Let’s face it: Kids want iPhones. They see celebrities using them, their parents use them, and their friends have them. Which iPhone is the best? Your kid? There are many factors to take into consideration, not least the age of the child.
No matter what iPhone you buy, you should use it Screen TimeTo manage their usage. Screen Time is an iOS feature that allows you to set limits on the time your child can use their phone and what apps they can download. You can also limit when they must put it down for bed. It’s a great way for busy parents to keep tabs on what their kids are doing when they’re not within eyeshot, and ought to be the first thing you set up.
The iPhone itself. We recommend that toddlers who only need an iPhone to watch parent-approved videos, play educational games, or take pictures can get an iPad. Basic iPad. It’s affordable, you don’t have to worry about cellular connectivity, and the large size is easy for toddlers still working on their fine motor skills. Our website has more information. Best iPad for ChildrenGuide to determine if this is a better fit. We recommend taking a look at our best iPad dealsRoundup to get the best price
But, once a child gets old enough for phone connectivity to be useful (for mobile internet, texting friends, or being contactable by you), it’s time to step up to a proper iPhone. Here’s our recommendations.
Best iPhone for children
Apple iPhone SE (2022) – Best iPhone for younger kids
Pros
- Prices
- Small size
- Durability
Cons
- No Face ID
- Older, less modern, design
MSRP:
$429 (64GB) | $479 (128GB) | $579 (256GB)
If you have a grade-school aged kid who’s mature enough to handle a phone, you should look no further than the iPhone SE. It’s got the same A15 processor used in the iPhone 13 range, so you know it’s going to perform well and get software updates for years. With a 4.7-inch screen, it’s also pretty small, which is good for younger kids’ hands and pockets. It’s a more than serviceable iPhone, and there’s really nothing your kid may want to do that they won’t be able to, outside of using features like Memoji or Animoji, which require the TrueDepth camera found in the Face ID equipped higher-end iPhones.
The best part is that it’s inexpensive (for an iPhone) at $429/£449, although that is for the 64GB version, which could fill up quickly if they child in question wants to download plenty of games and content to watch. Stepping up to the 128GB version ($479/£499) can alleviate this, but the price does start to creep up. Even though the SE is cheaper than other iPhones, it’s worth reducing features such as the allscreen Liquid Retina screen and dual cameras. Touch ID will save you a lot. And since young kids tend to be rough on stuff, even with a good case and screen protector (which are highly recommended), you’re not going to want to risk putting a $700 phone in their hands.
In truth, we don’t really recommend the iPhone SE (2022) for adults, as in modern terms it seems a bit dated and limited, but for a kid’s first step into the Apple world it would be a great choice.
Please read our entire article
Review of Apple iPhone SE (2022).
Apple iPhone 12 – Best iPhone for older kids
Pros
- Prices
- Display size
- Battery life is excellent
- Cameras with decent quality
MSRP:
$599 (64GB) | $649 (128GB) | $749 (256GB)
Older kids—young teens and high school students—have more demanding standards. An iPhone SE may still serve them very well, but that smaller screen is a little archaic and they’re going to want to look cool in front of their friends. However, they will be more active on social media and their photo-taking. So if you’re willing to spend more on an iPhone with a more capable camera, Face ID, and a full-screen display, we recommend looking no further than the iPhone 12.
With a 6.1-inch display, it’s considerably bigger than the iPhone SE, which older kids will appreciate, and it has a more modern design and features without costing nearly as much as the iPhone 13. You’re giving up some features, like the newer chip and bigger battery, but the iPhone 12 is the sweet spot between performance, battery life, and modern features that any “older kid” would be proud to have, but it costs $200 less than the
iPhone 13And even $100 less than that of the
iPhone 13 mini.
9th graders will want to take great photos and share them on social media. The iPhone 12 delivers with a battery life that lasts a whole day. The pictures are amazing! TheyTake care of yourself Your memories in a decade, it’s worth investing in a phone with a great camera.
Please read our entire article
Apple iPhone 12 Review
iPhone 12 mini – Best value iPhone for kids
Pros
- Amazing size
- Lightweight
- Great cameras
Cons
- Apple discontinued this product, making it harder to find them on sale
- Battery life is not amazing
MSRP:
Discontinued. Was: $699 (64GB) | $749 (128GB) | $849 (256GB)
Ok, technically the iPhone 12 mini isn’t available from Apple any more, but it does crop up in the company’s Refurbished storeIt happens quite often. If you’ve not seen this part of the Apple Store, then we recommend you check it out. Apple buys iPhones that have been returned to it as damaged or unwanted and repairs them so they are as good as new. You also get a full one-year warranty that’s exactly the same one you’d get with a new iPhone. See our Find out where to buy refurbished and second-hand iPhones guide for more details.
This is great news because the iPhone 12 mini is a great device for kids, especially if it’s a little cheaper. While the iPhone 12 has most of its features, such as the processor and twin rear camera, the iPhone 12 mini is smaller than the iPhone 12. It also comes in a beautiful, compact design that’s perfect for small hands. Somehow the engineers at Apple still managed to fit a 5.4-inch display into a device that’s smaller than the iPhone SE. We think this device could be a great choice if you can find one in the Apple Refurbished Store. The mini’s smaller size can mean that it has a shorter battery life. So, if you’re expecting your kid to be on it all the time, especially when out and about, we’d suggest maybe picking up a portable power bank to top up the battery if things get low. You can pick one of our selections from the list, as the iPhone 12 mini supports MagSage. Best MagSafe power banks and portable batteries.
You can always get the great if you’re not able to find the 12 inch mini at the Refurbished Store. iPhone 13 miniRather, you can opt for something less expensive even though the price might be prohibitive.
Please read our entire article
iPhone 12 mini review
iPhone 14 – Best latest generation iPhone for kids
Pros
- It’s brand new
- Action Mode for video
Cons
- It’s no different from the iPhone 13
MSRP:
$799 (128GB) | $899 (256GB) | $1,099 (512GB)
If your kid is insisting on the latest iPhone then we’d recommend the iPhone 14 – although we’d strongly advise that you turn their attention to the iPhone 13, which is practically identical. If they are wanting a phone that looks like the newest model then they’ll easily fool their classmates with the iPhone 13.
But if it’s the latest model they are after the iPhone 14 is the cheapest option and it brings features that the iPhone 13 lacks, including the Action Mode for video that we can see kids taking advantage of. You can switch Action Mode on to film while you run or walk and still have smooth video.
The iPhone 14 also offers a wider range of color options than the iPhone 13 and is therefore different. The new generation is available in red, blue, midnight, starlight, and purple. The iPhone 13 offered a similar selection, but also included greens and pink. Don’t get to caught up in the color choice though – you will definitely want to Use a sturdy iPhone caseIt.
Please read our entire article
iPhone 14 Review
Refurbish an iPhone
Our advice to you before buying any of the above-mentioned phones is to look at the second-hand or refurbished market. Buy a used or refurbished iPhoneIt can help you save a lot of money.
Your first port of call should be Apple’s own Refurbished store where Apple sells ex-display and returned iPhones that have been refurbished. There are many benefits to purchasing from Apple’s Refurbished Store. Apple’s Refurbished Store in the U.S.Or U.KYou can also enjoy a 1-year limited warranty on all products in our Refurbished Store.
But Apple’s not the only place that sells refurbished iPhones though; there are plenty of companies that make a living from refurbishing and selling iPhones.
musicMagpie
There is a growing market in older devices that can still be used to extend their lives. Companies like musicMagpie (UK), Decluttr (US), Amazon eBay are all now providing this service, along with one-year warranties and money-back guarantees if you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase. It is better for the environment to invest in older tech, because it prevents the iPhones being thrown into landfills, even though they can provide years of service to happy kids.
They come with guaranteed savings, protect the environment, and offer money-saving guarantees. What’s not to love?
Another advantage is that older devices can be picked up at a fraction of the cost. This will make it easy to get a great device for your children and not break the bank. Here’s a few models that can be picked up for great prices and would be more than good enough for a young user:
- iPhone SE (2020).: Essentially identical to the iPhone SE (2022), except that it has a older processor and no 5-G.
- iPhone 11: This is a great all-rounder, which introduces children to Face ID. This camera is a great choice because it has dual 12MP rear cameras and an A13 Bionic chip. It also features IP68 water resistance and attractive colours.
- iPhone XR: The iPhone 11’s design is identical, but the A12 Bionic processor has been upgraded and there is only one rear camera. It’s still a solid iPhone.
Don’t forget to give them your iPhone!
Another option is to give your iPhone away and buy a new one. If you’ve had yours for a while, then it may be out of its contract period, but if you bought it outright then all you need to do is get a new SIM card for your youngster, give them your handset, then head off to the Apple store to give yourself a present for being such a magnanimous parent. If you’re unsure what to treat yourself to, our iPhone bestThis roundup can be a useful guide.
Be sure to set it up correctly before you give your iPhone away. Take a look at Five things to consider before you give an iPad or iPhone to your child How to set up parental controls on iPad & iPhone.
