It seems like kids are wanting their first cell phone earlier and earlier these days. Recent surveys show that the average age a child gets their first phone is ten. Finding the right cell phone for your tween can be difficult, especially if it's your first child.n In this article, I'll tell you about the best phones for tweens!
What Tweens Need In A Phone
Your tween's first phone will likely end up being a starter phone. We don't believe you should spend thousands of dollars on the newest premium smartphone, especially with so many reliable, less expensive options available. Older models of flagship phones are just as reliable and much more affordable than new smartphones like the iPhone 12 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S21.
We also recommend getting your tween a phone that's durable. Most smartphones made in the past five years are water and dust-resistant to some degree. Getting your child a phone case with raised edges and shockproof corners is a great way to ensure their first phone will last.
If you want a lot of control over what your tween can do on their phone, an iPhone may be a better fit than an Android. Apple has built in a lot of great parental controls into the Screen Time section of Settings.
The third criteria point for what your tween needs in a phone is reliability. You want to make sure that you'll be able to reach them at any time, which means you'll need a phone with good coverage. Most newer phones have solid antennas, but really cheap flip phones might not be as reliable. Our coverage map can help you find the best quality service available in your area.
Best Cell Phones For Tweens
| Phone | Base Storage | Water Resistant? | Battery Life | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE 2 | 64 GB | Yes | 14 hours | $250 |
| iPhone 12 Mini | 64 GB | Yes | 50 hours | $699 |
| Google Pixel 4a | 128 GB | No | 24 hours | $349 |
iPhone SE 2
The iPhone SE 2 is a great option for tweens, as it has all the great features of an iPhone without the high price tag. There are three different colors to choose from, as well as storage ranging from 64 GB to 256 GB. The SE 2 has a 14-hour battery life, a 12 MP camera, and the same A13 processor found in the iPhone 11.
This sturdy iPhone has an ingress protection rating of IP67, meaning it's completely dust and water-resistant. Pricing varies depending on your carrier, but you can typically get the base model iPhone SE 2 for less than $400.
iPhone 12 Mini
The recently released iPhone 12 Mini is just as powerful as the iPhone 12, but comes with a more compact 5.4 inch display.
The iPhone 12 Mini has two rear 12 MP cameras, an A14 processor, and a 5G antenna capable of connecting it to the fastest wireless networks available. This iPhone is also a bit more durable than the iPhone SE 2, as it has an ingress protection rating of IP68.
The 64 GB iPhone 12 Mini starts at $699 and comes in five different colors. Since it's a newer iPhone, most major wireless carriers are offering great deals on it right now!
Google Pixel 4a
The Google Pixel 4a is a compact, affordable Android. It starts at $349 and comes with 128 GB of internal storage. While this is a bit lower than other flagship smartphones, Google provides great external storage options through Google Drive and Google Photos.
This phone has a 12.2 MP rear camera, a 5.8 inch display made with Gorilla Glass, and an all-day battery life. In 2020, Google released a 5G version of the Pixel 4a with a larger display and two rear cameras. While we don't think 5G network access is a necessity right now, the Pixel 4a 5G is another great Android phone without a huge price tag.
You're Ready To Shop!
We hope this article helped you find a great phone for your child. Make sure to share this article on social media to help your friends choose a great first phone for their tween too! Leave a comment down below if you need more help choosing a phone for your tween.
