Buying a phone for your child can be daunting, especially when you’re on a budget. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve scoured the market to find the best affordable phones that are perfect for kids and packed with features.
1 Google Pixel 7A
If you’re looking for a phone that offers the perfect blend of affordability and performance, the Google Pixel 7A is a top contender at $329 on Amazon. The Pixel 7A shares many similarities with its pricier sibling, the Pixel 7, including Google’s Tensor G2 chip.
The Pixel 7A boasts a vibrant display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. It means your child can enjoy a smooth performance while scrolling through social media or playing games.
If your child likes to take selfies often, the 13MP front camera on the Pixel 7A should be more than adequate. The rear camera setup is also pretty solid for its price, and the 64MP wide and 13MP ultrawide cameras should exceed your child’s expectations.
The Pixel 7A shines in its parental controls. Setting up age-appropriate boundaries is easy with Google’s Family Link app. You can manage screen time, restrict content access, and keep tabs on your child’s digital activities without hassle.
2 Pinwheel Slim 6
The Pinwheel Slim 6 is something you should consider, as it puts parental control at the forefront. This sleek Motorola device, priced at $199 on Amazon, is designed with your child’s safety and your peace of mind as top priorities.
The phone features a vibrant 6.5″ HD+ display, which is big enough for your child’s favorite apps and games. The 50MP rear camera with Quad Pixel technology ensures your child can capture great photos, day or night. And with up to 46 hours of rated 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. Want to restrict social media access? No problem. Need to set time limits on apps? That’s easy too. You can even track your child’s location and review their text messages and call history.
The Pinwheel subscription starts at just $14.99 monthly, with additional phones costing only $4.99 monthly. This makes it an affordable option for families with multiple children. Moreover, the Pinwheel Slim 6 comes with a curated selection of apps that have been vetted by child wellness 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 on the reliable Samsung Galaxy A14 model and costs $199 on Amazon. It comes with Bark’s comprehensive parental control software, which is pre-installed.
What sets the Bark Phone apart is its advanced monitoring features. The software runs in the background, constantly scanning your child’s activities for potential dangers. This includes analyzing texts, social media posts, app usage, and even the photos and videos your child saves. Bark alerts you immediately if anything concerning is detected, such as signs of bullying or mental health issues.
Bark offers two service tiers tailored to different age groups. For younger children, the $29/month plan includes unlimited talk and text, location tracking, contact management, and text and photo monitoring. It also disables apps, browsers, and voicemails, creating a walled garden for your little one.
For teens, Bark offers more granular control. Plans range from $49/month for Wi-Fi only to $89/month for unlimited data. In addition to the basic features, you can block specific websites and apps, remotely lock the device, and prevent text deletion without your permission. You also get 24/7 GPS location tracking, giving you peace of mind about your child’s whereabouts.
One potential drawback of the Bark Phone is the level of surveillance involved. All of your child’s communications are stored and monitored on Bark’s servers. While Bark promises to delete this data after 30 days, some parents may find it a bit too intrusive. However, the Bark Phone is a good choice for those who prioritize digital safety 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 on Amazon, this compact powerhouse packs 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. Plus, its compact size makes it perfect for smaller hands. While not as advanced as the pricier iPhones Apple sells today, the camera still takes great photos, thanks to Smart HDR.
One of the standout features for parents is the iPhone SE’s parental controls. With the native Screen Time feature on iOS, 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.
The iPhone SE also boasts an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, making it a durable device for kids. With Touch ID built into the Home button, your child can securely unlock their phone, sign into apps, and even use Apple Pay.
5 Gabb Phone 4
Looking for a phone that keeps your child connected without internet distractions? The Gabb Phone 4, available on Amazon at $149, might be just what you need. It boasts a durable 6.1-inch display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, 3GB RAM, and 32GB internal storage.
With the Gabb Phone 4, your child can enjoy essential features like texting, calling, music, and photos without the risks that come with unrestricted internet access. Gabb offers a list of safe apps that you can choose to add to your child’s phone.
You can use the MyGabb and Gabb Messenger Parent apps to monitor your child’s communications, manage their contact list, and even track their location with 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 calls, essential apps, and cloud backup, costs $24.99 monthly. Higher-tier plans add features like Gabb Music, group texting, and optional mobile data.
While the multi-app approach to parental controls may not be as streamlined as some other options, the Gabb Phone 4 remains a strong contender for parents seeking a safe, feature-rich device for their kids.
6 HMD Vibe
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly 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 a lot of value for its price point.
Don’t let the plastic build fool you–the textured back provides a good grip and can handle the occasional drop. However, if your child is particularly accident-prone, 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 top-of-the-line hardware, it’s sufficient for everyday tasks and even some light gaming.
The Vibe’s display is a pleasant surprise, with a 90Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling and animations feel smooth. The screen is also quite bright, making it easy to use outdoors. And with a battery that can last up to two days, your child won’t be constantly tethered to a charger.
Remember that 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 other options on this list. However, you can easily set up Google’s Family Link app to manage your child’s usage and access.
You have to balance affordability, features, and safety when choosing the right phone for your kids. Whether you opt for the feature-rich Pixel 7A, the parental control powerhouse Bark Phone, or the budget-friendly HMD Vibe, make sure you protect your kids from cyberbullying.
