its position as the best entry-level phone for kids.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Best Mid-Range Phone for Kids
$780 $999 Save $219
The Pixel 8 Pro is the latest offering in Google’s Pixel series. It brings the Tensor G3 SoC and a bunch of AI features that improve the overall user experience. The three cameras on the back have been upgraded and so has the display, which now boasts 2400 nits peak brightness. It is backed by a 5050 mAh battery that is said to last over 24 hours and over 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver mode.
- Brand
- SoC
- Tensor G3
- Display
- 6.7-inch
- RAM
- 12 GB
- Storage
- 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
- Battery
- 5050 mAh
- Operating System
- Android 14
- Front camera
- 10.5 MP
- Dimensions
- 162.6×76.5×8.8mm
- Weight
- 213g
- Charge speed
- 30W
- Main Camera
- 50 MP
- Wide-Angle Camera
- 48 MP with 125.5 degree FOV
- Telephoto
- 48 MP with 5x optical zoom
- Advanced Tensor G3 SoC for top-tier performance
- Brilliant 6.7-inch display with 2400 nits brightness
- Superior camera setup with 50 MP main and 48 MP wide-angle lenses
- Mixed reviews on speed performance
- Some concerns over battery life
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is considered the best mid-range phone suitable for kids. It delivers robust educational and entertainment capabilities without compromising on parental controls. Its advanced Tensor G3 chip makes sure the phone keeps up with demanding apps and educational tools, making it a top choice.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro impresses with its stunning visual display and high-performance cameras. Yet, some users have flagged issues with inconsistent battery life and speed, which could be crucial for kids. Nonetheless, the Google Pixel 8 Pro shines in its category for those who prioritize top-notch features and camera capabilities, which is why it is the best mid-range phone for kids today.
Google Pixel 7a
Best Budget Phone for Kids
$349 $499 Save $150
The Google Pixel 7a brings flagship features to a more budget-friendly price point. It is powered by the Tensor G2, which is the same processor powering the Pixel 7 Pro. The phone is equipped with a 64 MP primary and a 13 MP 120-degree ultrawide camera. At this price point, the Pixel 7a also brings wireless charging, though not as fast as the flagship offering.
- Brand
- SoC
- Tensor G2
- Display
- 6.1-inch FHD+
- RAM
- 8 GB
- Storage
- 128 GB
- Battery
- 4385 mAh
- Operating System
- Android 14
- Front camera
- 13 MP 95 degree FOV
- Dimensions
- 152×72.9×9.0mm
- Weight
- 193.5g
- Charge speed
- 18W
- IP Rating
- IP67 dust/water resistant
- Main Camera
- 64 MP
- Wide-Angle Camera
- 13 MP 120 degree FOV
- Equipped with the latest Android 14 OS
- Supports 18W fast wireless charging
- IP67 rating for dust and water resistance
- Inconsistent fingerprint scanner
- Underwhelming battery life
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Choosing the Ideal Phone for Your Child
Understanding the right factors when selecting a child-friendly phone is essential for parents. Here’s a deeper look into what makes a phone suitable for kids, focusing on durability, cost, and usability. It helps you make an informed decision that fits your child’s needs and your budget.
Durability and Safety
When it comes to children, the robustness of a phone is important. Look for phones designed to withstand drops and accidents. Additionally, parental controls and security features are crucial for keeping your child safe from inappropriate content and making sure their online interactions are secure.
Cost Efficiency
Investing in a kid’s phone doesn’t have to break the bank. Choose a model that offers essential functions without the high-end price tag. It’s important to balance affordability with quality to find a phone that delivers value over time and can handle a young user’s typical wear and tear.
User-Friendly Interface
Phones for younger users should have simple, user-friendly interfaces that children can navigate easily. Large icons, straightforward menus, and access to educational apps are features that improve a child’s learning and entertainment experiences while being manageable.
FAQ
Q: What is the best age to give a child a phone?
The best age varies, but phones can generally be appropriate for children ages 10 and up, depending on maturity and need.
Q: Can kids use phones for educational purposes?
Absolutely, many phones offer educational apps that can improve learning and provide interactive educational content.
Q: How often should I upgrade my child’s phone?
Depending on usage patterns and technological advancements, a phone can typically last 2-3 years before needing an upgrade.
