Best Smartphone for Kids and Teens in June 2023

Last updated: May 26, 2023

In June 2023, the best smartphone for kids and teens is a hot topic as parents consider the most suitable options for their children’s first device. With an overwhelming number of choices available, it’s crucial to determine the features that are most appropriate for your child’s age, lifestyle, and needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you navigate the world of smartphones for kids and teenagers, focusing on the best options in June 2023.

1. Introduction to Smartphones for Kids and Teens

As the digital age continues to evolve, smartphones have become an essential tool for staying connected, accessing information, and managing daily tasks. Consequently, it’s becoming increasingly common for children and teenagers to own a smartphone. In June 2023, finding the best smartphone for kids and teens can be a challenging task, as there are numerous factors to consider, such as safety, durability, and affordability. This guide will help you make an informed decision, ensuring your child has a positive and secure experience with their first phone.

2. What to Consider Before Purchasing

Before diving into the list of best smartphones for kids and teens, it’s essential to evaluate the specific needs of your child. Here are some key questions to consider:

Do you want your child to have access to the internet and social media apps?
Is location tracking a crucial feature for their device?
Do you want to limit who your child can communicate with and when?
Are you concerned about screen time and its impact on your child’s wellbeing?
Do you want the ability to monitor your child’s digital activities for safety purposes?

By answering these questions, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the type of smartphone that will best suit your child’s requirements.

3. Best Phones for Young Kids

For younger children, it’s advisable to choose a device with limited features, easy-to-use controls, and robust parental controls. Here are some top picks for young kids in June 2023:

T-Mobile SyncUP KIDS Watch

A wearable watch-style phone that offers GPS tracking, text and voice messaging with approved contacts, a “Help” and “911” button, and parental alerts when kids leave predefined safety areas.

Verizon Gizmo Watch 2

An excellent option for parents looking for a wearable device with parent-approved contacts, GPS locator, and water resistance.

4. Best Phones for Teens

As teenagers require more advanced features and greater connectivity, their smartphone choices will differ from those of younger kids. Here are the best smartphones for teens in June 2023:

Android: Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel Series

Android smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel series are popular and safe options for teenagers. These devices provide comprehensive parental control options, compatibility with monitoring apps, and a wide range of features. Read our review of the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G.

iOS: iPhone 8 (Renewed) or iPhone SE 3 (2022)

For those who prefer Apple devices, a renewed iPhone 8 or the latest iPhone SE 3 (2022) are excellent choices for teenagers. Both offer impressive performance, a solid camera, and robust parental controls.

5. Best Budget-Friendly Options

If affordability is a priority, there are budget-friendly options available that still provide essential features and satisfactory performance. Some of the best budget smartphones for kids and teens in June 2023 include:

Nokia C21 Plus

The Nokia C21 Plus offers a sleek design, decent performance, and reasonable camera quality at an affordable price.

Motorola Moto G31

With a reduced price, the Motorola Moto G31 provides reliable performance, a decent array of cameras, and an attractive design.

6. Best Emergency Phones

Emergency phones are ideal for children who require a phone solely for emergency situations and essential communication. Here are some top emergency phone options:

Palm Phone

A small, water-resistant phone with location tracking and intuitive parental control options.

Alcatel Go Flip

A simple, budget-friendly flip phone with basic utility apps, a 2MP camera, and big clear keys.

7. Best Flip Phones

Flip phones may seem outdated, but their simplicity, limited features, and affordability make them a suitable option for some parents. Top flip phone choices include:

Consumer Cellular Doro

A popular flip phone with no browser, perfect for parents wanting to limit their child’s internet access. However, it doesn’t offer text message monitoring or GPS tracking.

Tracfone

An affordable prepaid flip phone option available at grocery stores and pharmacies.

8. Best Overall Smartphones

If you’re looking for the best overall options that provide a balance of features, performance, and safety, consider the following smartphones:

Google Pixel 6a

An excellent choice for older kids with a focus on photography, the Google Pixel 6a offers flagship-quality photos, impressive performance, and a beautiful display.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11

A lesser-known option, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 offers excellent performance, a beautiful display, and a reasonable camera array at an affordable price.

9. Parental Controls and Monitoring

Regardless of the smartphone you choose, equipping it with parental controls and monitoring apps is crucial for ensuring your child’s safety and privacy. Popular parental control options include Google’s Family Link for Android devices and Apple’s Screen Time for iOS devices. Numerous third-party apps, such as Bark or Qustodio, can also help monitor your child’s digital activities and protect them from potential online dangers.

10. Conclusion

Selecting the best smartphone for kids and teens in June 2023 can be a daunting task, but with proper research and consideration of your child’s needs, you can find a device that offers both safety and functionality. By evaluating the features, affordability, and parental control options, you can ensure a positive and secure experience for your child as they embark on their digital journey with their first smartphone.

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