by Techable News | Sep,04,2025 05:08:15am

Best Phones for Kids (2025): Safe, Affordable Picks + Quick Setup

If you’re buying a first phone for a child or teen, the right choice balances price, durability, long‑term software support, and strong parental controls. Refurbished iPhones hit that sweet spot for most families—and you can find them ready to ship on Techable with a warranty and easy returns.

Quick setup checklist, and a budget section with specific items from our catalog.

What actually matters for a kid’s phone

Up‑to‑date software: Pick models that still receive current OS and security updates.
Built‑in parental controls: Screen Time (iPhone) or Family Link (Android) for app limits, content filters, and purchase approvals.
Durability: Shock‑absorbing case + tempered glass + warranty.
Safety extras for teens: Crash Detection and satellite SOS (available on newer iPhones) are reassuring for new drivers and outdoor trips.

Quick Picks (Recommended)

These models are affordable, widely supported, and pair well with parental controls. Choose 64–128 GB for most kids; step up in storage if they shoot lots of video.

iPhone SE (2nd gen) — Best first iPhone

Small, light, easy to hold; Touch ID.
Runs modern iOS and Screen Time controls.
Great for ages 8–12.

Shop iPhone SE (2nd gen)

iPhone 11 — Best all‑around value

Large 6.1″ screen and solid battery life.
Good cameras; plenty of power for school + social.
Great for ages 10–14.

Shop iPhone 11

iPhone 12 mini — Small phone with 5G

Pocket‑friendly; modern features.
Good choice for smaller hands.
Great for ages 10–14.

Shop iPhone 12 / 12 mini

iPhone 13 — Battery + camera sweet spot

Long battery life; strong cameras.
Years of updates ahead.
Great for ages 12–16.

Shop iPhone 13

iPhone 14 — Extra safety for teens

Crash Detection + Emergency SOS via satellite.
Excellent cameras and battery life.
Great for ages 15–18.

Shop iPhone 14

Age‑Based Buying Guide

Ages 8–10

Pick: iPhone SE (2nd gen)

Why: Small, simple, cost‑effective. Lock down with Screen Time.

Ages 11–13

Pick: iPhone 11 or 12 mini

Why: Bigger screen/battery (11) or smaller hand‑fit (12 mini).

Ages 14–16

Pick: iPhone 13

Why: Great battery and camera; years of updates ahead.

Ages 15–18

Pick: iPhone 14

Why: Adds Crash Detection and satellite SOS for extra safety.

10‑Minute Kid‑Safe Setup (iPhone)

Create a child Apple ID: Settings → Family → Add Member → Create Child Account.
Turn on Family Sharing: Enable location, Ask to Buy, sand hared iCloud.
Enable Screen Time: App limits, content filters, downtime, and communication limits.
Lock purchases: Require approval for app installs and in‑app buys.
Set safety tools: Emergency SOS, Medical ID, Find My.
If iPhone 14+: Confirm Crash Detection and try the satellite SOS demo.

Budget & Legacy Phones (Your Items)

Older models can work as Wi‑Fi‑only “starter phones” or supervised devices for learning basics, music, and calls over Wi‑Fi.
Because many no longer receive current OS/security updates, we don’t recommend them for sensitive apps or unsupervised social media.

Product	Best Use	Connection	Our Stance
Google Pixel 4 XL (128GB)	Training phone; camera/music; Family Link supervision	Wi‑Fi‑only recommended	End‑of‑life for updates; avoid sensitive accounts
Samsung Galaxy S6 (AT&T, Black)	Media player / practice phone	Wi‑Fi‑only recommended	No current security updates; keep usage narrow
iPhone 8, 64GB, Unlocked (Wear & Tear)	Budget iOS device with Screen Time	Wi‑Fi‑only recommended	Older iOS baseline; supervised use only
iPhone 6s, 32GB, Unlocked (Wear & Tear)	Entry‑level practice phone	Wi‑Fi‑only recommended	Very old OS; keep to basics and supervision
iPhone 7, 32GB, Silver (A1778, Wear & Tear)	Kid device for calls/messages on Wi‑Fi	Wi‑Fi‑only recommended	Old OS; limit third‑party apps
iPhone 7, 32GB, Space Gray (Unlocked)	Similar to above with carrier flexibility	Wi‑Fi‑only strongly recommended	Old OS; use with tight restrictions

Prefer a fully up‑to‑date phone? Choose iPhone SE (2nd gen) or newer models below.

FAQs

What storage should I choose?

64–128 GB is enough for school, photos, and a few games. Heavy video shooters should consider 256 GB.

Should I pick an iPhone or an Android?

iPhone offers long software support and built‑in Screen Time. If you prefer Android, Google Family Link provides strong parental controls—just choose a model that still gets updates.

How do I stop surprise charges?

Use Ask to Buy (Family Sharing) and restrict app installs/in‑app purchases in Screen Time.